Washington, D.C.’s RFK Stadium, known particularly as the former home of the Washington Redskins, will be razed to the ground by 2021, according to multiple news outlets.
The move aims to save money and to rule out the possibility for the Washington Redskins to build a new stadium in the same area, The Washington Post reported attributing to D.C. officials.
Despite the little use of the stadium, it reportedly requires too much spending to maintain, which is more than $3 million a year. The District is planning to replace the place with a recreational space.
Redskins fans and D.C. residents shared emotional messages over Twitter about their memories at the iconic stadium, while some others agreed that it was time for the city to get rid of the dilapidated structure.
RFK Stadium to be torn down by 2021. I know it makes sense but I'm going to miss it. Saw many Redskins games, 7 Grateful Dead concerts, U2, the Rolling Stones and the Nats there. Would love to see one more concert before they tear the old building down. pic.twitter.com/I2ikwcNsjz
— Brian Parsons (@bpar73) September 5, 2019
I have a lot of fond memories of RFK Stadium. RIP RFK Stadium you have an important spot in DC sports history
— Captain Portland (@themattroos69) September 6, 2019
RIP to RFK. I drive past every time I head out of the city to FedEx Field for a Skins game and it is in every way a depressing sight. Dilapidated. Rusted. Falling apart. It's time. https://t.co/CvIMH4ah0A
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) September 5, 2019
If they’d just decided to wait until 2022, it probably would have collapsed on its own by then.
— Mark Ryan (@Mark_J_Ryan) September 5, 2019
Gregory A. O’Dell, the president and CEO of Events D.C. which runs the stadium, released a statement on September 5, saying:
“Consistent with Short-term redevelopment plans, Events D.C. announced today the issuance of an RFP for demolition of RFK Stadium. The facility is 58-years old and has exceeded its useful life. We are spending over $3M a year to maintain the facility; however, we have very little event activity or programming.”
“Decommissioning and demolishing a project of this scale requires significant planning, labor and due diligence, which is expected to take months. That’s why it is imperative for us to identify a qualified contractor who will assist us in the planning and regulatory process, including impact to the surrounding neighborhoods and any environmental impact.”
“We will continue to work with our partners, inclusive of the National Park Service and other various agencies as part of this process. We will continue to operate the facility while simultaneously planning the demolition activities. We look forward to sharing updates and soliciting community input at upcoming meetings.”