Tag: fedex field

Commanders welcome Robert Griffin III back for Week 1 opener vs. Cardinals

Washington’s owners are making amends with everyone, from fans to former players.

Regardless of what you think of Robert Griffin III these days, most Washington fans could never forget the 2012 season. Over the 24 years of former owner Daniel Snyder’s ownership, that season created many special memories for fans

Griffin’s time in D.C. didn’t end well. After a magical rookie season, a major injury, and clashes with former head coach Mike Shanahan and others, Griffin departed after the 2015 season, having lost his job to Kirk Cousins.

After Washington, Griffin played one year in Cleveland, then sat out the following season before finishing his NFL career with three seasons in Baltimore as a backup to Lamar Jackson.

These days, Griffin is an analyst on ESPN. And a good one. He has often been outspoken about his time in Washington, always speaking of his love for the fans.

On Sunday, the Commanders host the Arizona Cardinals before a sold-out crowd at FedEx Field. Sunday’s crowd could be the most passionate Washington supporters at FedEx Field since the 2012 season.

Griffin will be there. On Friday, the Commanders released a “Welcome home” video on their social media channels of a classic car heading to FedEx Field. Griffin gets out of the car and is welcomed “home.” Griffin replies, “It’s good to be back.”

Check it out.

This is really well done. Perhaps the Commanders could also air a similar video for Pro Football Hall of Fame running back John Riggins, who is expected to attend Sunday’s game.

As for Griffin, while his career ended disappointingly for him and the organization, his 2012 season was fun for fans of all ages.

Sunday is shaping up to be a big day for the franchise.

Griffin responded to the message on Twitter.

Who knows, perhaps the team could make amends with Lavar Arrington next. Maybe Trent Williams and Kirk Cousins in the future?

WATCH: Country music superstar Morgan Wallen wears Sean Taylor jersey at concert

Yes, we know Sean Taylor didn’t play for the “Commanders,” but Wallen represented the Washington legend on stage.

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen is one of the more popular musicians in the country, playing in front of sold-out crowds on a nightly basis.

One week before the Washington Commanders open the 2023 NFL season at FedEx Field against the Arizona Cardinals, Wallen brought his “One Night at a Time” world tour to Washington’s home stadium.

Wallen, who has won numerous awards and enjoyed record-breaking success atop the Billboard, often performs in a jersey representing the home team. For his concert at FedEx Field, that meant wearing a Commanders’ jersey.

His choice? The legendary No. 21, worn by the late, great Sean Taylor.

OK, we know, Taylor never played for the Commanders. Taylor’s career spanned from 2004-07 when he played for the then-Redskins. In 2021, Washington retired Taylor’s No. 21. Last year, the franchise unveiled a Taylor memorial outside of FedEx Field, which drew criticism.

It sounds like a good time was had by all.

 

Commanders announce a sellout for Week 1 against the Cardinals

FedEx Field will be packed with Washington fans for Week 1.

The Josh Harris era is off to a terrific start. As the Washington Commanders are off a few days to prepare for their Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals, the team revealed some good news on Twitter.

That’s right, Washington’s first home game of the Harris era is officially sold out. The team indicated the game was trending toward a sellout for weeks. After Harris was announced as the new owner, the Commanders saw an increase in season ticket and suite sales.

In an interview on “BMitch and Finlay” earlier this week, team president Jason Wright discussed the home opener. Wright said the game was heading toward a sellout, and the fans in attendance would be mostly Washington fans. Wright’s reasoning: He played for the Cardinals, and their fans do not travel.

When FedEx would sell out in recent years, it was because Dallas or Philadelphia fans took over and bought tickets, making it embarrassing for the home team.

Since the sale, players have shared their excitement after seeing fans pack Ashburn for training camp this summer.

On Thursday, the Commanders announced $40 million in upgrades to FedEx Field and a Week 1 sellout on Friday.

It’s indeed a new era for the Washington Commanders.

Where are the Commanders valued in Forbes annual team rankings?

How did the sale impact Washington’s team value? What about others?

The Washington Commanders have a new owner. A group led by Josh Harris purchased the Commanders in July for a record $6.05 billion. This week, Forbes released its annual NFL team values.

As usual, the Dallas Cowboys came in at No. 1. But where did the Commanders rank after a record-breaking sale price?

Washington came in at No. 8, with a value of $6.05 billion. The Commanders fall two spots, with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets passing them in 2023.

Considering Washington’s issues under Daniel Snyder, a terrible home stadium, lagging ticket sales, etc. and a fractured fan base, continuing to be ranked inside the top 10 over the years was impressive. It’s one of the reasons why the Commanders were considered a sleeping giant.

Harris and his partners knew they were entering the perfect situation. Anyone replacing Snyder would be treated as a hero. That’s been true, and Harris has helped himself by interacting with fans on multiple occasions, including buying them beer.

Business has already picked up since Harris took over in late July. Washington has announced three new corporate sponsorships that include Verizon and Anheuser-Busch. Additionally, season ticket and suite sales are on the rise.

Harris and team president Jason Wright have said the Week 1 home opener against the Arizona Cardinals is trending toward a sellout, as the Commanders just released some standing-room-only tickets this week.

The Cowboys’ value increased from $8 billion in 2022 to $9 billion in 2023. A big reason for the increase was the Commanders’ sale.

From Forbes:

The average NFL team is now worth a record $5.1 billion, 14% more than last year, powered by more television money and the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders—at 11 times revenue—to a group led by billionaire Josh Harris in July.

Imagine Washington’s eventual value when the franchise finally lands a new stadium.

Commanders announce $40 million in improvements to FedEx Field

Josh Harris already making a significant investment in the franchise.

The Washington Commanders are looking to build a new stadium. Whether it’s in Virginia, returning to Washington, D.C., or staying in Maryland, the Commanders have options with Daniel Snyder no longer owning the team.

But a new stadium isn’t close; therefore, the Commanders will be in FedEx Field for at least the next few seasons. So Washington is making a significant investment in its current digs.

On Thursday, the Commanders announced a $40 million investment in FedEx Field that will fund significant upgrades to the stadium and the overall fan experience.

Additionally, the upgrades will include three new themed suites, new ticket scanning pedestals, point-of-sale upgrades and other maintenance repairs around the stadium.

We have the best fans in football – and they deserve the best gameday experience. These upgrades to FedExField represent an immediate and tangible step to improve that experience, something our ownership group considers a top priority,” said Trista Langdon, Senior Vice President of Operations and Guest Experience. “Not only are we taking care of our fans, we’re also taking care of our house. Fans will continue to see improvements throughout the season as we continue to invest and make changes to everything from basic infrastructure to a re-imagined pregame ritual. We are excited for fans to come home and see all the changes on September 10.

Washington will also welcome 12 new food vendors in 2023.

New owner Josh Harris has stated multiple times his immediate priorities were improvements to FedEx Field, the fan experience and the 2023 season.

Harris and his partners are off to a great start.

Commanders’ fans did the wave at FedEx Field: Ron Rivera noticed

Rivera is enjoying the positive energy surrounding the team from fans.

You can’t escape the new energy surrounding the Washington Commanders since Josh Harris officially purchased the team last month. Players, coaches and alumni have noticed the difference, which was never more evident at the open practices for training camp this summer.

But, the Commanders will still play their games at FedEx Field. Often viewed as the worst NFL stadium and it’s not close, but apparently that energy has crept into Washington’s home stadium.

Late in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, fans at FedEx Field were doing the wave.

This was one fan’s reaction.

Washington head coach Ron Rivera noticed and he enjoyed it.

“S–t, they did the wave,” Rivera said. “I haven’t seen the wave here….in….you know, this is the first time, so it was really cool. It really was, again, there is some energy, some excitement and hopefully we can feed off that, build off that and it can help us.”

Rivera was then asked if he “pro-wave.”

“Oh yeah, shoot, that was awesome.”

Rivera is excited for Week 1 and the new, positive energy surrounding the franchise.

Commanders minority owner Magic Johnson reacts to preseason win

Magic knows its the preseason, but acknowledged it was fun for the fans.

The NFL preseason means nothing in the grand scheme of things. We’ve all heard it before and understand the most significant aspect of the preseason is escaping it healthy.

On Monday night from FedEx Field, the Baltimore Ravens, winners of 24 consecutive preseason games, traveled to Landover to face the Washington Commanders. The two teams got together for two days of joint practices last week, and tensions were high at times.

In one of the more entertaining preseason games in recent memory, the Commanders ended the Ravens’ streak when kicker Joey Slye made a 49-yard field with 10 seconds remaining.

The fans who remained at FedEx Field were excited, losing themselves in the moment. After all, the newly-energized Washington fan base hasn’t had a lot to cheer for over the years.

New Washington owner Josh Harris was happy, too. After all, it was his first home game as the owner of the team he grew up rooting for. One of his minority partners, Magic Johnson, watched the game and reacted on Twitter afterward.

Johnson is right. Yes, it’s the preseason, and it means very little. But, for a fan base that has struggled for something positive over the years, seeing them excited was a good thing.

Now, Harris, Johnson and the rest of Washington’s ownership hope that excitement carries over into the regular season, where the Commanders have struggled to fill FedEx Field with Washington fans in recent years.

Commanders renew relationship with Bud Light

Bud Light becomes the exclusive beer partner of the Commanders.

One day after the Washington Commanders announced a partnership with Verizon, the NFL franchise renewed its previous relationship with Bud Light, making them the exclusive beer provider of the Commanders.

Washington president Jason Wright released the following statement:

We are thrilled to partner with Anheuser-Busch again to create a new and improved experience for Commanders fans. Bringing Anheuser-Busch back to FedExField as a partner not only reflects their confidence in our organization, but also their commitment to our fans, who are the most loyal in NFL. More importantly, we are pleased to have a partner who shares our commitment to giving back and to supporting our military, as we continue to expand engagement programs locally for first responders and families of fallen soldiers.

Matt Davis, VP of Partnerships at Anheuser-Busch, also released a statement regarding the partnership.

We are excited to have the Commanders back on our NFL roster. This partnership continues to further our commitment to football and its local fanbases across the country. As the Official Beer Sponsor of the NFL, we want to show up in moments that matter for football fans all year long. Our history with the Washington franchise runs deep, and these fans are some of the most loyal and passionate fans in the nation. We’re excited to bring more easy enjoyment to fans throughout the year.

Bud Light previously ended its relationship with Washington in March 2022 after the NFL had hired former Securities and Exchange Commission chair Mary Jo White to investigate harassment allegations against former owner Daniel Snyder.

The Commanders were sold from Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris last month.

Commanders sold the fewest tickets in the NFL in 2022

But business is looking up.

The fall of the Washington Commanders under former owner Daniel Snyder has been well documented. Snyder inherited a top-five NFL franchise in 1999 with a waiting list for season tickets.

In recent years, Washington, which once led the league in attendance, was dead last. Snyder had run off a large portion of what was once one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports.

Fortunately for Washington fans, Snyder is gone. The NFL approved Snyder’s sale of the Commanders to a group led by Josh Harris for $6.05 billion last month.

With Snyder gone, fans are coming back in droves. Last Saturday, an estimated 10,000 fans showed up in Ashburn for a training camp practice, reminiscent of the old days. And Washington’s Week 1 game against Arizona is trending toward selling out.

Therefore, business is looking up for the Commanders.

According to Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico, Washington was last in the NFL in tickets sold in 2022, generating $64 million in net revenue, which ranked 28th in the NFL. Yet, Harris’ group paid a record price for a pro sports franchise. That not only shows the value of an NFL franchise but also Washington’s potential.

In previous years, home games at FedEx Field often saw more opposing fans than Washington fans. The Commanders certainly hope that trend changes under Harris.

 

Washington D.C. mayor working to bring the Commanders back home

Competition is heating up for the new Commanders stadium. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser makes her case on why the franchise should return “home” to the District.

The race for the next stadium of the Washington Commanders is heating up. One week after the team was officially sold from Daniel Snyder to Josh Harris, three different localities are lining up for the chance to do business with the Commanders and build a new stadium.

It’s long been believed that returning to Washington, D.C. is what the Commanders prefer. However, the District was never going into business with Snyder. Maryland wanted to keep the Commanders in Prince George’s County but wasn’t going overboard to help Snyder.

Finally, Virginia looked like the most promising opportunity for a new stadium until that support waned under multiple investigations into Snyder.

With Harris and his ownership group, the Commanders are open for business.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said he spoke with Harris on the night the sale was confirmed, per NBC 4 Washington.

On Thursday, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin visited Commanders training camp in Ashburn and said Virginia was the best place for a new NFL stadium. Youngkin spoke extensively with Harris and two of his minority partners, Mark Ein and Mitchell Rales.

Meanwhile, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was hard at work, doing her best to bring the Commanders back to the District. On Thursday, Bowser held a #SportsCapital Rally with the purpose of retaining and attracting sports teams to D.C.

Also, this week, Rep. James Comer [R-Ky.] introduced bipartisan legislation that would turn the RFK site into a mixed-use development, paving the way for a new home for the Commanders.

“This legislation is set to pave the way for local officials to create meaningful new jobs, add millions in city revenue, and transform the Anacostia River waterfront into a lively destination for all,” Comer told The Washington Post.

Bowser made it clear where she believed the Commanders should build their new stadium.

“There’s really only one place for the team in this region,” she said at the rally. “I mean, I know, I’ve been a little coy, but……. there’s only one choice.”

On Friday, Bowser was a guest on the “Sports Junkies” on 106.7 The Fan and continued to make her pitch.

“This is how we start – we want our team, but we also know we have a great site, and believe we have the best site, best served by transportation and public transportation,” Mayor Bowser told the Junkies per Lou DiPietro. “And, the allure of history is something that counts.”

Bowser said shortly after Harris took over as the owner, he placed a call to Bowser. Then, on Thursday, he, along with Ein, visited City Hall and spoke to Bowser. She noted that while she didn’t know Harris before, she does know Ein well. Bowser noted it was a good visit.

While we may still not be close to determining where the Commanders will build their new stadium, for the first time in years, business has picked up. And Washington’s owners are already working behind the scenes with local leaders to land the best situation for the franchise.