A Guide to Northwest Stadium
Located in Landover, Maryland, just miles east of Washington, D.C., Northwest Stadium serves as the vibrant home of the Washington Commanders. Originally opening in 1997 the venue continues to anchor the franchise's passionate fanbase and rich championship legacy. The Commanders are planning a new stadium at the former RFK site, making Northwest Stadium a transitional home, but it remains an iconic venue with a rich legacy of Commanders football.
Getting to the Stadium
The stadium sits in Prince George's County just east of the D.C. beltway. The location provides easy access from Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., but game-day traffic on I-495 (Capital Beltway) and nearby roads can be brutal.
Driving & Parking
- Driving
- From Northern VirginiaTake I-495 North / I-95 North to Exit 17B (MD-202/Landover Road) toward Bladensburg. Alternatively, you can use Exit 13 or Exit 16 depending on your assigned parking permit.
- From Montgomery County, Howard County, & Western MDTake I-495 South / I-95 South to Exit 22B (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). Exit onto MD-202 (Landover Road) and follow it toward the stadium grounds. You can also utilize Exit 16 (Medical Center Drive/Arena Drive).
- From Washington, D.CTake New York Avenue (which becomes US-50 East) into Maryland. Take Exit 3B for MD-202 East (Landover Road) toward Upper Marlboro. Alternatively, take East Capitol Street (which becomes Central Avenue) straight toward the stadium's southern gates.
- ParkingMost lots require pre-purchasing parking with the exception of the Gray lot on the outer edges of the complex to the northwest, which is cash only. The Redzone lot is the preferred location for tailgating. It opens an hour earlier than the standard lots (4 hours instead of 5) and offers wider parking spaces. Lot H-Burgundy is the only location tailgating is prohibited. For tailgaters needing to stock up, Giant Food has several locations in the area. Wegmans is another good option for groceries and tailgate supplies. For beverages, Woodmore Wine & Spirits , Liquor King, and Liquor City all offer extensive selections depending on the direction you're coming from.
Public Transit
- Metrorail (Blue & Silver Lines)Take the Blue Line or Silver Line to the Morgan Boulevard Metro Station. From the station, turn left onto Garrett Morgan Boulevard and follow the dedicated, pedestrian sidewalk one mile to the stadium.
- Commuter Rail (MARC Train)Fans traveling from Baltimore or further north can take the MARC Penn Line to the New Carrollton Station. From there, you must transfer to a rideshare or utilize local WMATA bus routes to bridge the final leg to the stadium grounds.
Rideshare
- The dedicated rideshare zone is in the Redzone Lot to the west of the stadium
Pregame Festivities
The immediate stadium area doesn't have a walkable pregame district like some NFL venues, but the surrounding Landover, Hyattsville, and Capitol Heights areas offer solid local bars and restaurants, many within a few minutes' drive.
Pregame Bars & Restaurants
- This family owned casual restaurant is a local favorite. They serve American comfort food, have a solid beer selection, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for pregame gatherings.
- This restaurant and bar offers a cozy atmosphere with comforting flavors. They serve American cuisine including pasta, chicken, and classic bar fare.
- This casual, family friendly local chain restaurant known for its rotisserie chicken.
- This upscale casual chain is known for their Crab Explosion, slow smoked baby back ribs, and creamy mac & cheese.
- This Peruvian restaurant is known for authentic rotisserie chicken. It's a unique pregame option for those wanting something different than typical American fare.
Monuments & Unique Features
- Ring of FameThe team's 51 Ring of Fame members are recognized along the upper deck facade encircling the stadium.
- Championship BannersBanners for the team's two pre merger Championships (1937 &1942) and three Super Bowl titles (XVII in '82, XXII in '87, and XXVI in '91) are displayed along side the Ring of Fame in the stadium bowl
- Sean Taylor MemorialLocated near section 132 on the west side of the stadium is a memorial to the late Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor featuring his jersey and iconic taped facemask.
- Concourse MuralsWall murals and display cases detailing iconic eras of the including the 1980s "Fun Bunch" wide receivers, historic gameday program covers, and archival photos tracking the team's journey from Boston to Griffith Stadium, RFK Stadium, and finally Landover are displayed throughout the concourses, particularly on the main 100 level
- Club Level DisplaysThroughout the concourse on the 300 Club Level are more premium murals and photos celebrating the team's Super Bowl Winning teams. This level is punctuated by the The Branson Lounge & Gallery. Located between Sections 306-308 it is a lounge space featuring rotating art exhibits featuring murals and paintings by local artists
Seating & Special Sections
- The Pepsi Fan DistrictLocated behind the West Endzone between Sections 109 and 113 this social area features a DJ, unique craft cocktails exclusive to this area and is the home of the team mascot Tuddy
- The Joe Gibbs Club LevelSpanning the entire 300 level, this tier features extra wide stadium seats with steeper inclines for optimal field wide sightlines. The seating bowl connects directly to an enclosed, climate-controlled concourse packed with premium furniture, specialized dining options, and multiple TVs
- Dream SeatsPositioned in the absolute lowest rows closest to the playing field, Dream Seats provide a premium experience where fans enjoy complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages served directly to their stadium seats. Ticket holders also receive private entrance privileges and full access to the climate-controlled spaces on the Club Level.
- Merrill Touchdown ClubThis elite club features premium, padded lower-level seating at midfield (specifically located in the top rows of Sections 101, 102, 141, and 142) as well as private Endzone Tables. Ticket holders also have access to a private stadium entrance and a dedicated pregame hospitality lounge that features free catering and a premium open bar (open from one hour before stadium gates until the end of the third quarter) alongside private club restrooms.
- Themed Custom SuitesThe stadium features three unique themed suites available for group bookings
- The Arcade SuiteFully loaded with an air hockey table, a gaming setup featuring an Xbox with Madden, and retro arcade cabinets like Pac-Man and NFL Blitz.
- The Legends SuiteDesigned as a love letter to franchise history, featuring a physical artificial turf floor, authentic player lockers, and historic team memorabilia.
- The Military SuiteFeatures custom artwork and immersive installations honoring all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Loge SuitesThese open air, private suite layouts host private groups and feature two rows of dedicated stadium seating paired with a field-facing counter and barstools. They are physically connected to the climate-controlled indoor suite corridors, giving guests seamless access to private interior bars and lounges.
- Legacy LoftsThese luxury spaces offer a wide array of customizable ticket options depending on group size. This includes Legacy Loft Private Suites (8 tickets), Theater Boxes (4 tickets), individual barstools overlooking the end zone, or expansive Balcony seating layouts that can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 42 guests.
- The 1932 ClubThis shared club space features premium all-inclusive food, beer, wine, and soft drinks with Private Suite (8-12 people) or Theater Box (2-6 people) seating options
Concessions
- Signature ItemsThe stadium features local Maryland and D.C. flavors, including crab cakes, seafood options, and regional specialties. The W-shaped pretzel (shaped like the Commanders' logo) and waffle fries are unique stadium creations.
- DC Half Smokes (Section 123)A quintessential Washington D.C. culinary staple. This stand serves authentic, locally inspired half-beef, half-pork smoked sausages split down the middle, grilled, and topped with hearty chili, diced onions, and mustard.
- DMV Crabrolls (Section 141)Bringing Maryland’s signature seafood legacy straight to the general seating concourse. This spot features premium crab meat tossed in traditional seasoning and served on toasted split-top rolls.
- EllaRay’s Café (Section 336)A popular family owned staple serving slow-smoked BBQ sliders and soul food comfort sides.
- Fireman's Café (Section 323)Famous for regional seafood rather highlighted by their golden-fried "Shrab" Cake (a unique shrimp and crab meat blend).
- Value ItemsThe stadium features 11 frictionless markets where fans can grab basic food and drink without waiting in line for a cashier. Hot dogs, pretzels, and nachos are available throughout.
- DrinksStandard domestic beer, wine, and specialty cocktails are served at all permanent bars. The stadium also features local Maryland and D.C. craft breweries such as Atlas Brew Works and Other Half Brewing. The bar at the Pepsi Fan District also features unique cocktails that can't be found in other areas of the stadium
Stadium Information
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium