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Northwest Stadium
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 & 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 & 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
Specialty Food
- BBQ Country(Sections 105, 126) Brisket anchors this barbecue stand, with chopped brisket sandwiches served with kettle chips and loaded brisket nachos.
- Walking Taco(Section 108) Portable tacos built with your choice of Doritos or Tostitos. Choose mambo chicken or chili cheese toppings.
- Capitol Counter(Section 112) A stop for hearty smoked meat options, including BBQ stromboli and smoked turkey legs.
- Pardon My Cheesesteak(Section 120) Cheesesteak sandwiches and loaded nachos headline the menu. Options include the Classic Cheesesteak with chipotle sauce, cheddar sauce, and griddled onions, plus a Buffalo Cheesesteak.
- Ben’s Chili Bowl(Sections 123, 415, 441) Ben’s serves its signature Original Half Smoke All the Way, beef hot dogs, and chili bowls. Section 123 also offers chili cheese fries and beef or veggie walking tacos.
- Gridiron Bowl(Sections 125, 423) Create your own bowl at these customizable meal stands. Section 423 also offers hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and Bavarian pretzels.
- Pupusa Maria(Section 134) Pupusas share the menu with cheese and steak quesadillas.
- DMV Crab Cage(Section 137) Chesapeake flavors appear in crab grilled cheese and Encore Chesapeake Old Bay sausage.
- Mac Shack(Sections 138, 402, 432) Comfort food built around macaroni and cheese, with traditional, BBQ brisket, and mambo chicken versions.
- DMV Crabrolls(Section 141) Seafood specialties include jumbo lump crab rolls and loaded Old Bay crab fries topped with Cajun cream sauce, seafood aioli, and a grilled mumbo shrimp skewer. Jerk chicken quesadillas and chicken tenders with fries round out the menu.
- Marvins Bar & Grill(Section 302, Club Level) Southern sandwich options include the Bama BBQ Sandwich, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, and Carolina Classic Chicken Sandwich. Add Commanders fries or a Bavarian pretzel.
- Branson Lounge(Section 307, Club Level) Smoked turkey legs and house smoked chicken sandwiches are the main attractions. Popcorn, Bavarian pretzels, and nachos are also available.
- Wolfgang Puck(Section 323, Club Level) Chef Wolfgang Puck’s concession stand on the Club Level.
- Whitlows(Section 341, Club Level) The District sandwich features a gourmet half smoke topped with chili, coleslaw, diced onion, and mustard in a New England roll. Plain half smokes, gourmet hot dogs, and pretzels are also available.
- Capo Deli(Section 405) A deli sandwich stop offering Italian, turkey, meatball Parmesan, and vegetarian Caprese options. A chicken Caesar wrap and chips are also available.
- Roaming Rooster(Section 411) Fried chicken specialties include the Original and Honey Butter fried chicken sandwiches. Chicken tenders, fried chicken with coleslaw, and fries provide additional options.
- DC Que(Sections 429, 453) Barbecue options include sandwiches made with brisket smoked for 17 hours and loaded brisket nachos. Italian sausage with peppers and onions is also available.
- Peruvian Brothers Chicken(Section 450) Peruvian roasted chicken, chicharrón, and chorizo sandwiches share the menu with beef, chicken, spinach and cheese, and vegetarian Beyond Meat empanadas. Finish with alfajor cookies.
Stadium Classics
- Fan Fare(Sections 102, 417, 426) Stadium staples include nachos, popcorn, and Bavarian pretzels, with main dishes varying by location. Section 102 offers hot dogs and Italian sausage, Section 417 serves Buffalo, BBQ, and Raise Hail wings, and Section 426 features half smoke sausage with peppers and onions.
- Beltway Bites Smashburger(Sections 107, 129) Market stands serving signature smashburgers with kettle chips, Honey Stung chicken tenders with waffle fries, and hot dogs. Section 107 also offers the Hail Mary shaved ribeye sandwich, while Section 129 has Raise Hail wings with mambo sauce.
- Encore Sausage Cart(Section 107) Sausage options include Italian sausage with peppers and onions and Chesapeake sausage.
- Championship Chicken(Section 115) Chicken tenders breaded by hand and served with fries anchor this stand. Other options include beef hot dogs, Bavarian pretzels, and popcorn.
- Tostitos(Sections 117, 420, 451) Nacho options range from loaded brisket and traditional nachos at Section 117 to build your own nachos at the carts in Sections 420 and 451. Section 117 also serves jumbo beef hot dogs, popcorn, and Bavarian pretzels.
- Washington Legends Hot Dogs(Section 131) Choose a Vienna beef hot dog or the Featured Legends Dog. The Featured Legends Dog Combo pairs the specialty dog with a 12 oz Pepsi.
- Beltway Bites Pizza(Section 136) Personal pizzas, including pepperoni, share the menu with burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and Commanders “W” pretzels.
- Gold Member Grab & Go(Club Level 304, 317, 326, 338) Quick concession stops for Gold Members. Section 326 offers beef hot dogs, loaded nacho bento boxes, pretzels, popcorn, and cookies.
- Gold Member Grab & Go: Legendary Eats(Club Level 305) A rotating Item of the Game provides a featured food option. Snacks include popcorn, Bavarian pretzels, cookies, and chips.
- Gold Member Lounge(Club Level 314, 329, 335) A broad menu includes grilled cheeseburgers, Honey Stung chicken tenders, beef hot dogs, Italian sausage, waffle fries, and salads. Section 314 adds pizza slices, while Sections 329 and 335 offer a rotating Item of the Game.
- Fuzzies Burgers(Club Level 319) The Fuzzy Burger pairs two patties with cheese, dill pickles, and Static Sauce. Other options include simpler cheeseburgers and Pickleback Fries seasoned with vinegar, garlic, and dill.
- Smashburger(Club Level 340, 435) Signature single and double smashburgers come with fries. Chicken tenders, jumbo beef hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels provide other familiar choices.
- Stuggy’s(Section 420) Specialty hot dogs include the Bacon Wrapped Cheese Dog and Crab Mac & Cheese Dog. A jumbo crab pretzel, plain hot dog, and Fisher’s caramel popcorn provide additional choices.
- Paisano’s Pizza(Section 445) Personal pizzas headline this stand, alongside beef hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and Bavarian pretzels.
- Swizzler(Section 447) Choose a Signature Cheeseburger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Crispy Chicken Sandwich, each served with fries. Swizzler Fries are also available separately.
Dessert
- Pattie Lou’s Donuts(Section 104) Warm glazed donuts served in small or large bags.
- Dippin’ Dots(Sections 111, 431) The “Ice Cream of the Future” remains a stadium staple, serving its signature frozen beads.
- Bruster’s(Sections 135, 400) Cool off with a scoop of ice cream or an ice cream cookie sandwich.
- Mac Shack(Sections 138, 402, 432) Snickers ice cream provides a sweet option alongside the savory menu.
- Rita’s Ice(Sections 139, 317; Section 317 is on Club Level) Frozen treats include Italian ice, gelati, custard cups, and custard cookie sandwiches, with additional toppings available.
- Totally Nutz(Section 140) Nut snacks available in small, medium, and large portions.
- Peach Cobbler Factory(Club Level 317) An extensive dessert menu includes peach and other hot cobblers, banana pudding, brownies, giant cookies, cinnamon rolls, and cheesecake cups. Ice cream, milkshakes, and boozy shakes are also available.
- Stuggy’s(Section 420) Fisher’s caramel popcorn offers a sweet snack alongside the specialty hot dogs and crab pretzel.
- Peruvian Brothers Chicken(Section 450) Alfajor cookies offer a sweet finish after empanadas or Peruvian sandwiches.
Craft Beer
- Amazon Market(Sections 105, 116, 126, 137) Regional options include DC Brau The Public, Port City Optimal Wit, Solace Partly Cloudy IPA, and Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager and 8-Point IPA. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing and Bold Rock Imperial Cider provide additional choices.
- Beltway Bites Smashburger(Sections 107, 129) A broad beer selection includes DC Brau The Public, Port City Optimal Wit, Solace Partly Cloudy IPA, and Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager and 8-Point IPA. Goose Island IPA and Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing are also available.
- West & East End Zone Bars(Sections 111, 131) Both end zone bars carry Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager and Goose Island IPA, alongside other beer and beverage options.
- Mashgin Market(Sections 114, 118, 124, 130) Beer options include Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager and 8-Point IPA, Goose Island IPA, and Golden Road Mango Cart.
- Beltway Bites Pizza(Section 136) Pair pizza with DC Brau The Public, Port City Optimal Wit, Solace Partly Cloudy IPA, or Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager and 8-Point IPA. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing is also available.
- Fifty Yardline, Horse Shoe & EA Sports Bars(Sections 302, 311, 322, 333, Club Level) Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager and Goose Island IPA are available at the Club Level bars Fifty Yardline Bar (Sections 302 and 322), Horse Shoe Bar (Section 311), and EA Sports Bar (Section 333).
- Pass N Go(Club Level 338, 408, 438) Beer options include Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager and 8-Point IPA, Golden Road Mango Cart, Goose Island IPA, and Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing.
Cocktails & Liquor
- Commanders Cocktails(Sections 103, 126, Club Level 328, 444) Full bars offering mixed drinks, beer, and canned cocktails, with selections varying by location. Canned NÜTRL Seltzer and Cutwater Margarita cans are also featured here.
- Amazon Market(Sections 105, 116, 126, 137) Canned options include Cutwater lime, mango, and strawberry margaritas, Devil’s Backbone Orange and Grapefruit Smash vodka cocktails, High Noon Peach, and Skimmers vodka iced tea.
- Beltway Bites Smashburger(Sections 107, 129) Canned drinks include Cutwater margaritas, Devil’s Backbone Orange and Grapefruit Smash vodka cocktails, High Noon Peach, and NÜTRL vodka seltzers.
- West & East End Zone Bars(Sections 111, 131) Full bars serving mixed drinks, beer, and canned cocktails. Highlights include High Noon Peach, NÜTRL Pineapple, Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager, and Goose Island IPA.
- Mashgin Market(Sections 114, 118, 124, 130) Choose Cutwater margaritas, Devil’s Backbone Orange Smash vodka cocktails, High Noon Peach, NÜTRL vodka seltzers, or Skimmers vodka iced tea.
- Craft Cocktails / Crafts & Cocktails(Sections 115, 137) Full bars offering mixed drinks, beer, and canned cocktails.
- Casamigos Bar(Section 121) A full bar highlighting Casamigos tequila and mixed drinks. Beer and NÜTRL Pineapple and Watermelon vodka seltzers are also available.
- Draft Cocktails / Cutwater(Sections 123, 136, 334; Section 334 is on Club Level) Cutwater destinations offering lime and mango margaritas, with strawberry also available at Sections 123 and 136. Section 123 adds NÜTRL vodka seltzers and Bud Light Black Cherry Seltzer.
- NÜTRL Cart(Section 126) A canned drink stop featuring NÜTRL Pineapple, Strawberry, and Watermelon vodka seltzers. Cutwater lime and strawberry margaritas are also available.
- Craft Standard(Section 134) A specialty draft cocktail stop with beer and canned drink options. Additional choices include NÜTRL Strawberry and Watermelon and Cutwater lime and strawberry margaritas.
- Jet Lemonade(Section 136) Choose Jet Spiked Lemonade or regular Jet Lemonade, with popcorn also available.
- Aspen Bar Cocktails(Section 142) A full bar highlighting Aspen Vodka and mixed drinks. Canned options include NÜTRL Strawberry and Cutwater Lime Margarita, alongside beer.
- Club Level Bars(Sections 302, 305, 306, 310, 311, 314, 316, 317, 322, 326, 327, 331, 333, 337, 339, 340) Full bars offer mixed drinks, wine, beer, and canned cocktails, with selections varying by location. These bars are branded as Fifty Yardline Bar, Pillar Bars, Blitz & Bubbles, Horse Shoe Bar, Levy Bar, EA Sports Bar, and Stella Bar.
- Branson Lounge & Gallery(Club Level 306, 307, 308) A spacious lounge with a 130 foot full bar and specialty cocktails featuring Branson Cognac. Bar and table service are available to eligible premium ticket holders.
- Peach Cobbler Factory(Club Level 317) Boozy shakes offer a dessert drink option alongside regular milkshakes.
- Pass N Go(Club Level 338, 408, 438) A broad canned cocktail selection includes Cutwater margaritas, Devil’s Backbone Orange and Grapefruit Smash vodka cocktails, High Noon Peach, NÜTRL vodka seltzers, and Skimmers vodka iced tea.
- Roll Up Bar(Sections 408, 421, 435, 448) Full bars on the upper concourse serving mixed drinks, beer, and canned cocktails. Canned options include NÜTRL Strawberry and Cutwater Lime Margarita.
Wine
- Club Level Bars(300 Level) Wine is available through the Club Level bar program alongside beer and liquor. Selections vary by bar, and Club Level access is required.
- 1932 Club(Premium suite area) Wine is included with the club’s food, beer, and soft drink offerings. Access is reserved for 1932 Club guests.
- Private Suite Catering(Suite Levels) Suite guests can order wine through the stadium’s catering service, alongside beer, liquor, and food.
Bag Policy
Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm. This includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags that fit within the permissible dimensions. No buckles, grommets/hardware or décor can be concealing any part of the bag.
Upcoming Games
7Stadium Information
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium