I’ve been following the Washington Commanders’ new stadium announcement with excitement – and some reflection. Because I had a front‑row seat the last time this franchise built a stadium.
When FedEx Field opened in Landover 20+ years ago, I joined the organization to run Community Affairs for the then-Washington Redskins. My first assignment was to meet with local elected officials and community organizations and understand how they felt about the stadium.
One word summed up their reaction: Angry.
Not because they didn’t love or support the team – but because they felt excluded from the process and uncertain about what the new stadium meant for their communities.
Those early conversations proved invaluable. They directly shaped the creation of a Community Affairs initiative built around tangible, lasting impact for the communities surrounding the stadium. From renovating local high school football fields to launching a summer reading program in neighborhood libraries to the creation of the Harvest Feast Thanksgiving turkey giveaway – which is still running and in its 24th year – the now-Washington Commanders are a meaningful part of the DMV community.
Looking back, it’s clear that all this work can be traced back to one critical step: listening to the community.
That’s why it’s encouraging to see the current Commanders’ ownership put community engagement at the center of their RFK plans. As President Mark Clouse recently put it, they want to build “a place the community can be proud of“ and are actively seeking feedback as the design evolves.
Stadiums don’t just reshape skylines, they reshape neighborhoods. When communities are engaged early and meaningfully, the impact can extend far beyond game day.
VOX Global’s Sports Public Affairs and Issues Management team partners with professional sports teams, university athletics, and ownership groups to develop impactful communications and advocacy campaigns – from stadium development and community engagement efforts to reputation and crisis management. When listening is treated as a foundation rather than an afterthought, the results are stronger – and lasting.
Alex Hahn is the Managing Director at VOX Global and previously led Community Affairs for the Washington Commanders.
