RFK Stadium

Guide Note:

RFK Stadium is an arena in Washington, D.C. which has been the home to teams from a variety of different sports, including the Washington Nationals, Washington Redskins, the D.C. United, and the Washington Senators.

Fast Facts:

1. Opened: October 1, 1961
2. Location: Washington, D.C.
3. Surface: Grass
4. Capacity: About 60,000
5. Construction cost: Over $20 million
6. Hosted the 2007 MLS Cup

When RFK Stadium opened in 1961, it was named the District of Columbia Stadium, and hosted the Washington Redskins in the first games played at the arean. In 1962 the new Washington Senators began playing at the stadium, and did so until their departure to Texas and their transformation into the Texas Rangers in 1972. In 1962, the stadium played host to the MLB All-Star Game.

In 1969, the arena was renamed Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, after the Democratic Presidential candidate was assassinated the previous year. That same year, the stadium hosted the All-Star Game for the second and last time. After the Senators departed in 1972, the stadium, in addition to serving as the home for the Redskins, hosted a succession of soccer teams, including the Washington Whips, the Washington Darts, the Washington Diplomats, and Team America. The stadium also served as the short-lived home of the Washington Federals of the now-defunct United States Football League between 1983 and 1984.

In 1996, the Redskins played their last game at the aging arena, and that same year, the D.C. United of the newly formed Major League Soccer organization began playing there. Most recently, the park has been home to the Washington Nationals after their move from Montreal. In 2008, the Nationals received a new ballpark made specifically for baseball, Nationals Park. While there have been repeated discussions concerning tearing down RFK Stadium in the past, the stadium continues to serve as the home for D.C. United and assorted international soccer contests, including the 2007 MLS Cup.