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RFK Memorial Stadium
Home of the Washington Nationals
RFK Stadium, originally known as D.C. Stadium, was built in 1961 and has been host to a wide range of sports. With a seating capacity of over 56,000, it is equally accommodating to a large number of spectators. From soccer and football to baseball and music, it all happens here. RFK Stadium has a state of the art electronic display scoreboard, the Hall of Stars honoring local area sports stars and 35 fast food stands sporadically placed throughout the stadium.
RFK Stadium, which stands for Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, has renamed in honor of the late Senator in 1969. RFK Stadium has hosted both collegiate and professional sports competitions. In addition, Michael Jackson, Elton John and The Eagles have all appeared on stage in front of thousands of adoring fans.
Built in 1961 under the architectural guidance of George A. Dahl and Osborn Engineering, RFK Stadium was constructed with a budget of $24 million. In 2004, the Montreal Expos moved to Washington and were renamed the Washington Nationals. Finally, after 34 years, RFK Stadium was once again home to a MLB team. The last baseball team to call Washington home was in 1971. In an effort to confirm the deal, RFK Stadium underwent an $18.5 million renovation project. New dugouts and improvements to the press box, scoreboard, clubhouses and seats were among the changes.
Among the memorable moments at RFK Stadium was when President George W. Bush, who is the first president since Richard Nixon to throw a ceremonial first pitch of the inaugural regular season game of the year, tossed the opening pitch on April 14, 2005. Because of it's location, in Washington, D.C., many presidents opened each season by throwing the first pitch at RFK Stadium.
Competitions to remember include the 1965 Redskins vs. Giants game, in which the Redskins came back to defeat the Giants in the greatest comeback win in Redskins history. After trailing 21-0, the Redskins pulled off a win with a 34-31 victory. Another Redskins and Giants game, in 1966, provided the combination points that were the largest in NFL history. In 1985, Joe Theismann breaks his leg during a Giants vs. Redskins game which, ultimately, ended his career in front of RFK Stadium spectators.
In 2004, an agreement was reached that the Nationals would compete for three seasons at RFK Stadium while a new venue is constructed. The new stadium, which is planned for future construction, will host the Washington Nationals. Until such time, RFK Stadium is home to the Nationals and also will remain home to MLS team, D.C. United.
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