Northwest Stadium / FedExField Parking (2026): Commanders Lot Prices, Metro & Beltway Exit Strategy

Last verified: April 2026. Stadium renamed from FedExField to Northwest Stadium in 2024.

Northwest Stadium Parking Options at a Glance

Morgan Blvd Metro Is the Sharpest Non-Car Move

The Blue and Silver lines stop at Morgan Blvd, about a 15-minute walk from the stadium along signed pedestrian routes. For DC-area fans, this is often faster and cheaper than driving:

• From DC (downtown, Dupont, Foggy Bottom): Blue or Silver line direct to Morgan Blvd. ~25-30 minutes.
• From Virginia (Crystal City, Rosslyn, Arlington): Blue line direct, 30-40 minutes.
• From Maryland (Silver Spring, Bethesda): Transfer at Metro Center, then Blue/Silver east.
• Fare: ~$5-10 round trip depending on origin.
• Post-game service: Metro runs until approximately midnight on Sunday nights (check for weekday/weekend differences).

The walk from Morgan Blvd: 15 minutes along Central Ave and onto pedestrian access routes. Well-marked on game days. Not comfortable in rain or snow — the walk is outdoors the entire way.

Largo Town Center station is an alternative but the walk is closer to 25 minutes and the route is less scenic.

Tailgating at Northwest Stadium

Commanders tailgating is a tradition. The rules:

• Lots open 4 hours before kickoff. For 1 PM games that's 9 AM.
• Grills are permitted — propane and charcoal. Extinguish before kickoff.
• Canopies up to 10x10 allowed in most general lots.
• Glass is prohibited.
• Generators over certain size are restricted — check the Commanders' current tailgating policy.
• Clean up before kickoff. Commanders parking staff enforce.

Best tailgating lots: Green Lot sections closer to the Beltway side (Lot F area) have more space and tailgate traffic. Gold Lot is tighter spacing — fine for casual tailgating but not the big productions.

The Beltway Exit Problem — And What Actually Works

I-95/495 (Capital Beltway) adjacent to Northwest Stadium is a disaster post-game. Sellout Commanders games add 45-60 minutes to Beltway traffic. The lots empty onto entry/exit ramps that jam quickly. What works:

• Sheriff Road east exit. Instead of the Beltway, take Sheriff Rd east to surface streets. Slower overall but moves consistently instead of being stopped.
• Central Ave (MD-214) east. Connects to Route 301 for fans heading toward southern Maryland or Annapolis.
• Stay and tailgate post-game. Most Commanders fans do. 45 minutes of tailgating > 45 minutes on the Beltway.
• Leave during the 4th quarter if the game is decided. Beats the mass exodus by 20+ minutes.
• Morgan Blvd Metro: If you arrived by Metro, the walk to the station post-game is actually faster than escaping the parking lots on foot to rideshare.

Operational Details That Save Time

All parking is prepaid via Ticketmaster. No drive-up sales. This is unusual for NFL and catches occasional-fans off guard.

Mobile parking passes are standard via the Commanders app or Ticketmaster. Print backup recommended.

No re-entry. Once you exit a lot, your parking pass is void. Plan for the full day.

Accessibility parking in dedicated sections with ADA placard.

Rideshare drop-off is on Sheriff Road on the east side of the stadium — pre-game drop-offs are fast. Post-game pickup is slow (45+ minutes) — walk 10-15 minutes from the stadium before requesting.

Peak Games When Northwest Stadium Parking Sells Out

• Cowboys, Eagles, Giants: NFC East rivalry games sell parking out weeks in advance.
• Home openers and Monday night games: Parking sells out 2-4 weeks ahead.
• Playoff games (if hosting): Parking tied to ticket sales; sells out hours after announcement.
• Thanksgiving / late-season prime-time games: Weather plus demand = early sellout.

Is Driving to Northwest Stadium Wrong for Your Trip?

Skip driving if:

• You're staying in DC, Virginia, or Silver Spring with Metro access. Morgan Blvd Metro beats the Beltway on any sellout.
• You don't plan to tailgate. No tailgating = no reason to deal with the parking hassle.
• You're flying in and staying at a DC hotel. Rideshare from the hotel on game day morning is simpler than a rental car.
• You want to drink during the game. No re-entry + long drive + limited transit home = Metro is the better call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FedExField the same as Northwest Stadium?

Yes. FedExField was renamed to Northwest Stadium in 2024. Same venue, same address, same parking lots.

How much is Commanders parking?

Green Pass (standard): $50-70. Gold Pass (preferred): $75-90. Premium/Club: $100-200+. All prepaid via Ticketmaster.

Can I buy Commanders parking at the gate?

No. All Commanders parking is prepaid-only. Drive-up cash/card parking is not available for general lots.

Can I take Metro to Commanders games?

Yes. Morgan Blvd station (Blue/Silver lines) is a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Often faster and cheaper than driving for DC-area fans.

Can I tailgate at Northwest Stadium?

Yes. Tailgating is permitted in most lots. Lots open 4 hours before kickoff. Grills and canopies allowed, glass prohibited.

What's the best exit route to avoid the Beltway?

Sheriff Road east to surface streets, or Central Ave (MD-214) east. Both are slower overall than an empty Beltway would be, but move consistently instead of being stopped in traffic.

Sources

• commanders.com — Parking & Transportation
• WMATA — Morgan Blvd station

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Page last verified: April 2026. Parking rates, Metro schedules, and tailgating policies subject to change — confirm at commanders.com before game day.