RFK Stadium

From SoSH

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium

Location:	Washington, D.C.
Opened:	April 9, 1962 (First Senators game)
Owner:	Government of the District of Columbia
Surface:	Grass (Prescription Athletic Turf)
Architect:	George A. Dahl (Dallas) Osborn Engineering (Cleveland) Ewin Engineering Associates (Washington, DC)
Current Capacity:	45,016
Build Cost:	$24 Million
Tenants:	Washington Nationals (2005-Present) Washington Senators (1962-1971) Washington Redskins (1961-1996) D.C. United (1996-Present) Washington Federals (1983-1984) Washington Freedom (2001-2003) Washington Diplomats (1974-1981), (1991) Washington Darts (1971) Washington Whips (1968)

1 Stadium History
2 Trivia
3 Field Dimensions
4 Wall Height
5 External Links

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Stadium History

The stadium was renamed for slain U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Robert Francis Kennedy in 1969. Kennedy's Justice Department played a role in the integration of the Redskins, threatening not to let the team move into the federally-owned stadium until it promised to sign African American players.

A complex conversion is necessary, at a cost of $40,000 per switch, to move the stadium seating from the baseball to the soccer/football configuration and back again. This includes rolling the 3rd-base lower-level seats into the outfield along a buried rail, dropping the hydraulic pitcher's mound 3 feet into the ground, and laying sod over the infield dirt. RFK was the first major stadium designed specfically as a multisport facility for both football and baseball - subsequent facilities have been adjusted for this problem in order to be able to change its seating configuration much quicker and at a lower cost. In 2005, the conversion was made over 20 times.

The Expos relocating to Washington was contingent on the development of a new ballpark. Consequently, RFK Stadium was never intended to be the permanent home of the Nationals, but rather, hold the team over until construction on a new facility was complete. Nationals Ballpark, which will be located on the Anacostia River, broke ground on May 4, 2006 and is scheduled to open by Opening Day 2008.

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Trivia

It is the 4th oldest active stadium in Major League Baseball behind Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium.
Hosted the 1969 and 1962 (II) All-Star games.
U.S. presidents traditionally opened each season by throwing out the first ball in this stadium.
Renamed Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in 1969 in honor of the late Senator.
There are 5 tiers of seats (60% under cover).
After measuring the field with a laser on July 21, 2005, the Nationals moved the distance markers in both power alleys closer to the foul lines to more accurately reflect the 380 feet indicated. Also, the distance to center field was found to be 407.83 feet, not the 410 feet previously indicated.
Hall of Stars honoring local sports greats

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