Exploring the Abandoned D.C. Stadium NOBODY Wants to Talk About

[@sclogse1]

I saw the Dead and the Allman Brothers here in 1973 while ending my tour of duty at Ft. Dix. We brought a boda bag full of grape juice, and a bag of food. But once you were 50 feet from.the dreaded single turnstile our bag of food got squished away from us and we saw the food bouncing along on the shoulders on the crowd, never dropping. The grape juice made it in with us. As soon as the Dead started playing, they sounded like they'd been jamming for an hour. I caught Gil Scott Heron at a small club and Herbie Hancock and Weather Report somewhere back there also in 1973. Then out in August to go to college in the bay area. Not bad, on to Keystone Korner then and saw all the jazz greats. Later in the 90's I filmed Pat Martino and Dave Liebman, and those are on my channel.

[@TheLukeExplores]

That’s pretty sick, I wish I got to see something live performed here. Such a weird and errie feeling walking around in there alone… hope you enjoyed!

[@jacobfinch9563]

I grew up on Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, and Gil Scott Heron. I actually took percussion music lessons from the late Professor Eddie Ade Knowles, a member of Gil Scott Heron's crew. I saw Dead & Co in Saratoga Springs. Places may fall into disrepair but good taste in music is timeless.

[@jerrysanders9101]

I was gonna say I thought this was an old stadium not just a 2017 soccer stadium lol.. wow.. 73’ what an insane era for the dead.. my fave for dead is late 70s even 81-82’

[@lexisherman72]

Such a unique location, love the video man!!

[@TheLukeExplores]

Appreciate that Sherman, hope to see you back on the channel soon!

[@rescuegirl]

No way! This place is HUGE!!! 😮😮😮

[@TheLukeExplores]

Hope you enjoyed!! One of my favorites in awhile, risky place to check out! Especially alone…..

[@rescuegirl]

@@TheLukeExploresFor sure! This place rules!

[@TheLukeExplores]

@@rescuegirlhave you ever been?

[@rescuegirl]

@@TheLukeExplores Unfortunately I haven’t been to DC in many years. So no. 🙁

[@matthewapy8516]

That is one crazy place

[@TheLukeExplores]

Felt more like a construction zone rather than anything else tbh…. Standing dead center in the middle of the pitch, now that was something to experience. Hope you enjoyed 💯

[@vickydangelo6395]

This is actually sick I can’t believe you made it in there with all of those cops.

[@TheLukeExplores]

I think the cops had more threatening matters to attend to in the area, at least I would hope so hah

[@SarcasticMary]

Yeah, no! There is NO way I'd ever be able to walk across that! I'd get dizzy, fall over and I'd be nothing but a puddle lol. Don't think we grasp how big a place is, until someone stands alone there. Crazy! Nice work, even if I was wrong about my guess. 😜😆

[@TheLukeExplores]

I promise you I’ll never go across again. But it was semi safe, thick piece of wood. Dangerous explore, but so glad I got to see it before it’s gone. Hope you enjoyed!!

[@SarcasticMary]

@@TheLukeExplores Gotta do crazy shit while you still can lol. I did like it! Didn't think I would, but...I gave it a shot, and enjoyed! Was even happy to see your humor in there again lol.

[@TheLukeExplores]

@@SarcasticMary I’m glad you liked it! Different from the usual style but I’ll bounce back and fourth

[@SarcasticMary]

@@TheLukeExplores Gotta have variety, makes a channel thrive for sure.

[@TheLukeExplores]

@@SarcasticMary paranormal to be introduced in the near future

[@mattshaw3225]

So many great Washington Redskins memories at RFK! That place was electric back in the days.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Hope you enjoyed man!

[@whendaylouwho]

This is insane to me. Being in a city that has the first women’s soccer stadium and seeing this I’m shaking my head! I’m glad you explored this. It’s breathtaking. 8:22 really shows how big this thing is.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Hope you enjoyed!! I’m so glad I got to go before demolition/repurposing. Dangerous however, given the chance again I would not have gone alone. Something quite mysterious about being in there by myself in such an open space…. Quite a surreal moment if you ask me💯

[@whendaylouwho]

@@TheLukeExploresmy anxiety was sky high watching it 😂 I’d of never been able to do it alone

[@nole8923]

I remember vividly the big NFC playoff games played there on TV. Especially when it was the redskins vs the cowboys. I think that’s what most Americans remember it for. There’s no mistaking that stadium for another one.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Love that, they also used the stadium for larger concerts- it’s sad to see it go but I think it’s gonna be repurposed for similar means. I’ve seen lots of rumors on the place, I’m glad I was one of the last ones to go and see it before it’s changed forever. Hope you enjoyed the video!💯

[@wickijay7986]

Insane structure

[@TheLukeExplores]

Massive, so glad I got to see it before it’s gone- hopefully they renovate it instead of tearing the whole thing down

[@fitzfitzgerald1110]

I had been to RFK about 12 times for Senators, Diplomats, Redskins and Nationals games. RFK was a very nice stadium. Thanks for the experience Luke!

[@TheLukeExplores]

Thanks for watching!! I wish I got to go once, no fair 😂 how ironic the only time I’ve ever seen RFK, it was as empty as could possibly be.

[@bullshooter4040]

RFK closed because DC United moved to the new Audi Field stadium next door to Nationals Park along the Anacostia waterfront. After their move, it was pretty much lights out at RFK save for a random concert or random event until the COVID shutdown closed it for good.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Appreciate the insight, tbh is it bad I wish it stays abandoned? It’s so cool like this haha, hope you enjoyed!

[@BadgerOff32]

Damn....I watched another urbex video from The Proper People exploring this place when it was still largely intact. The place has been ripped apart! It's quite literally a shell of its former self! Hopefully it gets a refurb. It sucks seeing places like this get abandoned and torn down.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Proper people do a fantastic job- however I agree the place has changed so much it really is like checking out an entire new spot. I’m really hoping they fix this place up, it really deserves it. Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoyed :)

[@mightyjoebean]

Who else saw RHCP play here in 1998??

[@TheLukeExplores]

I wasn’t alive yet

[@spjunkies]

Thank you for documenting this. She will be completely gone soon so nice to have this 😢

[@TheLukeExplores]

@@spjunkies I can’t wait to see what they do with the property- she deserves some sort of redemption and recognition for sure

[@kevinwood5317]

@@TheLukeExplores There's speculation that the site could be used for a brand-new NFL stadium (as FedEx Field has long lost whatever appeal it had to fans). With the new ownership for the football team, it's become a distinct possibility. Unfortunately, any new NFL stadium would likely be a dome. I loved feeling the elements in RFK!

[@WSminkDirects]

I was at the very last concert at RFK, the Foo Fighters 20th Anniversary Blowout on July 4th, 2015. An all day shindig with Joan Jett, Heart, Gary Clark Jr., LL Cool J, Trombone Shorty, DC Go-Go legends Troublefunk. All capped off with a headlining set by the Foo Fighters and a firework show to rival the National Mall's fireworks.

[@BigGaddyKane]

I got nervous as anything when he walked across the ladder!

[@TheLukeExplores]

I’m ngl I was nervous too😂 hope you enjoyed the video!

[@kevinwood5317]

@@TheLukeExplores Thank you for being brave enough to go up and in there! I used to sit near this scoreboard when I went to Redskins games, and I would see that ramp & doorway and wonder what was inside. Your exploration fulfilled a long-held wish of mine!

[@Lordscotia3]

During the sixties , when I lived in D.C. I saw the Senators play many times. I also so Pele play when Santos played the Washington Whips.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Appreciate the insight, so cool to hear. Thanks for the comment

[@Themba76]

This is my childhood here

[@TheLukeExplores]

Wish I had the chance to experience this amazing place

[@ethandubrey6046]

I like video, good video. Thumb up 👍

[@TheLukeExplores]

Thank you good sir. Always a pleasure

[@omaramin8132]

Man redskins games there were brutal for opposing teams

[@vornadopro6502]

I almost got shocked by the electrical gates in the front. There was no fences or barriers a few years ago to deter people from walking next to the entrance. They electrified the front gates where you walk in. I felt the static an inch from my hands just before touching them to see inside.

[@TheLukeExplores]

I did not know they were electric, I walked up to them and could have sworn I touched them but maybe I didn’t. The fence in the back however, absolutely did not have any electric issues

[@vornadopro6502]

@@TheLukeExplores This was like 2 years ago. I sent a message to the property owners saying it was electrified and they quickly put fences up a few weeks later.

[@houseofraministry5291]

Back down memory lane, I see the video I see the pain of the stadium fading fast. All the history going down the drain and I know it dying fast. I don't want to go but going down. Back down memory lane.

[@TheLukeExplores]

It will never disappear, I wish I got to see it when I was younger…. The vibe was so odd being at the center of this massive place my myself

[@thehauntingofnorthcarolina296]

7:32 great place to watch the sunset go down and maybe even some fireworks, and yes im rewatching this one too, trying to help with that algorithm

[@thehauntingofnorthcarolina296]

Also it's crazy at 8:50 that at one point you had hundreds maybe even thousands of people screaming and cheering but in the end it was only silence

[@TheLukeExplores]

The dead silence gets me. I’m a huge sports fan and even over the TV- Nothing prepares you for this level of silence

[@thehauntingofnorthcarolina296]

@@TheLukeExplores facts, it's exactly what a zombie apocalypse would look like

[@Bangerzonly03]

Honestly dc united is is getting a lot better and have a big future ahead of them like signing wayne rooney and benteke.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Oh shit yeah man I would never ever go anywhere without permission man. It’s so not cool to do that.

[@omarwaqar8637]

I went to multiple HFsestivals and other festivals in this stadium, I feel like I remember someone getting struck by lightning during the beastie boys set at RFK…

[@TheLukeExplores]

Appreciate the insight, that’s a crazy comment! I definitely need to look into that- thanks for commenting!

[@FreeRoamBaltimore]

That part of DC has a lot of abandoned buildings. Just down the street there are two abandoned hospitals, across the street from the Jail. BTW, do they have security or police to keep people out? I went last year and didn't see anyone. I found a truck in the lower level hallway and turned around.

[@TheLukeExplores]

DC is an odd place but there’s so many amazing abandoned places in the area. I saw one security truck in there during this explore but no issues, they used to have cameras on the front side but I’m not sure if they still work.

[@Borgassmord]

So this is really just a long video of you with parts of RFK in the distant background. Hooray for you.

[@TheLukeExplores]

I think you’ve watched the wrong video mate:)

[@gathobeevens2644]

GREAT VIDEOS, YOU ARE IN IT LIKE OUR NEW ERA INDIANA JONES !!

[@TheLukeExplores]

I wouldn’t go that far YET but I’m glad you loved it ❤️❤️

[@SteveDMV]

Seen many Redskins game there over the years. Never seen them lose a regular season home game.

[@TheLukeExplores]

That’s sick, when’s the last time you went?

[@SteveDMV]

@@TheLukeExplores Probably in the 1990s. 2009 at FedEx and they lost to New Orleans.

[@TheLukeExplores]

@SteveDMV damn man that’s rly taking it back. Sucks to see it in this state I mean it was depressing standing in such a quiet empty place like this

[@musiclove627]

Really great video

[@TheLukeExplores]

Appreciate that a lot, new vid dropping later today 💯

[@RupertHawes]

Thank you so much for preserving this. Sad to see but hopefully it's being revitalised. I saw some Redskins games there (Now Commanders) I Saw a few of the old timer's baseball games there and saw the Nationals when they first used it in 20005. I know it's risky and potentially could get into a lot of legal woes if you're caught but this is worth it to have a little remnant of the past still alive.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Appreciate the comment and for watching! I would love to go back here at some point but I fear it’s too late. New video out in 15 mins btw!!

[@irvinjramos]

I always wanted to see a U.S. men’s soccer game in that stadium

[@HarrisonPeloso]

if its still there, please do ARCO park in sacramento.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Adding to the list! Appreciate that

[@sheltonlaskin7427]

So many games ao hours so many cowboys getting there asses beat so loud miss that place thanks for the memories.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Hope you enjoyed man! Wish I could have seen it!

[@chperezjr]

Is a shame that when it closed it was still in good conditions and it couldve been refurbished now it's just a pile of rubble that needs to be torn down

[@TheLukeExplores]

Fr dude it sucks, glad I got to see it before it’s gone for good. Just a pile of nothing and rubble now. Hope you enjoyed 💯💯

[@oscarlemus4209]

@@TheLukeExplores yeah by the way if I lived in DC would’ve gone and seen her one last time I ironically enough went to the last DC United game there in 2017

[@daystars-den]

Duude! you are a cool guy. and I like your chan. you got a new sub bro ;) stay cool man!

[@TheLukeExplores]

Love hearing that, thanks for the kind words brother ✌🏼welcome to the family, hope you love my content :)

[@houseofraministry5291]

The camera room and scoreboard

[@TheLukeExplores]

Scoreboard was scary I’ll tell ya that

[@leroyweaver1263]

Guns N Roses Metallica 1992!!

[@thehauntingofnorthcarolina296]

WOOO!!!

[@TheLukeExplores]

Let’s go Tevin!!!!!

[@TheLukeExplores]

Make the algorithm do it’s thing

[@thehauntingofnorthcarolina296]

@@TheLukeExplores of course bro! I got you!

[@TheLukeExplores]

@@thehauntingofnorthcarolina296 ghost hunt soon?

[@thehauntingofnorthcarolina296]

@@TheLukeExplores you know it! You uploading that video soon from forest haven???

[@MichaelMeade-d7b]

This would be a good location for the Commandos new stadium.

[@TheLukeExplores]

I like that idea

[@billyz5088]

~~ the only tenants left in old RFK are the 3 R's - Rats, Roaches & Raccoons - and I think I'd be wearing a heavy-duty hardhat in that place ..

[@TheLukeExplores]

Emphasis on the rats

[@albertdacatboi4674]

how did you get in?

[@TheLukeExplores]

Ain’t easy, wouldn’t do it again- especially alone. Hit me up on IG!

[@IndigenousAmericanTrucker]

I hope they don't build the new stadium there! I want a new stadium right up the street at Poplar Pointe, or should I say right up the river!

[@TheLukeExplores]

What would you like to be done with the property?

[@brandonfinley9248]

The three Blackhawks comment. lol

[@TheLukeExplores]

😂😂

[@urbex_coasters]

Glad I got to see Oakland Coliseum before it looks like this. It still has a few years left with the Roots and Soul playing there at least in 2025 but they are ultimately trying to get a purpose built stadium, in which case it will sadly look like this. Sad to see this happen to these stadiums because greedy billionares only want what's new and trendy paid for on public dollar.

[@TheLukeExplores]

Depressing that’s for sure- thanks for the comment!

[@oscarlemus4209]

RFK actually caused down in 2019 actually

[@Lp-cd5mx]

Still looks better then FedEx field... 😏

[@TheLukeExplores]

Now this is a fact

[@joelbillington5339]

Still nicer than FEDEX Field

[@TheLukeExplores]

Agreed

[@67500fan]

i thought a college was using the stadium

[@TheLukeExplores]

Not right now they aren’t lol

[@فهدمحمد-ذ2ج1ظ]

I from saudi arabia

[@TheLukeExplores]

Welcome to the channel!!

[@johnnypagliocchini9418]

It was the home of the 3 time world champions Washington Redskins . Home of the Washington Senators and Washington Nationals . F the United . It's going to be the new home of the rebranded Washington Redskins !

[@TheLukeExplores]

Appreciate the comment man!

[@jerrysanders9101]

I can’t believe they built all that for a stupid ass soccer stadium. Who winded up eating that? Likely the sucker taxpayers. Edit- wait the other commenter said he seen the dead and alman bros there.. this is a famous old stadium they retrofitted for soccer- but man imagine the drugs and fun that was done in that place in its concert heyday

[@TheLukeExplores]

Yeah tbh they had some huge NFL games and concerts here (pretty sure Michael Jackson performed here as well) so it wasn’t all for the MLS scene- especially for DC United. That would have been sad if it was built solely for a smaller franchise mls team. There was rly something special about being up there in the scoreboard by myself- in the dead quiet. Hope you enjoyed! I’m glad I was able to go before it got repurposed.

[@johnsamoilis6379]

The tax payers I think go their monies worth out of that stadium. The Washington Senators played baseball there from 1962-1971. The Washington Redskins played there from 1961-1996. DC United played there from 1996-2017(saved the stadium from the wrecking ball for another 20 year, this allowed the Washington Nationals to be moved from Montreal to Washington DC in 2005 as RFK was a temporary stadium from 2005-2007). RFK hosted matches of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. It hosted Soccer Matches for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. It hosted the 1999 and 2003 Women's World Cup. RFK holds the record for hosting the most US Mens National Soccer team as a home stadium. RFK hosted 3 MLS Cup final matches (1997, 2000, 2007) It hosted the Washington Diplomats of the North American Soccer League from 1974 to 1981 and hosted the NASL Soccer Bowl in 1980. RFK was also home to spring football for the Washington Federals in 1983-1984. And finally the Howard University Bison would play their home college football games from 1970 to 2016 at RFK Stadium. Then you had plenty of concerts there including the Beatles, Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones have all played at RFK Stadium. So from 1961 to 2017 the Stadium got really good use however after 1996 when it was essentially DC United as the main tennant except for the brief period the Nationals played there from 2005-2007 the stadium started to age terribly. Especially in the upper lever where it was closed most of the time due to smaller attendances of MLS matches that are typically between 15000 and 25000.