The Washington Commanders had a crazy offseason, with a change in ownership at the very top, and a change in quarterback on the field.
While most fans are excited Dan Snyder is gone, time will tell how happy they are with Sam Howell between the lines. Either way, excitement as a season starts is always high, and that’s no different heading into the 2023-24 campaign.
Now that Maryland online sports betting is entering its first full NFL season, football fans can also use their mobile devices to wager from the home stadium or anywhere else within the state. Before heading to an NFL matchup next season at FedEx Field, take a look at this guide for everything you need to know about attending a game.
Washington Commanders game day parking
The Commanders’ current home field, FedEx Field, is located in Landover, Maryland. For those planning to drive, the stadium is located off I-495. Parking in the area, however, will eat up $65 of your budget. If you don’t mind walking a short distance, multiple private lots surround the stadium and offer more affordable options.
Trying to avoid the traffic? Take either the blue or silver lines to the Morgan Boulevard Metro Station, then take a leisurely 1-mile stroll to the stadium. Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft also offer transportation to the game. The designated drop-off location for these can be found at the RedZone parking lot to the west of FedEx Field.
The RedZone Lot also happens to be where Commanders tailgating takes place. So if you’re planning to tailgate before the game, you’ll want to reserve a parking spot there.
FedEx Field tailgating
Tailgating has become a tried and true tradition for Washington fans at FedEx Field. Bring your grills, coolers, chairs and tables to make the most out of your time. Lots open 4-5 hours before kickoff (depending on the area) and close 2 hours after the game ends. The Commanders’ website notes that “football is a family sport” so have fun as your prepare for the game!
FedEx Field policies & rules
Once you’re ready to head into the game, you’re going to want to have your tickets handy. These can be either physical or digital tickets. Depending on where you’re sitting, you’ve got seven stadium entrances to choose from.
There are a few things you won’t be able to bring in with you, however. Some of the most popular items FedEx Field prohibits include:
- Bags including backpacks, diaper bags, packages, fanny packs, etc.
- Food and beverages
- Seat cushions that have zippers or pockets
- Umbrellas
- Whistles, horns, etc.
- Battery powered clothing
- Native-American-inspired ceremonial headdresses or face paint
For a complete list of prohibited items, browse through the official FedEx Field stadium guide.
Food & drink inside FedEx Field
When it comes to food choices, FedEx Field has you covered. They’ve got kiosks like Pit Beef and Johnny Rockets that offer all your traditional hamburger and sandwich fare. Then there’s Casa De Avila for the taco lovers and Black Rifle Coffee for the caffeine connoisseurs. And of course no meal is complete without a little something sweet, so head over to South Mountain Creamery for some delicious ice cream.
Feeling thirsty? Prepare your budget accordingly — the Commanders sell the most expensive beer in the NFL. Bud Light can be found at all concession stands. Specialty beer, wine and liquor, on the other hand, are each available at select locations.
Washington Commanders betting guide
Commanders fans will soon be able to bet on the Washington Commanders team right from FedEx Field. Washington partnered with Fanatics Sportsbook and debuted a retail sportsbook at the stadium on Jan. 20.
Football fans can also take part in NFL betting right from their mobile devices from anywhere in Maryland.
Since the Commanders are no longer in playoff contention, there are no current odds of them winning this year’s division, NFC and Super Bowl.
Washington Commanders 2023-24 schedule
The 2023-24 Commanders regular season schedule is as follows:
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 10 | vs. Arizona Cardinals | 1 p.m. | FOX |
| Sept. 17 | at Denver Broncos | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| Sept. 24 | vs. Buffalo Bills | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Oct. 1 | at Philadelphia Eagles | 1 p.m. | FOX |
| Oct. 5 | vs. Chicago Bears | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
| Oct. 15 | at Atlanta Falcons | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Oct. 22 | at NY Giants | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Oct. 29 | vs. Philadelphia Eagles | 1 p.m. | FOX |
| Nov. 5 | at New England Patriots | 1 p.m. | FOX |
| Nov. 12 | at Seattle Seahawks | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
| Nov. 19 | vs. NY Giants | 1 p.m. | FOX |
| Nov. 23 | at Dallas Cowboys | 4:30 p.m. | CBS |
| Dec. 3 | vs. Miami Dolphins | 1 p.m. | FOX |
| BYE | |||
| Dec. 12 | at LA Rams | 4:05 p.m. | CBS |
| Dec. 24 | at NY Jets | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Dec. 31 | vs. San Francisco 49ers | 1 p.m. | FOX |
| TBD | vs. Dallas Cowboys | TBD | TBD |
Hotels & lodging near FedEx Field
If you’re heading to a Commanders game from out of town, its always best to lock in your lodging as soon as possible. There are more than a handful of hotel options within a mile of FedEx Field, but these locations tend to fill up fast for home game weekends.
Instead, try getting creative with your lodging. A variety of hotel and Airbnb options also exist within the towns surrounding the stadium. Browse through options in Landover or in the nearby towns of Largo, Springdale, College Park, Cheverly, and even across the border in D.C.
Things to do while in town
Yes FedEx Field is in Maryland but if you decide to venture out for a full weekend of activities, a visit to Washington, D.C. should certainly be on the agenda. The weather may be getting colder but sightseeing at the National Mall can still be quite enjoyable. Be prepared to walk, though — the journey from Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol is longer than you’d expect.
If you hop on the metro from Landover, it will take about 25 minutes to get to the Smithsonian stop.
With Maryland still months away from launching mobile sports betting, a stopover in D.C. is the best bet for Commanders fans itching to wager on a game. Unlike other states with legal sports betting, D.C. online sports betting features only one sports betting app, GambetDC. But with no sportsbook competition in the region, the odds may not be worth it. So make sure you like the wager!
