Remembering greatest moments in RFK Stadium history (Photos)

WASHINGTON — The last regular tenant of the aging, storied bowl of steel and concrete abutting the west bank of the Anacostia River, D.C. United plays its final home game at RFK Stadium Sunday.

And while the historic structure’s teams have all officially departed for greener, sparklier pastures, the history and legacy of RFK is worth celebrating. That’s exactly what we’re doing all week at WTOP, as we recall some of the greatest games, concerts and moments in its history.

For the first installment, WTOP sports anchor Andy Pollin shares his own personal history and how it intertwines with RFK’s rich baseball legacy, as home to both the Senators and Nationals, the physical and spiritual bridge between the two franchises.

He takes you from auspicious beginnings (President Kennedy threw out the first-ever first pitch) to the doldrums of the cellar and another team lost to relocation, finally to the rebirth of baseball in the District, all witnessed through the prism of that same building.

RFK in miniature. A model of the poposed D.C. Stadium depicting the stadium's signaure wavy roof. (Courtesy EventsDC) — RFK in miniature. A model of the proposed D.C. Stadium depicting the stadium’s signature wavy roof. (Courtesy EventsDC)

This Dec. 12, 1958 photo shows officials with the Interior Department signing over a 30-year-lease for the land the future stadium would sit on to the D.C. Armory Board. (Courtesy EventsDC) — This Dec. 12, 1958, photo shows officials with the Interior Department signing over a 30-year lease for the land the future stadium would sit on to the D.C. Armory Board. (Courtesy EventsDC)

Groundbreaking at the site of the future D.C. Stadium. (Courtesy EventsDC)

Construction on the stadium in February 1961 -- about eight months before the Redskins played their first game there. (Courtesy EventsDC) — Construction on the stadium in February 1961 — about eight months before the Redskins played their first game there. (Courtesy EventsDC)

Starting to look like the stadium we all know. Crews working on the stadium in July 1961. (Courtesy EventsDC) — Starting to look like the stadium locals all know. Crews working on the stadium in July 1961. (Courtesy EventsDC)

Less than a month before the Redskins first game in the new stadium, crews race to finish. (Courtesy EventsDC) — Less than a month before the Redskins’ first game in the new stadium, crews race to finish. (Courtesy EventsDC)

This is an air view of the District of Columbia Stadium in Washington, seen July 7, 1962. The first 1962 All-Star game will be played here July 10. The main entrance is in the foreground. (AP Photo/Bob Schutz) — This is an air view of the District of Columbia Stadium in Washington, seen July 7, 1962. (AP Photo/Bob Schutz)

This is a general view of the jammed new Washington Stadium at the start of All Star game, July 10, 1962. The photo was snapped with the National Leaguers at bat. (AP Photo) — This is a general view of the jammed new Washington Stadium at the start of the All Star Game, July 10, 1962. The photo was snapped with the National Leaguers at bat. (AP Photo)

JFK throwing out the first pitch at a 1962 baseball game in the stadium. At the time, the stadium was simply known as the District of Columbia Stadium. In 1969, in the waning days of the Lyndon Johnson administration, the stadium was renamed to honor Robert F. Kennedy, who had been assassinated the year before. (Courtesy EventsDC)

President Lyndon Johnson throws out the first ball to open the American League baseball season, April 13, 1964. The first pitch ceremony preceded the opening game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Washington Senators. At left is House Speaker John McCormack of Massachusetts. (AP Photo)

Eight years after opening, the D.C. Stadium was dedicated to the late Robert F. Kennedy, former Attorney General and New York senator who was assassinated in California on the 1968 presidential campaign trail. The stadium officially renamed the RFK Memorial Stadium. This 1969 photo shows a special dedication ceremony at the stadium. From left to right: Kennedy's son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Redskins tight end Jerry Smith; Kennedy's widow, Ethel Kennedy; and Redskins safety Brig Owens. (Courtesy EventsDC) — Eight years after opening, the D.C. Stadium was dedicated to the late Robert F. Kennedy, former Attorney General and New York senator who was assassinated in California on the 1968 presidential campaign trail. The stadium is officially renamed the RFK Memorial Stadium. This 1969 photo shows a special dedication ceremony at the stadium. From left to right: Kennedy’s son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Redskins tight end Jerry Smith; Kennedy’s widow, Ethel Kennedy; and Redskins safety Brig Owens. (Courtesy EventsDC)

This 1969 photo shows Robert F. Kennedy's widow, Ethel, at a special ceremony where the stadium was officially renamed RFK Memorial Stadium. (Courtesy EventsDC) — This 1969 photo shows Robert F. Kennedy’s widow, Ethel, at a special ceremony where the stadium was officially renamed RFK Memorial Stadium. (Courtesy EventsDC)

This 1969 photo shows a special dedication ceremony at the stadium. From left to right: Kennedy's son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Redskins tight end Jerry Smith; Kennedy's widow, Ethel Kennedy; and Redskins safety Brig Owens. (Courtesy EventsDC) — This 1969 photo shows a special dedication ceremony at the stadium. From left to right: Robert F. Kennedy’s son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Redskins tight end Jerry Smith; Kennedy’s widow, Ethel Kennedy; and Redskins safety Brig Owens. (Courtesy EventsDC)

Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy rubs her eye during ceremonies in Washington on June 7, 1969 renaming the D.C Stadium to Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. (AP Photo) — Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy rubs her eye during ceremonies in Washington on June 7, 1969 renaming the D.C. Stadium to Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. (AP Photo)

President Richard Nixon and Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, center-left, join Washington Senators manager Ted Williams, left, in a round of laughter before the chief executive tossed out the first ball in opening game at RFK Stadium in Washington, April 7, 1969. Laughs were scarce later among Washington fans as the New York Yankees defeated the Senators 8-4. (AP Photo)

The opening lineup of the Washington Senators. It was the team's last season at RFK -- and it would be more than 30 years before another regular-season Major League Baseball game would be played in the stadium. (Courtesy EventsDC) — The opening lineup of the Washington Senators. It was the team’s last season at RFK — and it would be more than 30 years before another regular-season Major League Baseball game would be played in the stadium. (Courtesy EventsDC)

Washington Senators fans storm the field, stopping the game in the ninth inning, between the Yankees and the Senators, in Washington, Oct. 1, 1971. Fans' actions caused the Senators to forfeit the game to the Yankees. (AP Photo/Jim Palmer) — During the Washington Senators’ last game at RFK, fans storm the field, stopping the game in the ninth inning, between the Yankees and the Senators, in Washington, Oct. 1, 1971. Fans’ actions caused the Senators to forfeit the game to the Yankees. (AP Photo/Jim Palmer)

Washington Redskins coach George Allen left, and Bob Singholtz, general manager of the D.C. Armory Board, look over the field at Robert F. Kennedy stadium in Washington on Friday, March 28, 1975 which is being prepared for the installation of Prescription Athletic Turf. (AP Photo) — Washington Redskins coach George Allen left, and Bob Singholtz, general manager of the D.C. Armory Board, look over the field at Robert F. Kennedy stadium in Washington on Friday, March 28, 1975, which is being prepared for the installation of Prescription Athletic Turf. (AP Photo)

RFK also hosted some legendary musicians and entertainers. The British pop group, The Beatles, are seen holding a news conference at the District of Columbia stadium in Washington before their concert on Aug. 15, 1966. Pictured, from left to right, are: Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison. (AP Photo/Harvey Georges)

Bruce Springsteen performs during his sold-out concert, Monday, August 5, 1985 at RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. The show is the first of a nine-week, 25-city tour of North America in support of his new album, "Born in the U.S.A." (AP Photo/Scott Stewart) — Bruce Springsteen performs during his sold-out concert, Monday, August 5, 1985, at RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. The show is the first of a nine-week, 25-city tour of North America in support of his new album, “Born in the U.S.A.” (AP Photo/Scott Stewart)

Four of the Jacksons, from left, Tito, Michael, Marlon, on drums, and Randy, are shown performing during their Victory Tour concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 22, 1984. (AP Photo/Bill Auth)

Washington Redskins John Riggins (44) takes to flying as he carries the ball in NFC playoff action against the Minnesota Vikings in Washington, on Saturday, Jan. 15, 1983. Vikings John Swain (29) is on ground. (AP Photo/Ira Schwarz)

Washington Redskins fans stand in line towards RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington waiting to purchase tickets for next Saturday's NFC championship game against the winner of Sunday's Green Bay-Dallas game, Jan. 16, 1983. The fans started gathering around the stadium late Saturday night after the Redskins defeated the Minnesota Vikings 21-7 to advance to the championship game of the National Conference. (AP Photo/Ira Schwarz) — Washington Redskins fans stand in line toward RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington waiting to purchase tickets for next Saturday’s NFC Championship Game against the winner of Sunday’s Green Bay-Dallas game, Jan. 16, 1983. The fans started gathering around the stadium late Saturday night after the Redskins defeated the Minnesota Vikings 21-7 to advance to the championship game of the National Conference. (AP Photo/Ira Schwarz)

Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs shown glasses no hat dark hair center is in the crush with members of his team after they beat the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC Championship at RFK Stadium, Saturday, Jan. 22, 1983, Washington, D.C. (AP Photo) — Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs, shown with glasses, no hat, dark hair, center, is in the crush with members of his team after they beat the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC Championship at RFK Stadium, Saturday, Jan. 22, 1983, Washington, D.C. (AP Photo)

Washington Redskins injured starting quarterback Doug Wiliams stands behind First Lady Nancy Reagan holds a jersey presented to her by Williams prior to the start of game against the New York Giants at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., Oct. 2, 1988. The ceremony marked the Redskins' salute to the First Ladys' "Just Say No' anti-drug campaign. (AP Photo/Doug Mills) — Washington Redskins injured starting quarterback Doug Wiliams stands behind first lady Nancy Reagan, who holds a jersey presented to her by Williams before the start of game against the New York Giants at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., Oct. 2, 1988. The ceremony marked the Redskins’ salute to the first lady’s’ “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

Washington Redskins fans try to keep warn early on Jan. 11, 1988, outside RFK Stadium, as several thousand of them stood in line all night to attempt to buy tickets for this Sunday's NFC championship game in Washington, D.C. Two thousand tickets will be sold to the general public for the game between the Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings. (AP Photo/Doug Mills) — Washington Redskins fans try to keep warm early on Jan. 11, 1988, outside RFK Stadium, as several thousand of them stood in line all night to attempt to buy tickets for this Sunday’s NFC Championship Game in Washington, D.C. Two thousand tickets will be sold to the general public for the game between the Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

Washington Redskins wide receiver Art Monk is hoisted by his teammates after breaking the record for career receptions in the fourth quarter of their game against the Denver Broncos at RFK Stadium in Washington, Oct. 12, 1992. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Oct 1992: General view of RFK Stadium home of the Washington Redskins and the D.C. United in Washington, D.C. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport — Oct 1992: General view of RFK Stadium home of the Washington Redskins and D.C. United in Washington, D.C. (Rick Stewart/Allsport)

12 Sep 1993: Fan of the Washington Redskins watches his team during a game against the Phoenix Cardinals at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. The Cardinals won the game 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport — Fan of the Washington Redskins watches his team during a game against the Phoenix Cardinals at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. The Cardinals won the game 17-10. (Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport)

Soccer fans dressed in support of team Mexico dance, June 19, 1994, outside Washington RFK Stadium before the start of the World Cup soccer championship, Group E first round match, Mexico vs. Norway. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

22 Oct 1995: Washington Redskins fans during the Redskins 36-30 win over the Detroit Lions at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Allsport — Washington Redskins fans during the Redskins 36-30 win over the Detroit Lions at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. (Doug Pensinger/Allsport)

22 Dec 1996: Washington Redskins fans tear up the turf at RFK Stadium in Washington, D. C. after a game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins, playing their last game at RFK, won 37-7. The game was the Redskins final game played at RFK. Mandatory Cre — 22 Dec 1996: Washington Redskins fans tear up the turf at RFK Stadium in Washington, D. C. after a game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins, playing their last game at RFK, won 37-7. The game was the Redskins final game played at RFK. (Doug Pensinger/Getty)

Washington Freedom's Mia Hamm signs autographs at RFK Stadium in Washington Thursday, March 1, 2001, during the team's first practice. The team opens their season April 14. (AP Photo/Doug Mills) — Washington Freedom’s Mia Hamm signs autographs at RFK Stadium in Washington Thursday, March 1, 2001, during the team’s first practice. The team opened their season April 14. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is shown after it's transformation from a baseball field for the Washington Nationals to a soccer field for the D.C. United of the MLS, Tuesday, April 5, 2005 in Washington. In a unique setup to placate both Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, crews are working furiously to convert RFK Stadium from a ballpark to a soccer pitch so D.C. United can play their home games. The infield dirt was gone and 35 sections of stands had been moved along a set of rails in the outfield. About 20 changeovers will have to happen this season, costing an estimated $40,000 for each one-way conversion. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) — Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is shown after its transformation from a baseball field for the Washington Nationals to a soccer field for the D.C. United of the MLS, Tuesday, April 5, 2005 in Washington. In a unique setup to placate both Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, crews are working furiously to convert RFK Stadium from a ballpark to a soccer pitch so D.C. United can play their home games. The infield dirt was gone and 35 sections of stands had been moved along a set of rails in the outfield. About 20 changeovers will have to happen this season, costing an estimated $40,000 for each one-way conversion. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The Nationals' first pitch at RFK Stadium in April 2005. (Courtesy EventsDC) — The Nationals’ first pitch at RFK Stadium in April 2005. (Courtesy EventsDC)

Fireworks mark the Nats final game at RFK in Sept. 2007. (Courtesy EventsDC) — Fireworks mark the Nats final game at RFK in September 2007. (Courtesy EventsDC)

** RETRANSMISSION FOR ALTERNATE CROP ** Los Angeles Galaxy's midfielder David Beckham, applauds the sellout crowd of over 45,000 at RFK Stadium as he walks of the field shirtless after making his MLS debut against DC United, Thursday, Aug, 9, 2007 in Washington. Beckham came in as a second half substitute in the galaxy's 1-0 loss. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) — Los Angeles Galaxy’s midfielder David Beckham, applauds the sellout crowd of over 45,000 at RFK Stadium, as he walks of the field shirtless after making his MLS debut against D.C. United, Thursday, Aug, 9, 2007 in Washington. Beckham came in as a second half substitute in the Galaxy’s 1-0 loss. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

A crowd of over 45,000 at RFK Stadium watch the second half of a soccer game between Los Angeles Galaxy and DC United, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 in Washington. The Galaxy's midlfielder David Beckham made his MLS debut as a second half substitute in their 1-0 loss. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) — A crowd of over 45,000 at RFK Stadium watch the second half of a soccer game between Los Angeles Galaxy and D.C. United, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 in Washington. The Galaxy’s midfielder David Beckham made his MLS debut as a second half substitute in their 1-0 loss. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The inonic orange seats at RFK Stadium. The stadium hosts its final United game Oct. 22. (WTOP/Jack Moore) — The iconic orange seats at RFK Stadium. The stadium hosts its final United game Oct. 22. (WTOP/Jack Moore)

In a stadium refurbishing, at some point through the years, RFK Stadium got some new seats. Or almost new. Some of the seats in the mezzanine level originally came from Los Angeles — and still carry the LA Dodgers logo. The exact origins of the seats are somewhat shrouded in mystery. (WTOP/Jack Moore)

WTOP/Jack Moore

D.C. United, which has called RFK home since 1996, plays its last home game there Oct. 22. (WTOP/Ginger Whitaker)

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WTOP.com entertainment editor Jason Fraley looks at the non-sports events that have come to the building for Tuesday’s installment. From one of the final Beatles concerts to the yearly HFStivals, RFK has a rich musical legacy. But did you know a lightning strike there during a Herbie Hancock concert forced Radiohead to reschedule? Or that The King of Pop hosted a post-9/11 benefit show there?

From flying seat cushions to the highest-scoring game in NFL history, WTOP sports director and Redskins beat reporter George Wallace recounts Burgundy and Gold’s RFK highlights Wednesday.

Even now, more than 20 years since the team played its final game there, the echoes of “We want Dallas!” reverberate through the concrete hallways and the memories of those who were there.

On Thursday, WTOP senior sports director and D.C. United play-by-play man Dave Johnson walks you through the Red and Black’s most storied moments, leading into their RFK farewell Sunday.

Over 57,000 fans packed the stands 20 years ago to watch United win its second straight MLS Cup, but the stadium served as much more than just the team’s home field. RFK was the host to more U.S. Men’s National Team games than any other venue, as well as both Olympic and World Cup games.

Finally, on Friday I’ll take a look at what comes next at the historic site.

While the long-term anchor tenant option is still undecided and the government approval process may still throw up some hurdles, planning has already begun for the 190-acre property on which the stadium sits. From multi-sport playing fields to a market hall full of local food vendors, we’ll walk through what to expect next on the site.

Part 1: Baseball’s best moments at RFK
Part 2: Best entertainment moments in RFK history
Part 3: Best Redskins moments at RFK
Part 4: Best soccer moments at RFK
Part 5: What’s next for the RFK site?

Remembering greatest moments in RFK Stadium history (Photos)

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Remembering greatest moments in RFK Stadium history (Photos)

Share This Gallery:

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Related News

Commanders, Wale team up to host Prince George’s Co. football clinic

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