Stadium–Armory station

Stadium–Armory station is an at-grade Washington Metro station located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C.. It is served by the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, operating as a critical eastside transfer point. The station primarily serves the adjacent Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and the D.C. Armory, from which it derives its name, and provides extensive park and ride facilities.

History

The station opened on July 1, 1977, as part of the initial segment of the Blue Line extending from National Airport to Stadium–Armory. Originally named Armory–Stadium, the station's name was officially reversed in 1984 to better reflect local naming conventions. Its development was closely tied to the transportation needs for major events at the nearby Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, a venue for the Washington Commanders and numerous concerts. The station's opening facilitated access to the D.C. Armory, a major exhibition hall, and supported growth in the surrounding Capitol Hill and Kingman Park communities.

Station layout

The station features a simple at-grade design with a single island platform serving two tracks. The main station entrance and mezzanine are located on the west side, connected to a large bus loop and a kiss and ride area. A prominent feature is its massive surface parking lot, containing over 1,200 spaces, making it one of the largest park and ride facilities in the Washington Metro system. The station is not ADA-accessible from the eastern side due to the track configuration and the presence of the CSX Transportation freight lines immediately to the east.

Services and connections

Stadium–Armory is served by the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, providing direct service to destinations like Downtown Washington, Arlington, and Washington Dulles International Airport. The station is a major bus transfer hub, with Metrobus routes including the B2, D4, D6, and the X1, X2, X3, and X9 Express services. It also serves as a terminal for several Maryland Transit Administration commuter buses, connecting to Prince George's County communities like Capitol Heights.

Nearby landmarks

The station's namesake and primary landmarks are the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and the D.C. Armory, which host sports, concerts, and trade shows. To the north lies the Langston Golf Course, a historic public course, and the Langston Terrace Dwellings, a notable New Deal-era housing project. The station provides access to the National Guard headquarters at the D.C. Armory and is near the edge of the Kingman Park historic district. The Anacostia River and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail are a short distance to the east.

Incidents and events

The station routinely manages large crowds from events at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, such as Washington Commanders games, the Military Bowl, and major concerts by artists like Beyoncé and U2. During the January 6 Capitol attack in 2021, the station was used as a staging and coordination area for the District of Columbia National Guard and other law enforcement agencies. In 2020, it served as a major testing site for COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic in Washington, D.C.. The station's parking lots are also frequently used for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority bus operations during emergencies and special events.

Category:Washington Metro stations Category:Railway stations in Washington, D.C. Category:1977 establishments in Washington, D.C.