Fanatics partners with Maryland's Washington Commanders on first-ever retail sportsbook inside an NFL stadium

2023-01-23

United States

Reading time 2:49 min

Sports apparel giant Fanatics became Friday the first legal sports betting operator to open a retail sportsbook inside an NFL Stadium, in partnership with the Washington Commanders. The Fanatics Sportsbook at FedEx Field in Maryland also marks the company's first entry into the legal sports betting market.

The newly designed sportsbook is 5,000 square feet and features eight betting windows, 21 self-service betting kiosks, 2 giant LED Video Walls, 38 TV monitors, and a full-service restaurant. The Washington Commanders served as the market access partner for the development.

The Fanatics Sportsbook will stand alongside the Washington Commanders Team Store, which Fanatics also operates. "Now in one location, fans will be able to place a sports wager, buy team merchandise and watch a game in the ultimate sports atmosphere," the parties said in a press statement.

The FedEx Field location will offer sports betting markets on all major events, not just the NFL, including professional and college football, basketball, hockey, and baseball, alongside tennis, soccer, golf, MMA, and boxing. The development and trading of sports betting markets will be done in-house at Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the sports merchandiser's new sports gambling division.

Thrilled to officially open our doors @FedExField and provide the ultimate fan experience to sports fans throughout the DMV 🤩 #FanaticsSportsbook pic.twitter.com/PKOnDosLZt
— Fanatics (@Fanatics) January 20, 2023

Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, said: "We are excited to bring the Fanatics Sportsbook to Maryland at FedExField. Our first retail location, with adjacency to the Commanders Team store, is a physical representation of what Fanatics will deliver to sports fans all over North America."

"We are rolling out our platform first at retail and we will have more exciting news to share in the coming months as we bring to market new mobile technology designed to improve the betting experience for sports fans," he further stated.

Jason Wright, Washington Commanders Team President, commented: "When our journey began over two years ago, we knew we had to reinvigorate the guest experience at FedEx Field and open the campus to the community. Today is a special moment in realizing that vision as we open this innovative sportsbook, operating seven days a week for sports fans throughout our community."

"We owe a debt of gratitude to former Governor Hogan, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, and numerous other elected leaders who supported our vision of an equity framework that will ensure minority participation in this venture; allowing us to do right by the community and the fans at the same time," he noted.

Charles Hopkins, Founder and Managing Principal of Hamilton Hall Real Estate Partners, added: "It is a special day to see the vision for legal sports wagering advocated by Maryland's legislative leaders come to fruition here in Prince George's County."

"I am honored to join forces with the Washington Commanders and Fanatics Betting and Gaming to offer a best-in-class sports betting experience. I am also grateful to Dan and Tanya Snyder for their leadership and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the sports betting business in Maryland," he concluded.

The first sportsbook inside an NFL stadium 👀

This morning, the @Fanatics Sportsbook at FedExField officially opened! pic.twitter.com/Ymb86w0eze
— FedExField (@FedExField) January 20, 2023

The first official bet at a Fanatics Sportsbook was placed by Commanders 2022 Fan of the Year Chris Bryant. He wagered $20 @ +167 on a hometown Moneyline parlay featuring the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals to win their next matchups.

BREAKING: Sources (us) confirm that @Fanatics made history today, opening the first sportsbook inside an NFL stadium ever! 😍🏈🏟️ #FanaticsSportsbook
— Fanatics (@Fanatics) January 20, 2023

The Fanatics Sportsbook at FedExField will be open seven days a week from 10 am - 12 am ET. Patrons can access the sportsbook from its own entrance located at Gate H, off Garrett Morgan Road and FedEx Way.

In accordance with the NFL's Commercial Gambling policy, the sportsbook will be open with food and beverage service but will not take any bets on the dates of Washington Commanders home games.