Shaded Seats at Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field)

Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field) is an open-air stadium located in Landover, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC. It serves as the home of the Washington Commanders of the NFL and hosts occasional college football, soccer games, and concerts throughout the year. The Washington, DC area is known for its hot and humid climate, with warm days that can extend late into the fall. Spectators planning to attend events can use this guide along with the stadium’s seating chart to find the best shaded seats at Northwest Stadium.

Where are the seats in the shade and sun at Northwest Stadium?

Typically, the seats in the shade at Northwest Stadium are located:

• South Sideline: Shaded on the Commanders’ home side of the field
• West End Zone: Shaded for late afternoon and evening events

And the seats in the sun at Northwest Stadium are located:

• North Sideline: Sun soaked on the visitors’ side of the field

Most football games at Northwest Stadium kick off at 1:00 p.m., with the occasional night game or late afternoon start. Soccer games and concerts are often scheduled for late afternoon. For specific details about shaded sections at different start times, please continue reading.

Northwest Stadium Orientation to the Sun

Northwest Stadium is oriented northwest to southeast. By noon, the sun is high in the sky near the east end zone. Over the course of the afternoon, it dips down behind the south side of the stadium and eventually sets near the west end zone. This configuration generally makes the south side of the stadium the “shade side” and leaves the north side the sunniest.

The graphic below shows the approximate location of the sun throughout the day on September 1st.

See an interactive seating chart for the next event at Northwest Stadium

Seats in the Sun and Shade at Early Afternoon Northwest Stadium Games

Northwest Stadium, a fairly generic NFL stadium, features three levels of seating plus luxury suites, encircling the field in an oval shape. With no roof or cover, most seats are exposed to the sun and elements. The last few rows in the lower and middle levels receive some overhang cover from the section above, but generally, the side of the field you choose is more critical for shade than seeking cover.

At the start of an early day game, the sun begins near the east end zone. As it traverses the afternoon sky, it begins to fall behind the south side of the field. Consequently, fans in sections 101-105, 138-142, 301-305, and 338-342 will experience shade first. In the upper bowl, sections 401-404 and 451-454 will be shaded once the sun dips below the stadium’s structure. Seats in the northwest corner of the stadium, near the west end zone, will also eventually find shade too.

The sunniest seats are on the north side of the field, particularly in sections 117-126 and 317-326, which are most exposed to the sun. Upper-level sections 424-431 also receive ample sunlight.

By mid-afternoon seats on the south side of the stadium (right) are shaded while those on the north side of the stadium (left) are still in the sun.
Mil image / Alamy Stock Photo

Seats in the Sun and Shade at Late Afternoon Northwest Stadium Games

For games or events starting after 4:00 p.m., it’s much easier to find a shaded seat than one in the sun. During late afternoon games, most seats on the south side of the field and sections behind the west end zone will be shaded for most, if not all, of the game. Seats on the north side will remain in sunlight the longest. Also be aware that on the north side of the stadium, the setting sun will be in your eyes rather than at your back.

Ready to buy shaded seats at Northwest Stadium?

Use the individual game links or click or tap here to see the Washington Commanders upcoming game list.