WMATA Reroutes Buses for NFL Draft Event

WMATA P41 and P61 buses detour around Northwest Stadium for NFL Draft Party on April 23

WMATA Reroutes P41, P61 Buses for NFL Draft Event

Two WMATA bus routes will detour around Northwest Stadium on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as the venue hosts an NFL Draft Party. Routes P41 and P61 will bypass Sean Taylor Road between Sheriff Road and Ring Road due to street closures for the event. The detours affect service from early afternoon through late evening, with specific timing varying by route and direction.

Street Closure Prompts Service Adjustments

The detours are necessary because Sean Taylor Road between Sheriff Road and Ring Road will be closed for the NFL Draft Party, transit officials said. WMATA typically implements temporary route changes when major events at Northwest Stadium require street closures in the surrounding area. The agency coordinates with event organizers and local authorities to minimize disruption while maintaining access to the stadium. Route modifications for special events are common practice for transit systems serving major sports and entertainment venues.

Different Timing for Each Route Direction

Route P41 Landover Road eastbound will detour from 5pm to 9pm only on April 23, while the westbound direction toward Capital Plaza won't require any detour. Route P61 Glenarden-Suitland will detour from 1pm to 1:30am in both directions, covering the full duration of the event and post-event dispersal. WMATA has provided specific alternate routes for each affected direction, though the exact street-by-street detour paths weren't detailed in the advisory. Passengers are advised to allow additional travel time and avoid the area if possible.

Advisory Effective Through April 24

The service advisory remains in effect from April 23, 2026, through April 24, 2026, covering the event period and restoration of normal routes. WMATA recommends that riders sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service information during the detour period. Officials said specific detour routes have been provided for each affected direction, though implementation details will be communicated closer to the event date.

Riders Should Plan for Delays Near Stadium

Passengers using routes P41 and P61 near Northwest Stadium should expect longer travel times during the detour periods on April 23. Those traveling to or from the stadium area may want to consider alternative routes or departure times to avoid the busiest periods. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and detour updates for WMATA routes, helping riders navigate temporary service changes during special events.