Commanders Fans Left Locked in Vienna Metro Station for Five Minutes After Game

Roughly 150 passengers found themselves trapped inside the Vienna Metro station in Northern Virginia around 1:30 a.m. Sunday following a Washington Commanders football game. The group had ridden the Orange Line from Landover, Maryland, through Washington, D.C., to the terminus of the route. Upon arrival, they discovered the station entrances were locked, and no transit staff were present to assist them.

The incident was captured on video by Chris Comerford, who posts under the handle DMV Adventures. In the footage, Comerford expressed surprise at the situation, asking if the station was truly locked. He noted that both sides of the station were sealed off with no employees visible. The video showed a crowd of frustrated fans waiting on the platform and in the concourse area.

Metro officials stated that their standard procedure for late-night events involves closing station entrances that are far from the game venue. While stations near the stadium remain open, those further out, like Vienna, are typically locked to manage passenger flow. The agency confirmed that Sunday service ends at midnight, making this the final run for the day.

After reviewing video footage, Metro determined that passengers were confined to the station for approximately five minutes. The agency released a statement apologizing to the affected customers. They said they are currently reviewing the incident to understand why the gates were not reopened promptly when the last train arrived.

Comerford described the experience as unsettling. He said he began to wonder how the group would exit if the staff never showed up, as there was no other way out. He estimated the wait felt longer than five minutes from his perspective. Eventually, a Metro employee arrived and unlocked the gates. Comerford said the staff member was apologetic and kind, bringing immediate relief to the trapped crowd.

The delay occurred after the Commanders secured a victory on Sunday Night Football. Metro typically extends service until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. On Sundays, the system closes earlier, which contributed to the logistical challenge of moving large numbers of fans home after the event.

No injuries were reported during the incident. The station reopened to the public after the final group of fans exited. Metro continues to monitor the process used for large sporting events to prevent similar delays in the future.