LANDOVER, MD — About 600 students from Northern Virginia and Prince George's County celebrated Halloween at Northwest Stadium, where the Washington Commanders and Northwest Federal Credit Union transformed more than 30 stadium suites into trick-or-treat stops.
The event, held Thursday for the third consecutive year, was designed for children who might not otherwise have access to a traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating experience.
Students from Forest Grove Elementary School in Sterling and Gholson Elementary and Middle School in Landover walked through decorated suites, collecting candy from volunteers and representatives of participating organizations.
They also met Commanders guard Sam Cosmi, former Washington players, team mascot Major Tuddy and the Command Force entertainment team.
For some students, the experience carried special meaning.
Zache Beebe, assistant principal at Forest Grove Elementary, said one student cried after learning he would get to visit the stadium. The student regularly watches Commanders games with his father and was excited to see the team's home field in person.
"Some kids even have issues with daily transportation, so for them to be able to have transportation provided to come out here and have a safe trick-or-treat experience that is paid for, it is all just a positive for the kids and the community," Beebe said.
Northwest Federal Credit Union organized the event through its partnership as the Commanders' official credit union.
Jeff Bentley, Northwest's president and CEO, said the celebration helps provide a Halloween experience for children who lack safe places to trick-or-treat.
"We get to be their neighborhood and be a part of bringing them such a memorable holiday experience," Bentley said.
For John A., a sixth grader at Gholson Middle School, the event was an opportunity he might otherwise have missed.
"Today was my main chance to trick-or-treat and I just feel happy and grateful," he said.
The students left with bags of candy and memories of a Halloween celebration inside the NFL stadium.
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