Wizards and Caps could be moving to Potomac Yard

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So how does Ted go back to Mayor Bowser at this point? He has burned so many bridges with the fans and the city. Maybe he will just sell the teams.

He won't go back to Bowser. He'll push this ahead and they'll make it happen in Virginia. I really hope to be proven wrong — I live in D.C. and don't want to see the teams move, and I think it's a bad deal for our neighbors across the river — but I think people who oppose it are being a little quick to declare victory.

If they miss this legislative session, they won't be able to get the arena built before the CaptialOne lease expires. So I guess they play i Richmond or Baltimore for a year?

I'm sure they can work out a one-year lease extension (at higher rates) if it comes down to that. Or they'll build it sooner. Or they'll go ahead and start construction without the legislative approval. The point is, I bet this thing is going to happen no matter how many people correctly think it shouldn't, and looking at all the ways it could go wrong is just copium for opponents (which, again, to be clear, very much includes me).

And why would DC help out Ted in this situation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.alxnow.com/2024/02/27/alexandria-republicans-join-opposition-to-potomac-yard-arena/

Northern VA Republicans join opposition to Potomac Yard arena

" This is not the type of deal an ordinary retail establishment or restaurateur would get. Instead, it’s a deal reserved for the privileged and well-connected few. This goes against our vision for the future of the party and undermines our party’s values of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity. We believe in policies that benefit all Virginians, not just the elite few. We cannot support a deal that undermines these core principles."

I'm not a Republican, but I applaud this message and agree with their words.

Watching this project crumble is hilarious. I know a lot of people are against it, but I think the labor union promises didn’t help, and of course making taxpayers fork over money too.

It's not just that a lot of people are against it. Aside form Ted and the politicians backing it, no one is for it. The local residents don't want it, state tax payers don't want to pay for it, fans don't want it.... I live in Alexandria and I have yet to hear anyone even on the fence about it; everyone is against it

Oh bullschitt. I’m a lifelong Alexandrian and at least half the people I know are for it, myself included. Do better. Surely you know that the loudest voices aren’t always representative of majority opinion.

I've lived in Alexandria for 15 years, worked in it for 25. I don't know of one single person who's for it. Not one.

I would say you're the outlier.

But, we can put it to a referendum and see what the city residents really think.

DP, I've also lived in Alexandria for 15 years, and I'm for it too. Lots of people I know are for it too. But, the people opposed are pretty vocal, and mildly intimidating in their opposition, so when I encounter that I just say nothing. No need to fight with a neighbor about a stadium on behalf of a billionaire.

That said, I agree with a referendum. Nobody on council nor the mayor ran on this issue, so it's not like they have an implied mandate.

Can I ask genuinely why you support the arena?

The jobs it "creates" are either going to be temporary construction, or imported from the existing stadium. It's not like the jobs are going to be brand new contributions.

There is no traffic solution. We all know that.

Do you really think it will be such a big economic success? With the 100 million spend by the city of Alexandria, and billion dollars by the state of Virginia?

I sincerely want to know what grounds you support it's addition to PY.

PP you're responding to. I've listened to all of the sessions the City has held on this, and while I'm not an economist - at all - it does seem like this is a good revenue generator for us. It seems like they've taken a conservative approach in their estimates, and that this won't cost us, as residents, any money.

Besides the economics, I like the idea of a concert venue within the City limits. The Birchmere is great, but it's small and doesn't attract many acts I'm interested in. I like the idea of taking my kids to a safe sporting facility a couple times a year. Also, it just seems fun, and way more entertaining than office buildings or condos. I don't drive over there very often, so honestly I don't care passionately about the traffic, although it does seem that they have a framework for dealing with that. Although I drive most places, I do see this as a place that I would take public transportation to get to.

The jobs aspect isn't that high of a concern for me.

I think you're probably a bit naive, or gullible when it comes to politicians.

It's also quite clear that you don't live near or navigate through Potomac Yards frequently. It is already a big clusterfark, What transportation "framework" are you an optimist about? The brand new metro station has already been deemed inadequate to handle stadium visitors. The roads cannot be widened. There is no solution--period. People are not going to want to take the blue/yellow line to a station that, again, will need to be heavily modified even though it's less than a year old. The roads cannot accommodate increased vehicles - it already takes people 20 minutes to drive a mile during rush hour (thanks, Maryland drivers).

A performing arts center with retail, dining, housing, is one thing. A massive sports arena is another, and there is no positive outcome for the neighborhood for this. The financials are also based on people wanting to come out to PY in the first place - it simply isn't accessible.

[Anonymous]

Was just at the arena to see the Wizards and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the current arena. It's clean, in good shape, wasn't crowded. I see no reason why my tax dollars should support a new one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So how does Ted go back to Mayor Bowser at this point? He has burned so many bridges with the fans and the city. Maybe he will just sell the teams.

He won't go back to Bowser. He'll push this ahead and they'll make it happen in Virginia. I really hope to be proven wrong — I live in D.C. and don't want to see the teams move, and I think it's a bad deal for our neighbors across the river — but I think people who oppose it are being a little quick to declare victory.

If they miss this legislative session, they won't be able to get the arena built before the CaptialOne lease expires. So I guess they play i Richmond or Baltimore for a year?

I'm sure they can work out a one-year lease extension (at higher rates) if it comes down to that. Or they'll build it sooner. Or they'll go ahead and start construction without the legislative approval. The point is, I bet this thing is going to happen no matter how many people correctly think it shouldn't, and looking at all the ways it could go wrong is just copium for opponents (which, again, to be clear, very much includes me).

And why would DC help out Ted in this situation?

Why would they not want to take a $100 million payment or so and delay demolition if they have the chance?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.alxnow.com/2024/02/27/alexandria-republicans-join-opposition-to-potomac-yard-arena/

Northern VA Republicans join opposition to Potomac Yard arena

" This is not the type of deal an ordinary retail establishment or restaurateur would get. Instead, it’s a deal reserved for the privileged and well-connected few. This goes against our vision for the future of the party and undermines our party’s values of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity. We believe in policies that benefit all Virginians, not just the elite few. We cannot support a deal that undermines these core principles."

I'm not a Republican, but I applaud this message and agree with their words.

Watching this project crumble is hilarious. I know a lot of people are against it, but I think the labor union promises didn’t help, and of course making taxpayers fork over money too.

It's not just that a lot of people are against it. Aside form Ted and the politicians backing it, no one is for it. The local residents don't want it, state tax payers don't want to pay for it, fans don't want it.... I live in Alexandria and I have yet to hear anyone even on the fence about it; everyone is against it

Oh bullschitt. I’m a lifelong Alexandrian and at least half the people I know are for it, myself included. Do better. Surely you know that the loudest voices aren’t always representative of majority opinion.

I've lived in Alexandria for 15 years, worked in it for 25. I don't know of one single person who's for it. Not one.

I would say you're the outlier.

But, we can put it to a referendum and see what the city residents really think.

DP, I've also lived in Alexandria for 15 years, and I'm for it too. Lots of people I know are for it too. But, the people opposed are pretty vocal, and mildly intimidating in their opposition, so when I encounter that I just say nothing. No need to fight with a neighbor about a stadium on behalf of a billionaire.

That said, I agree with a referendum. Nobody on council nor the mayor ran on this issue, so it's not like they have an implied mandate.

Can I ask genuinely why you support the arena?

The jobs it "creates" are either going to be temporary construction, or imported from the existing stadium. It's not like the jobs are going to be brand new contributions.

There is no traffic solution. We all know that.

Do you really think it will be such a big economic success? With the 100 million spend by the city of Alexandria, and billion dollars by the state of Virginia?

I sincerely want to know what grounds you support it's addition to PY.

PP you're responding to. I've listened to all of the sessions the City has held on this, and while I'm not an economist - at all - it does seem like this is a good revenue generator for us. It seems like they've taken a conservative approach in their estimates, and that this won't cost us, as residents, any money.

Besides the economics, I like the idea of a concert venue within the City limits. The Birchmere is great, but it's small and doesn't attract many acts I'm interested in. I like the idea of taking my kids to a safe sporting facility a couple times a year. Also, it just seems fun, and way more entertaining than office buildings or condos. I don't drive over there very often, so honestly I don't care passionately about the traffic, although it does seem that they have a framework for dealing with that. Although I drive most places, I do see this as a place that I would take public transportation to get to.

The jobs aspect isn't that high of a concern for me.

I think you're probably a bit naive, or gullible when it comes to politicians.

It's also quite clear that you don't live near or navigate through Potomac Yards frequently. It is already a big clusterfark, What transportation "framework" are you an optimist about? The brand new metro station has already been deemed inadequate to handle stadium visitors. The roads cannot be widened. There is no solution--period. People are not going to want to take the blue/yellow line to a station that, again, will need to be heavily modified even though it's less than a year old. The roads cannot accommodate increased vehicles - it already takes people 20 minutes to drive a mile during rush hour (thanks, Maryland drivers).

A performing arts center with retail, dining, housing, is one thing. A massive sports arena is another, and there is no positive outcome for the neighborhood for this. The financials are also based on people wanting to come out to PY in the first place - it simply isn't accessible.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.alxnow.com/2024/02/27/alexandria-republicans-join-opposition-to-potomac-yard-arena/

Northern VA Republicans join opposition to Potomac Yard arena

" This is not the type of deal an ordinary retail establishment or restaurateur would get. Instead, it’s a deal reserved for the privileged and well-connected few. This goes against our vision for the future of the party and undermines our party’s values of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity. We believe in policies that benefit all Virginians, not just the elite few. We cannot support a deal that undermines these core principles."

I'm not a Republican, but I applaud this message and agree with their words.

Watching this project crumble is hilarious. I know a lot of people are against it, but I think the labor union promises didn’t help, and of course making taxpayers fork over money too.

It's not just that a lot of people are against it. Aside form Ted and the politicians backing it, no one is for it. The local residents don't want it, state tax payers don't want to pay for it, fans don't want it.... I live in Alexandria and I have yet to hear anyone even on the fence about it; everyone is against it

Oh bullschitt. I’m a lifelong Alexandrian and at least half the people I know are for it, myself included. Do better. Surely you know that the loudest voices aren’t always representative of majority opinion.

I've lived in Alexandria for 15 years, worked in it for 25. I don't know of one single person who's for it. Not one.

I would say you're the outlier.

But, we can put it to a referendum and see what the city residents really think.

DP, I've also lived in Alexandria for 15 years, and I'm for it too. Lots of people I know are for it too. But, the people opposed are pretty vocal, and mildly intimidating in their opposition, so when I encounter that I just say nothing. No need to fight with a neighbor about a stadium on behalf of a billionaire.

That said, I agree with a referendum. Nobody on council nor the mayor ran on this issue, so it's not like they have an implied mandate.

Can I ask genuinely why you support the arena?

The jobs it "creates" are either going to be temporary construction, or imported from the existing stadium. It's not like the jobs are going to be brand new contributions.

There is no traffic solution. We all know that.

Do you really think it will be such a big economic success? With the 100 million spend by the city of Alexandria, and billion dollars by the state of Virginia?

I sincerely want to know what grounds you support it's addition to PY.

PP you're responding to. I've listened to all of the sessions the City has held on this, and while I'm not an economist - at all - it does seem like this is a good revenue generator for us. It seems like they've taken a conservative approach in their estimates, and that this won't cost us, as residents, any money.

Besides the economics, I like the idea of a concert venue within the City limits. The Birchmere is great, but it's small and doesn't attract many acts I'm interested in. I like the idea of taking my kids to a safe sporting facility a couple times a year. Also, it just seems fun, and way more entertaining than office buildings or condos. I don't drive over there very often, so honestly I don't care passionately about the traffic, although it does seem that they have a framework for dealing with that. Although I drive most places, I do see this as a place that I would take public transportation to get to.

The jobs aspect isn't that high of a concern for me.

This is the best laugh I've had all day.

https://wtop.com/alexandria/2024/02/analysis-of-potomac-yard-revenue-may-overestimate-virginia-profits-economist-says/

[Anonymous]

Lots of derision in here from armchair economists. I get that’s what this place is all about, but it’s still amazing folks think their side is the only one worth considering.

Folks who have watched how things work for a minute know this project is going ahead. Can’t wait to head to my first concert there in about four years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So how does Ted go back to Mayor Bowser at this point? He has burned so many bridges with the fans and the city. Maybe he will just sell the teams.

He won't go back to Bowser. He'll push this ahead and they'll make it happen in Virginia. I really hope to be proven wrong — I live in D.C. and don't want to see the teams move, and I think it's a bad deal for our neighbors across the river — but I think people who oppose it are being a little quick to declare victory.

If they miss this legislative session, they won't be able to get the arena built before the CaptialOne lease expires. So I guess they play i Richmond or Baltimore for a year?

I'm sure they can work out a one-year lease extension (at higher rates) if it comes down to that. Or they'll build it sooner. Or they'll go ahead and start construction without the legislative approval. The point is, I bet this thing is going to happen no matter how many people correctly think it shouldn't, and looking at all the ways it could go wrong is just copium for opponents (which, again, to be clear, very much includes me).

And why would DC help out Ted in this situation?

Why would they not want to take a $100 million payment or so and delay demolition if they have the chance?

I doubt $100M is enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.alxnow.com/2024/02/27/alexandria-republicans-join-opposition-to-potomac-yard-arena/

Northern VA Republicans join opposition to Potomac Yard arena

" This is not the type of deal an ordinary retail establishment or restaurateur would get. Instead, it’s a deal reserved for the privileged and well-connected few. This goes against our vision for the future of the party and undermines our party’s values of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity. We believe in policies that benefit all Virginians, not just the elite few. We cannot support a deal that undermines these core principles."

I'm not a Republican, but I applaud this message and agree with their words.

Watching this project crumble is hilarious. I know a lot of people are against it, but I think the labor union promises didn’t help, and of course making taxpayers fork over money too.

It's not just that a lot of people are against it. Aside form Ted and the politicians backing it, no one is for it. The local residents don't want it, state tax payers don't want to pay for it, fans don't want it.... I live in Alexandria and I have yet to hear anyone even on the fence about it; everyone is against it

Oh bullschitt. I’m a lifelong Alexandrian and at least half the people I know are for it, myself included. Do better. Surely you know that the loudest voices aren’t always representative of majority opinion.

I've lived in Alexandria for 15 years, worked in it for 25. I don't know of one single person who's for it. Not one.

I would say you're the outlier.

But, we can put it to a referendum and see what the city residents really think.

DP, I've also lived in Alexandria for 15 years, and I'm for it too. Lots of people I know are for it too. But, the people opposed are pretty vocal, and mildly intimidating in their opposition, so when I encounter that I just say nothing. No need to fight with a neighbor about a stadium on behalf of a billionaire.

That said, I agree with a referendum. Nobody on council nor the mayor ran on this issue, so it's not like they have an implied mandate.

Can I ask genuinely why you support the arena?

The jobs it "creates" are either going to be temporary construction, or imported from the existing stadium. It's not like the jobs are going to be brand new contributions.

There is no traffic solution. We all know that.

Do you really think it will be such a big economic success? With the 100 million spend by the city of Alexandria, and billion dollars by the state of Virginia?

I sincerely want to know what grounds you support it's addition to PY.

PP you're responding to. I've listened to all of the sessions the City has held on this, and while I'm not an economist - at all - it does seem like this is a good revenue generator for us. It seems like they've taken a conservative approach in their estimates, and that this won't cost us, as residents, any money.

Besides the economics, I like the idea of a concert venue within the City limits. The Birchmere is great, but it's small and doesn't attract many acts I'm interested in. I like the idea of taking my kids to a safe sporting facility a couple times a year. Also, it just seems fun, and way more entertaining than office buildings or condos. I don't drive over there very often, so honestly I don't care passionately about the traffic, although it does seem that they have a framework for dealing with that. Although I drive most places, I do see this as a place that I would take public transportation to get to.

The jobs aspect isn't that high of a concern for me.

It isn't a revenue generator though. All of the money that was supposed to go back into the coffers from the Metro station will now go to the arena. Plus, if they don't meet projections on things like ticket sales and concessions, then the taxpayers have to cover the shortfall. So given the transportation issues, the likelihood of short ticket sales (or non-existent ticket sales in the case of the Wizards) the project will be vacuuming money away from Alexandria and into the Arena.

Like I said, I've only been listening to the many sessions the City has held on this, and I guess I believe their estimates. I understand that people don't, but it seems like they are well researched and valid, so I'm going to go with that. I don't have the background, inclination or means to do my own research or studies on this, and I'm an optimist. I think this can work.

And, presumably, you believe everything a politician or used car salesmen says.

+1

I laughed out loud when I read that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of derision in here from armchair economists. I get that’s what this place is all about, but it’s still amazing folks think their side is the only one worth considering.

Folks who have watched how things work for a minute know this project is going ahead. Can’t wait to head to my first concert there in about four years.

And 15 years from now when Virginia's finances are a shambles, I guess we can all come back here and say "gee I guess the economists were wrong"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So how does Ted go back to Mayor Bowser at this point? He has burned so many bridges with the fans and the city. Maybe he will just sell the teams.

He won't go back to Bowser. He'll push this ahead and they'll make it happen in Virginia. I really hope to be proven wrong — I live in D.C. and don't want to see the teams move, and I think it's a bad deal for our neighbors across the river — but I think people who oppose it are being a little quick to declare victory.

If they miss this legislative session, they won't be able to get the arena built before the CaptialOne lease expires. So I guess they play i Richmond or Baltimore for a year?

I'm sure they can work out a one-year lease extension (at higher rates) if it comes down to that. Or they'll build it sooner. Or they'll go ahead and start construction without the legislative approval. The point is, I bet this thing is going to happen no matter how many people correctly think it shouldn't, and looking at all the ways it could go wrong is just copium for opponents (which, again, to be clear, very much includes me).

And why would DC help out Ted in this situation?

Why would they not want to take a $100 million payment or so and delay demolition if they have the chance?

I doubt $100M is enough.

Well, however much it is — if the arena in Virginia is a year away and he needs a place to play, he'd pay it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lots of derision in here from armchair economists. I get that’s what this place is all about, but it’s still amazing folks think their side is the only one worth considering.

Folks who have watched how things work for a minute know this project is going ahead. Can’t wait to head to my first concert there in about four years.

And 15 years from now when Virginia's finances are a shambles, I guess we can all come back here and say "gee I guess the economists were wrong"

Even if this is a huge loser, a $1.6B charge won’t leave Virginia’s finances in “shambles.” And it won’t be a loser. It’s fair to be skeptical of the potential ceiling for the economic benefits, but I don’t think this thing leaves VA or ALX holding the proverbial bag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lots of derision in here from armchair economists. I get that’s what this place is all about, but it’s still amazing folks think their side is the only one worth considering.

Folks who have watched how things work for a minute know this project is going ahead. Can’t wait to head to my first concert there in about four years.

And 15 years from now when Virginia's finances are a shambles, I guess we can all come back here and say "gee I guess the economists were wrong"

Even if this is a huge loser, a $1.6B charge won’t leave Virginia’s finances in “shambles.” And it won’t be a loser. It’s fair to be skeptical of the potential ceiling for the economic benefits, but I don’t think this thing leaves VA or ALX holding the proverbial bag.

When you total it all up, it is closer to $5billion, but okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of derision in here from armchair economists. I get that’s what this place is all about, but it’s still amazing folks think their side is the only one worth considering.

Folks who have watched how things work for a minute know this project is going ahead. Can’t wait to head to my first concert there in about four years.

I dislike this project, but totally agree with you, it's going to happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lots of derision in here from armchair economists. I get that’s what this place is all about, but it’s still amazing folks think their side is the only one worth considering.

Folks who have watched how things work for a minute know this project is going ahead. Can’t wait to head to my first concert there in about four years.

I dislike this project, but totally agree with you, it's going to happen.

Whether it happens or not, no one knows. But I know that I will not attend Caps or Wizards games at PY. Not worth 80-90 minutes of travel time each way.