Wizards and Caps could be moving to Potomac Yard

[Anonymous]

Just makes me sad. So many people worked so hard to bring back DC's downtown three decades ago. Now it's all over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:All is not lost. Read about how Connecticut tried to get the Patriots to move to CT in the late 90s, which was basically a done deal….until it wasn’t.

Enough with this conspiracy theory. It’s not an act.

You don’t get the governor to change his schedule unless the deal is already signed.

I lived through the Patriots’ threatened move to CT. Complete with pressers with the CT gov. Did you read the SI article that’s a recap of events? There were loopholes in the agreement; MA political leaders woke up; shock, Pats found issues with the site and break the deal. Pats do not move to CT.

Big difference. You are talking about an aborted move that would have been a considerable distance from the Patriots location and much of its fan base. The Caps and Wizards are moving like 3 or 4 miles south on two of the same Metro lines, and adjacent to Washington's "downtown" airport.

[Anonymous]

"Where have you gone, Mayor Williams?
The District turns its lonely eyes to you.
Woo, woo, woo."

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:If you read the announcement, can't tell if it is real or just a negotiating tactic to get a better deal from DC.

It's a non-binding, MOU that of course still needs lots of approvals from VA government and I would imagine a bunch of other various authorities. Best case, the teams could start playing in 2028....but do these things ever come on-line according to the best case?

Dude. It's done.

So, what am I missing? Why are you saying it's a done deal?

It has to go through the VA legislature, and I am sure some local NIMBYs will fight it, but ya, its done.

But it's a non-binding MOU...is there something indicated in the press release or otherwise where you are attributing more significance to at least the official announcement? It even says that Leonsis is free to keep negotiating with DC.

I get that Bowser and the DC Council screwed this up royally...but money solves everything. They probably have to pony up more than $600MM now...and not saying they will budge on their current offer...but seems like the voices are loud enough she might.

The pure enthusiasm shared by the Governor, the Mayor, the US Senator and the state senate leader-elect was off the charts. That doesn’t really come through in a press release on the internet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Where have you gone, Mayor Williams?
The District turns its lonely eyes to you.
Woo, woo, woo."

Whoever you are, I'm 100% certain that you are not the future of DC.

[Anonymous]

Baltimore looking better and better these days!

[Anonymous]

People who think this is not a done deal are nuts. I watched the press conference. Virginia thought this through in a coordinated way and was rewarded. As a 40 year resident of DC, I am embarrassed.

[Anonymous]

People seem to want to blame crime and an admittedly incompetent district government and bureaucracy but it’s really more than that. The District simply lacks any vision for a dynamic economy. RTO is definitely not going to return so what is the district left with? Virtually nothing. Been to K Street lately? It’s a ghost town.

[Anonymous]

Anyone who thinks this is a done deal hasn't been watching Alexandria politics/NIMBYism for the last couple of years.

[Anonymous]

It's true. The people who built the arena and brought the teams downtown had a vision. No vision now and no understanding of economics.

[Anonymous]

I just got the email from Monumental Sports - it is a done deal!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you read the announcement, can't tell if it is real or just a negotiating tactic to get a better deal from DC.

It's a non-binding, MOU that of course still needs lots of approvals from VA government and I would imagine a bunch of other various authorities. Best case, the teams could start playing in 2028....but do these things ever come on-line according to the best case?

Dude. It's done.

So, what am I missing? Why are you saying it's a done deal?

It has to go through the VA legislature, and I am sure some local NIMBYs will fight it, but ya, its done.

But it's a non-binding MOU...is there something indicated in the press release or otherwise where you are attributing more significance to at least the official announcement? It even says that Leonsis is free to keep negotiating with DC.

I get that Bowser and the DC Council screwed this up royally...but money solves everything. They probably have to pony up more than $600MM now...and not saying they will budge on their current offer...but seems like the voices are loud enough she might.

The pure enthusiasm shared by the Governor, the Mayor, the US Senator and the state senate leader-elect was off the charts. That doesn’t really come through in a press release on the internet.

DC has nothing similar. Leonsis' body language was not only happy but I thought, relieved. I changed jobs to get out of Chinatown, even before cv was grim. I don't envy him going in daily. Sure he won't miss the vibe.

[Anonymous]

Dear Fans and Supporters,

I am thrilled to share with you a development which marks a potentially transformational new chapter for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, our teams, and the entire DMV – and reaffirms our commitment to our fans to offer a best-in-class experience.

While we are still in the early stages, we have reached an understanding for a framework of an agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Alexandria, and JBG Smith for a public-private partnership that would create a world-class Entertainment District at Potomac Yard in Alexandria, VA. Pending General Assembly and City Council approval, this project will become a catalyst for innovation and economic growth, uniting D.C., Maryland, and Virginia into a year-round destination for unforgettable experiences for our fans.

Our vision for the Entertainment District is to create a dynamic campus where our Washington Capitals and Wizards play in a state-of-the-art arena, complemented by a performing arts venue, new retail outlets, restaurants, and community spaces—easily accessible by metro and a variety of other transportation options. Your excellent experience will be the priority for the design. Upon completion, we believe this unparalleled development will rank as one of the very best in all of sports & entertainment, matching our world-class fanbases.

This project is expected to break ground in 2025 and open its doors in 2028. This Entertainment District is envisioned to be a lively, 365-day regional destination. The Entertainment District will also include a state-of-the-art production facility for Monumental Sports Network, a Wizards practice facility, and a modern corporate headquarters for Monumental Sports & Entertainment. We're excited for you to see this project come to life and invite you to visit www.monumentalalx.com to see a glimpse of what we envision for this Entertainment District.

While this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand, we hope Capital One Arena and downtown D.C. remain an essential part of our future. Our plan is to have the Capitals and Wizards continue to play at Capital One Arena through the 2027 season and we hope that we will have the opportunity to continue to operate Capital One Arena even after the new campus opens in Virginia.

We have plans to support ongoing development of Capital One Arena, and Monumental would continue to invest in the building and maintain its standing as one of the busiest arenas in the nation – continuing to host world-class live entertainment, covering a wide spectrum of music, comedy, cultural, community, and sporting events. Post-2027, a key component in our strategy for Capital One Arena will be enhancing the arena’s flexibility to adapt the seating capacity to suit various event types, audience sizes and event dynamics.

In recognition of the significant growth in the WNBA's viewership and fan engagement, we’re also anticipating the Washington Mystics will need a larger venue in the next 3-5 years and would like to explore the option for the Mystics to transition into making Capital One Arena their home. Such a move would be a testament to their success and the burgeoning appeal of women's sports.

Additionally, we expect Capital One Arena to expand its scope and serve as a versatile partner to the Convention Center in the future, when we can leverage our ability to secure event dates well in advance and when we have the flexibility to hold more daytime events. This strategic shift will enable us to maintain the arena’s vital role in the community.

We believe the unique opportunity we have for an Entertainment District at Potomac Yard and a vibrant, flexible sports and entertainment venue at Capital One Arena will not only offer DMV fans unparalleled access to world-class sports and entertainment but also serve as a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional fan experiences, uniting communities, and fostering economic growth for the entire region.

We understand you may have questions, and we are committed to keeping you informed along the way.

Your passion and support have been the driving force behind our endeavors, and we can't wait to embark on this journey with you. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of this exciting new chapter in our shared story.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of our vision and ambition.

Ted

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone who thinks this is a done deal hasn't been watching Alexandria politics/NIMBYism for the last couple of years.

They are putting it in Potomac Yards next to the river, not on King St or in the heart of Del Ray.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's true. The people who built the arena and brought the teams downtown had a vision. No vision now and no understanding of economics.

No, the activists think this is a money grab and win for them. To your quote, I'd add, no valuing of relationships. Not with Leonsis, not with small business owners, not with families.