[More reaction, including from AG, Councilmembers, the Developer and Monumental, after the jump.]

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chairman Phil Mendelson and Members of the Council of the District of Columbia, and Chief Executive Officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment Ted Leonsis announced that they have reached a deal to transform and expand the Capital One Arena into a state-of-the-art urban arena that will be the home of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals through 2050. Read More

From The Capitals:

“The Washington Capitals unveiled today a special Cherry Blossom Capitals jersey as well as Capitals Cherry Blossom merchandise available for purchase at the Team Stores. Read More

“Who DID THIS?!” via @SenLouiseLucas

From Council Chairman Phil Mendelson:

“DC Council Chairman Mendelson released the following statement after news reports that the Virginia legislature may not fund Governor Youngkin’s proposed arena at Potomac Yard.

“The Arena and Monumental Sports have been partners with the District for almost 30 years, and a great asset to downtown,” Mendelson said. “As a deal in Virginia remains uncertain, the Council continues to be ready to welcome Monumental Sports’ change of mind. Read More

601 F Street, NW

First Mayor Bowser tweeted: “We intend to keep our end of the bargain and enforce the leases with Monumental that require the Wizards and Capitals to play at the arena through 2047 and the Mystics to play in Congress Heights through 2037.

If Monumental goes ahead and breaks its leases, the short-term impact will be tough, not only on the neighborhood, but on our entire city. But let me be clear: The city owns the land under the Capital One Arena and will own the building, should Monumental Sports break its lease.”

Monumental then tweeted: “We’ve been clear w/ @MayorBowser that we will honor agreements to play at the arenas. Caps & Wiz have the right to pay off the bond in 2027 & end the COA lease early – MSE plans to exercise that right. And the Mystics will play at ESA through 2037 (unless city agrees otherwise).” Read More

photo by Diane Krauthamer

Thanks to Matt (and others) for passing on:

“Dear Fans and Supporters,

I’m writing to update our community of fans, customers, athletes, employees, our union workforce, sponsors, partners and extended family members regarding last month’s announcement that Monumental Sports & Entertainment has reached a framework of an agreement for a public-private partnership to create a world-class Entertainment District at Potomac Yard, the cornerstone of which will be a brand new, state-of-the-art arena for the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

Since the announcement, I have heard from fans across the DMV regarding the potential creation of a new Entertainment District if all approvals are received. I appreciate all the support and excitement from fans and customers about this project and I certainly acknowledge concerns heard from passionate members of the community. I look forward to hearing from those who are concerned, working to address any issues raised and demonstrating why I believe this is the best decision for our fans, our thousands of full and part-time employees, the teams, the athletes, our partners, and the DMV.

I believe in the DMV and will always be an advocate for our extended community, for the benefit of our teams and fans. My goal is to always take the high road and I believe I have lived up to that. However, I feel that it is important for me to address you, our community, directly, presenting the facts of this project.

At the heart of this decision is my belief that this project will accomplish two critical objectives: Read More

rendering courtesy JBG

From Monumental Sports:

“Today, Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Founder, Chairman, Principal Partner, and CEO, Ted Leonsis, announced the company has reached a framework of an agreement for a public-private partnership to create a world-class Entertainment District in Alexandria at Potomac Yard, pending legislative approval and completion of definitive documents. This would relocate the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards’ home arena to Virginia beginning in 2028, should the proposal become finalized. Read More

No!!!!! https://t.co/OrVtwALbX5

— PoPville (@PoPville) December 12, 2023

This was supposed to be a hypothetical!!

UPDATE From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson unveiled legislation to support a complete renovation and modernization of the Capital One Arena. The legislation, which has unanimous support from the DC Council, outlines the District’s contribution of a half billion dollars to the modernization project to create a state-of-the-art urban arena and solidifies Monumental Sports and Entertainment as an economic anchor of the Gallery Place-Chinatown entertainment district and a destination for District residents and visitors.

“Downtown DC is the District’s economic engine that provides revenue resources to support important programs in the city. Mr. Leonsis and Monumental Sports have been critical partners in keeping our downtown thriving, especially after the pandemic. The modernization of the Capital One Arena will be an invaluable investment for continued success and our future prosperity,” said Mayor Bowser. “This proposal represents our best and final offer and is the next step in partnering with Monumental Sports to breathe new life and vibrancy into the neighborhood and to keep the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals where they belong – in Washington, DC.”

The legislation that Mayor Bowser submitted to the Council outlines the parameters of the agreement, including receiving the authority to enter into a lease extension and provide financing of $500 million toward the $800 million renovation project over a period of three years beginning in 2024. City leaders have also committed to a swift and expedited review and approval process to meet current construction plans for the arena. Read More

photo by Phil

Councilmember Brooke Pinto wrote in response to a Sports Illustrated article:

“A thriving Capitol One arena in the center of Downtown DC cannot be taken for granted. It is also vital for the economic recovery of our city. We must all stand together to ensure @MonSportsNet continue to call DC home.”

Sports Illustrated wrote: “Monumental Sports & Entertainment—the group that owns the Wizards and Capitals, as well as the Mystics—has reportedly spoken to governmental officials about potentially moving the two teams from Washington D.C. to Northern Virginia”

So if, God forbid, any of those teams moved – would you still support them? Would you travel to Crystal City/Ballston/Northern Virginia to catch a game live?

photo courtesy Jess Rapfogel

From the Capitals:

“The Washington Capitals, the National Hockey League (NHL) and adidas today unveiled their uniform for the 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series game. Specifically designed for the Saturday, Feb. 18, game, the uniforms will make their on-ice debut when the Capitals take on the Carolina Hurricanes outdoors at Carter-Finley Stadium on the campus of North Carolina State University at 8 p.m. In addition, the Capitals will also wear the uniform at Capital One Arena on Tuesday, Feb. 21, vs. the Detroit Red Wings. Read More

photo by JRichkus

From the Capitals:

“Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 18th, 19th and 20th goals of the season on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center to become the third player in NHL history to reach the 800-goal mark, joining Hall of Famers Gordie Howe (801) and Wayne Gretzky (894).” Read More