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).” (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: (more…)


From the Nationals:

“The Washington Nationals on Tuesday added All-Star and World Series champion pitcher Sean Doolittle to their staff as a Pitching Strategist. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

In this role, Doolittle will serve as a liaison between the analytics department and pitching staff, while assisting the manager and pitching coach with strategy, mental preparation and mechanics. (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. (more…)


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. (more…)


From the Nationals:

“Just in time for the holidays, the Washington Nationals today unveiled highlights of the club’s 2024 promotional schedule, featuring an exciting array of exclusive bobbleheads, collectibles and experiences for adults and kids alike.

Several fan-favorites return, such as City Connect apparel, player bobbleheads and more, joining plenty of new giveaways including Nationals-themed hockey, football and soccer jerseys. Also new this year, the Nationals are expanding multiple popular theme days into theme weekends – with three days each celebrating the 2019 World Champion Nationals, the 1924 World Champion Senators, and the ever-popular STAR WARS™ franchise. (more…)



“Proposed NPS plan that includes removal of 1,200 trees.” via Casey Trees

Thanks to J. for passing on from Casey Trees:

“Calling all Casey Trees Advocates – Save Trees in Rock Creek Park

Your Advocacy is Needed TODAY:

Tell the National Park Service (NPS) not to cut down 1,200 trees in Rock Creek Park by submitting comments on their plan to rehabilitate the Rock Creek Golf Course. Your comments are easily submitted through NPS’ online form.

Guidance on how to provide comments and a recommended template are provided further down in this article.

What is Happening: (more…)


View More Stories