Thanks to Campbell for sending:
“in honor of the commanders and ravens playing in the playoffs this upcoming weekend!”
Ed Note: Hail to the Commanders!
sports
photo by DCbmyers
From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) celebrated the early morning Senate passage of her bill with Rep. James Comer (R-KY) to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the RFK Stadium campus from the federal government to D.C. for up to 99 years. The bill is now headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
The RFK Stadium bill clears the way for D.C. to use the land where the crumbling old stadium sits for redevelopment, commercial and residential development, or other public purposes. Norton has worked on prior versions of the bill aimed at revitalizing the RFK Stadium campus, which, at 174 acres, is the largest unused tract of land in the District, since 2017.
“D.C. has scored a victory in its fight for self-determination just in time for the holidays,” (more…)
photo by CTB in DC
From the Mayor’s Office:
“Today, having confirmed that congressional leaders appended the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act (H.R. 4984) to the continuing resolution to extend federal spending, Mayor Muriel Bowser released the following statement:
“As a city, we have worked for years toward the opportunity to transform a vacant, blighted sea of asphalt in the heart of DC and to put the RFK campus back to productive use. Today, we are pleased and grateful to congressional leaders for advancing this critical bipartisan legislation that recognizes the potential of the land. And the potential is great – for housing and jobs; for sports, recreation, and an entertainment district; for green space, better connections to the river, and monumental views of our Nation’s Capital. The future of the RFK campus will benefit residents and visitors alike, and our vision for the renaissance and development of more than 170 acres of waterfront space will benefit the entire region. (more…)
renderings courtesy Monumental Sports & Entertainment
From a press release:
“Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) revealed today updated renderings, video animations, and a detailed customer journey for The Vaults, an unparalleled luxury experience coming soon to Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C. Designed to set a new standard in premium offerings within the sports and entertainment industry, the Vault Suites will offer an exclusive and immersive experience for fans in the nation’s capital. The sales process for The Vaults will launch in January 2025. (more…)
1265 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Malbon’s website says:
“From day one, we’ve made the green the common ground. Founded in 2017 by culture and golf enthusiasts Stephen and Erica Malbon, our mission remains unchanged: to bring together diverse players, styles, and cultures through a shared love for the greatest game on Earth.”
Stay tuned for an opening date.
From the Mayor’s Office:
“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chief Executive Officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) Ted Leonsis advanced the public-private partnership to transform the Capital One Arena and revitalize Gallery Place-Chinatown in Downtown DC. Mayor Bowser submitted legislation to Chairman Phil Mendelson and the Council of the District of Columbia to effectuate the District’s $515 million investment that was unanimously approved by the Council.
“We’re keeping Washington’s teams where they belong – here in the Sports Capital, and we’re doubling down on having a world-class destination and entertainment district in the center of DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “We know that when our Downtown does well, our city does well. This catalytic investment is an investment in our residents and businesses in all eight wards.”
In March 2024, Mayor Bowser and MSE, with the support of Chairman Mendelson and the DC Council, signed a term sheet that set forth the parameters of the agreement that was transmitted. On April 2, 2024, the Council voted unanimously through emergency legislation to move the partnership forward and, on June 12, 2024, voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2025 budget that appropriated the $515 million investment over three years.
“This arena transformation marks the next significant investment Monumental Sports is making in the revitalization of Downtown DC, and we will build a best-in-class experience for fans, a world-class destination facility for athletes and continue to serve as a downtown anchor for economic vitality,” said Ted Leonsis. “Our vision for a wholly re-imagined sports and entertainment destination will be ambitious, reflective of our community, and designed to ‘wow’ our most ardent supporters as well as casual fans. We want to capture the magic that comes from providing the most entertaining experience – which every guest deserves.”
The introduced legislation serves as the final step in the process whereby the Council will vote on the Lease, Development and Funding Agreement, and Purchase and Sale of Real Property between MSE and the District. If the legislation passes before the end of the calendar year, MSE will begin design this winter and construction in early summer 2025.
“I’m happy we got the bill done. The Council is going to move expeditiously to make sure that this bill has a public hearing, that the public gets to fully see the transaction, and that we will get this done by the end of this year,” said Chairman Mendelson.
Under the agreement, the District will purchase Capital One from MSE for $87.5 million. (more…)
From an email:
“Mayor Bowser will present former Commander’s cornerback Darrell Green with the Key to the City.
From 10:00 AM-3:00 PM this Saturday, October 19th, Commanders players, local high school football teams, Department of Parks and Recreation football program participants, and community members will gather at Franklin Park (1332 I Street, NW) to celebrate the career and legacy of Mr. Green. (more…)
photo by Erin
From an email:
“We are excited to share that East Potomac Tennis Center will soon be undergoing significant improvements to expand our offerings for all racquet sports enthusiasts. (more…)
photo by Erin
Thanks to Sandy for passing on from the National Park Service:
“Effective October 1, the East Potomac Tennis Center is closed as part of a transition between operators. The center will remain closed until at least June 2025 as the new operator completes improvements to the facilities. (more…)
photo by Emma K Alexandra
From a press release:
“X-Golf America announced Saturday, Sept. 28 as the grand opening celebration of X-Golf Nationals Park, its first corporately owned location and just the second location attached to a Major League ballpark. Reservations open at www.xgolfnationalspark.com where fans can reserve time slots at sim bays on game days and non-game days.
X-Golf Nationals Park marks the first vendor in Nationals Park’s First Street retail space, welcoming residents from across the region to the Capitol Riverfront, one of the hottest and rapidly growing entertainment districts in the country. X-Golf will be open to the public year-round and will not require a ticket to a baseball game for entry.
“We’re really looking forward to opening the doors for fans at X-Golf Nationals Park,” said Ryan D’Arcy, President and CEO of X-Golf America. “As we continue expansion of our corporate owned venues strategy, it’s exciting to be operating this one in such an amazing MLB stadium environment.”
With a footprint encompassing 8,700+ sq. ft and eight golf simulators, (more…)