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Washington, D.C

D.C. Mayor Submits Plan for City to Buy Capital One Arena for $88M

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2 months ago

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D.C. Mayor Submits Plan for City to Buy Capital One Arena for M


After a whirlwind year for Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, officials have gone from nearly losing both the city’s pro basketball and hockey teams less than a year ago, to attempting to buy their home arena outright. 

District Mayor Muriel Bowser submitted legislation to the D.C. Council to acquire the arena for $87.5 million, as part of the city’s commitment toward spending $515 million to renovate the arena and part of the surrounding area over the next several years. NBC4 first reported the news of the legislation on Sunday. 

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Under the bill, D.C. would buy the arena from Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which also owns the Wizards and Capitals, and then lease it back to Monumental for $1.5 million per year. The lease would run until 2050 with five four-year extension options. If all of those renewal options are greenlighted, rent will increase to $3.3 million during the final renewal term. D.C. already owns the land on which the arena is built. 

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Monumental said that it would also spend $285 million toward the improvements, along with the $87.5 million arena sale proceeds, making the renovation budget a cool $800 million in public and private funds.

“We know that when our downtown does well, our city does well,” Bowser said in a statement Monday. “This catalytic investment is an investment in our residents and businesses in all eight wards.”

Bowser’s plan to buy the arena extends a stunning reversal in good fortune since Monumental founder and Chairman Ted Leonsis and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced in December that the teams would move across the Potomac, once the company’s ground lease in D.C. expired in 2027. Yet Virginia’s General Assembly ultimately opted not to approve the plan, which would’ve cost some $1.5 billion in taxpayer funds toward the construction of a 9 million-square-foot entertainment district in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood. 

Bowser and Leonsis quickly negotiated the $515 million deal in the aftermath. The deal will include 200,000 square feet of “newly programmed space” at the arena and at the adjacent Gallery Place building, a new practice facility for the Wizards, safety and logistics upgrades, expedited permitting processes, improvements to the alley joining the arena to the rest of the Gallery Place neighborhood, and other terms. 

Bowser’s team and Monumental on Monday said that the improvements were expected to be finished in time for the 2027-2028 sports season.

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“The delivery of a brand-new arena marks the next significant investment Monumental Sports is making in the revitalization of Downtown D.C., 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,” Leonsis said in a statement. “Our vision for a wholly reimagined sports and entertainment destination will be ambitious, reflective of our community, and designed to ‘wow’ our most ardent supporters as well as casual fans.”

Nick Trombola can be reached at ntrombola@commercialobserver.com.



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Washington, D.C

D.C. Age Debate Reignites After Rep Found at Old Folks’ Home

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5 hours ago

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December 22, 2024

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D.C. Age Debate Reignites After Rep Found at Old Folks’ Home


Politics

Rep. Kay Granger was found to be residing at an independent living facility in Texas following a six-month, unexplained absence from the Capitol.

Tom Williams/Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Yasmeen Hamadeh

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Washington, D.C

Mayor Bowser, Commanders' Josh Harris, and other local leaders react to RFK Stadium deal

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12 hours ago

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December 22, 2024

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Mayor Bowser, Commanders' Josh Harris, and other local leaders react to RFK Stadium deal


WASHINGTON (7News) — After years of debate, false starts, and controversy, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act was passed in the Senate with unanimous consent, paving the way for the Washington Commanders to return to D.C.

Now, local leaders are speaking about the benefits, and potential drawbacks, of a new football stadium in the city.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

D.C. has scored a victory in its fight for self-determination just in time for the holidays. When the bill is signed into law by President Biden, D.C. will get to decide for itself what to do with the largest unused tract of land remaining in the District. I look forward to seeing the site transformed from crumbling blight to a productive and bustling complex that will generate significant revenue for the nation’s capital.

Throughout my career in Congress, I’ve prioritized transferring unused federal land to D.C. or the private sector, enabling the redevelopment of neighborhoods, generating tax revenue and bringing much-needed space to the District.

Maryland U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen

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Maryland has been the proud home of the Commanders for over two decades and we continue to believe that this partnership should continue long into the future. After working to level the financial playing field, and receiving assurances that should the team move they will redevelop the existing site in a manner that meets the needs of the community, tonight we supported the proposed land transfer legislation. We have always supported the District’s effort to control its own land, and through regional discussions and cooperation, our concerns with this proposal have been addressed.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser

Josh Harris, Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders

We are extremely grateful that our elected officials have come together on a bipartisan basis to give Washington D.C. the opportunity to decide on the future of the RFK stadium site. This bill will create an equal playing field so that all potential future locations for the home of the Washington Commanders can be fairly considered and give our franchise the opportunity to provide the best experience for all of our fans.

Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md)

Maryland should have the chance to compete to keep the Commanders here.

I opposed this bill in the House, and I oppose it today, because federal taxpayers should not be required to subsidize an NFL stadium by offering a 99-year lease of the RFK campus for free. That’s not fair to the taxpayers, and it’s not fair to Maryland because it undermines Maryland’s chance to compete on a level playing field.

But we can still win. Our site offers two nearby Metro stations, superior highway access, and a larger campus for parking. Now that the Dan Snyder era is over and the Harris team has brought winning football back to the DMV, a state-of-the-art indoor stadium would jumpstart redevelopment in the area and trigger property appreciation in short order. In addition to the ten games or so the Commanders play, the stadium could be used year-round for events like the Final Four and music concerts. Working closely with the Harris team–which owns much of the land around the stadium–we could create an economic win-win that would benefit the community, the region, the team, and the fans.

Maryland looks forward to working with the Harris team to make that vision a reality.

DC Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson

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We are grateful the legislation passed and that this large tract will not continue to deteriorate with a crumbling stadium on it.

At the same time, it is unfortunate that the Senate found unanimous consent to move the legislation concerning RFK, but is leaving untouched ten judicial vacancies. This continues to be a setback to the District’s public safety ecosystem. I would also be remiss to not emphasize that the continuing resolution underfunds, our police by $10 million.



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LIST: Free, engaging options in DC for your kids, families during Winter break

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20 hours ago

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December 22, 2024

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LIST: Free, engaging options in DC for your kids, families during Winter break


WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), is offering dozens of activities for kids and families during the 2024-2025 Winter break.

“These initiatives provide young people with safe and engaging activities from Dec. 21 through Dec. 31. While many events are designed for all age groups, DPR is also hosting specialized programming for teenagers, creating dedicated spaces for them to connect, socialize, and have fun,” the Mayor said in a press release.

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Here are a list of the activities:

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Community Toy Giveaway: Toy distribution and cocoa for children in the community

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Where: Fort Stevens Recreation Center, 1327 Van Buren Street, NW

Movie Field Trip: Sonic 3: Young people can enjoy a field trip to see Sonic 3, with multiple pickup locations

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Register HERE

Grinchmas at Kenilworth: Join us for a community holiday Grinch-themed party

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Where: Kenilworth Recreation Center, 4321 Ord Street, NE

Community Christmas Extravaganza: An event for the distribution of toys, hygiene products, coats, and used clothing to those in need

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Where: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE

Holiday Hype: A festive gathering at the MLK Library for all ages

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Where: MLK Library, 901 G Street NW
  • Register HERE

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Just Cares Toys for Tots Youth Basketball Tournament: This holiday basketball tournament and charity event will include Santa picture booth, entertainment, toy giveaways, and adult and kids basketball games!

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Where: Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th Street, NE

Water Cycle and Aqua Fitness: Water-based activities and fitness sessions

  • Where: Ferebee-Hope Aquatic Center, 700 Yuma Street SE
  • Water Cycle: Dec. 24 and 26, 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
  • Aqua Fitness: Dec. 24 and 26, 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

eSports and Gaming Tournaments

  • eSports Throwback & Brawlhalla Tournament: Columbia Heights Community Center, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • eSports 2K24 Tournament: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Winter E-Gaming Tournament: Hillcrest Recreation Center, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • eSports Madden Tournament: Deanwood Community Center, Dec. 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Holiday Drip: Celebrate the season with music and water-based fun

  • When: Dec. 27, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Where: Barry Farm Aquatic Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE

Holiday Sing-Along: Come out to sing your favorite holiday carols

  • When: Monday, Dec. 30, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Where: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street, NW

Holiday Movie Night: Come out to the Joseph Cole Recreation Center for a holiday movie

  • Where: Joseph Cole Recreation Center, 1299 Neal Street, NE
  • When: Monday, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win-it games, board games, art activities, and basketball!

  • When: Friday, Dec. 27, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Where: Ridge Road Community Center, 830 Ridge Road, SE,

Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win games, board games, art activities, and basketball!

  • When: Monday, Dec. 23, Tuesday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 30, and Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Where: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE

High School Lifeguard Training: Comprehensive lifeguard training for high school students at multiple locations

  • Ballou HS Aquatic Center, 3401 4th Street SE: Dec. 22 – 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Dunbar HS Aquatic Center, 101 N Street NW: Dec. 26 – 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Roosevelt HS Aquatic Center, 4301 13th Street NW: Dec. 29 – 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Rumsey Aquatic Center, 635 North Carolina Avenue SE: Dec. 29 – 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Junior Lifeguard Academy: A training program for youth ages 9 to 15 interested in lifeguarding, with sessions offered at various aquatic centers

  • When: Dec. 23 through 31
  • Locations:
  • Barry Farm Aquatic Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Ferebee-Hope Aquatic Center, 700 Yuma Street SE: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Deanwood Aquatic Center, 1350 49th Street NE: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren Street NW: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Reservoir Park Aquatic Center, 10 Lower Service Court NW: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.



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