The Washington Mystics are relocating their June 7 game against the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark to Capital One Arena due to high demand for tickets, allowing for more fans to attend. Existing season ticket holders will have their seats relocated, while single-game ticket holders will be contacted to select their seats. General public tickets will go on sale on April 23. The move comes after increased interest following Monday night's draft, and the game will still tip off at 7:30 p.m. as scheduled.
The Washington Mystics have moved their June 7 game against the Indiana Fever to Capital One Arena due to high demand, allowing for more fans and premium hospitality options. Existing ticket holders will have their seats relocated, while single game tickets go on sale on April 23. The move comes amidst increased interest in the WNBA, fueled by the talent of incoming players like Aaliyah Edwards.
The Washington Mystics are considering moving some high-demand home games to Capital One Arena due to unprecedented ticket demand, especially after the recent draft. The team's current home, the Entertainment and Sports Arena, has a capacity of 4,200, while Capital One Arena can accommodate 20,000. The chief business officer for the Mystics noted significant interest increases and the possibility of record-breaking sellouts this season, prompting consideration of larger venues to allow more fans to attend games.
The D.C. Council unanimously approved a $515 million investment to modernize Capital One Arena and develop the surrounding area, aiming to transform the neighborhood into an entertainment district. The agreement with Monumental Sports & Entertainment includes public funds for alley improvements and exemptions from certain taxes, raising concerns about the city's return on investment. The plan also involves creating a drug-free zone around the arena and dedicating police officers for event safety. The council faced protests on unrelated issues during the legislative meeting, and the investment is expected to revitalize downtown and benefit the city as a whole.
Washington, D.C. has reached a $515 million deal to keep the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena until 2050, following the collapse of negotiations in Virginia. The agreement, which still requires D.C. Council approval, includes renovations to the arena and surrounding area, with an additional $15 million for improvements to the alley connecting Gallery Place to the arena. The deal also involves bringing 17 dedicated officers around the arena and the ability to close off F Street two hours before games. The failed Virginia plan, championed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, faced Democratic opposition in the General Assembly and did not receive approval.
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and Ted Leonsis, owner of the Wizards and Capitals, have announced a deal to keep the teams in downtown D.C. until 2050, with the city spending $515 million to modernize the arena and the owner signing a new lease. This marks a change from Leonsis's previous plan to move the teams to Virginia, which fell through due to lack of legislative support. The deal also includes provisions for Monumental Sports and Entertainment to expand in the city, and comes after months of negotiations and political maneuvering.
Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, has stated that the decision to move the teams to a new arena in Alexandria, Virginia is final. The move has faced criticism from fans concerned about increased travel times and the teams turning their backs on DC. Leonsis has defended the decision, emphasizing benefits for fans, players, and employees. The proposed arena's location raises concerns about traffic and parking, but Leonsis aims to address these issues. The move is set for 2028 pending approval of a $2.8 billion loan and contributions from Monumental and the city of Alexandria.
Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome expressed excitement over the team's potential move to a new arena in Northern Virginia but also acknowledged that there is nothing wrong with their current home at Capital One Arena in DC. Strome praised the facilities and crowd atmosphere at the current arena, while acknowledging the pros and cons of both locations. The proposed move still needs approval from Virginia's General Assembly and the Alexandria City Council.
Ted Leonsis, the billionaire owner of the Washington Wizards and the 2018 Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals, has announced plans to move his teams out of downtown D.C. to a new development in Potomac Yard, Alexandria. This decision has sparked criticism and accusations of betrayal from the District of Columbia, as Leonsis had previously promised to stay and invest in the city. The move threatens to take professional basketball away from a basketball-loving city and could harm Washington's status as a major sports hub.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson have introduced legislation to support the complete renovation and modernization of the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, DC. The legislation outlines the District's contribution of $500 million towards the $800 million project, solidifying the arena as an economic anchor of the Gallery Place-Chinatown entertainment district. The proposal aims to create a state-of-the-art urban arena and maintain the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals in Washington, DC. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of job creation, supporting local businesses, and positioning the area as a top-tier destination for residents and visitors.
