The City of Alexandria has announced that negotiations to bring the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Northern Virginia have ended, and the proposed $2 billion sports and entertainment complex in Potomac Yard will not move forward. The deal faced opposition in the Virginia General Assembly, ultimately leading to its demise. Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed disappointment, while state senators cited issues with the lack of compromise. Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Monumental Sports are expected to finalize a deal to keep the Capitals and Wizards in D.C.
The Virginia House of Delegates has passed a bill to create a framework for funding and building a new arena in Potomac Yard, Alexandria, for the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals, with the proposal now moving to the Senate amid uncertain prospects. While many local leaders see it as an economic boon, concerns have been raised about its impact on traffic, residential property taxes, transportation funding, and worker protections. Governor Glenn Youngkin aims for swift approval to break ground next year, but opposition groups believe the momentum is against the arena, and Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. L. Louise Lucas has indicated that the bill is not ready for consideration.
The Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Alexandria, and Monumental Sports & Entertainment officials revealed plans for a new sports arena and entertainment district in Potomac Yard, including a 9 million square foot arena for the Washington Capitals and Wizards, a 3,000-seat concert venue, and extensive parking. Concerns have been raised about potential tax increases, traffic impact, and Metro accessibility, with officials emphasizing a minimal tax burden and a focus on multimodal transportation planning to address these issues.
A new petition on Change.org is gaining traction, opposing the construction of a new Washington Wizards/Capitals arena at Potomac Yard. Critics argue that the $2 billion proposal will worsen traffic, decrease property values, disrupt communities, and negatively impact the environment. The petition calls on state and local officials to halt the initiative, stating that it will undermine the area's integrity and value. A recent poll showed divided opinions on the project, with concerns also raised about transportation capacity at the nearby Potomac Yard Metro station.
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.
Project leaders have revealed details of a proposed plan to move the Washington Capitals and Wizards to a 70-acre site in Potomac Yard, Alexandria, Virginia. The plan includes a new dual-use arena, a Monumental Sports Network media studio, a Wizards practice facility, a performing arts venue, an expanded esports facility, and more. The proposed site would be located near the Potomac Yard - VT Metro Station and Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus. If approved, construction could begin in 2025, with the teams starting games in 2028. The $2 billion investment is expected to generate 30,000 jobs and have a $12 billion economic impact.
Project leaders have revealed details of a proposed plan to move the Washington Capitals and Wizards to a 70-acre site in Potomac Yard, Alexandria, Virginia. The plan includes a new dual-use arena, a Monumental Sports Network media studio, a Wizards practice facility, a performing arts venue, an expanded esports facility, and more. The proposed site would be located near the Potomac Yard - VT Metro Station and Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus. If approved, construction could begin in 2025, with the teams starting games in 2028. The $2 billion investment is expected to generate 30,000 jobs and have a $12 billion economic impact.
Ted Leonsis, the majority owner of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, will be attending an event at Potomac Yard in Virginia alongside Governor Glenn Youngkin. The event is part of a proposal to bring the Capitals and Wizards to Northern Virginia, including the construction of a sports and mixed-use campus in Alexandria. The project, which still needs approval from the General Assembly and Alexandria City Council, aims to break ground in 2025 and move the teams in 2028. The potential sports district would be located near the new Potomac Yard Metro station and is expected to generate $3.8 billion in economic benefit.
Virginia lawmakers have approved a plan to bring the Washington Wizards and Capitals teams from D.C. to a new complex in Alexandria. The proposed 8 million-square-foot campus in Potomac Yard would include a stadium for both teams, a concert venue, and more. The deal still requires additional approval from the state's General Assembly and the Alexandria City Council. If approved, it would be a blow to D.C.'s downtown economy, and the move may be a result of competing offers between D.C. and Virginia.
The Potomac Yard/Virginia Tech station, the second infill station in the Washington Metro system, opened on Friday. The station is expected to reduce car and truck traffic on Route 1, while also offering multi-modal options for people to commute, work, shop, and hang out, all within walking distance of the new Metro station. The area surrounding the station is growing rapidly, including the soon-to-open first phase of Amazon’s HQ2, and riders say the full impact of the station won’t be felt for years to come.
The Potomac Yard Metro station has opened in Alexandria, Virginia, after decades of planning and construction. The station is the first to open between two existing stations since 2004 and will serve a Virginia Tech graduate campus, townhouse communities, and a retail complex. The project faced delays due to the pandemic, cost overruns, and complex permitting processes. The station is expected to generate billions of dollars in new private-sector investment and support 26,000 new jobs and 13,000 new residents.
The Potomac Yard Metro station in Alexandria, located between the Reagan National Airport and Braddock Road stations on the Yellow and Blue lines, will open on May 19. The station is a key component of Alexandria's efforts to transform a former railroad yard into an urban center. The project is being built by Potomac Yard Constructors, and roughly $370 million has been invested in its construction. The new station will be the 98th in the Metrorail system and comes after the Silver Line added six new stations in Virginia.
