Alexandria Mayor announces end of Virginia Arena Deal with Capitals and Wizards, causing shock and disappointment among sports fans.
- Cuneyt Dil, Axios DC
The deal to build a new arena for the Washington Wizards and Capitals in Potomac Yard “will not move forward,” the mayor of Alexandria announced Wednesday.
Why it matters: It’s a dramatic turnaround after the teams’ owner Ted Leonsis unveiled plans last December to build a sprawling entertainment district in Alexandria — only for the taxpayer-funded deal to stall in Virginia’s Democratic-controlled legislature.
What’s next: Leonsis and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will make an announcement about the future of Capital One Arena on Wednesday evening, according to a person with knowledge of the plans.
What they’re saying: “The City of Alexandria has ended negotiations,” Mayor Justin Wilson said in a statement, adding: “We trusted this process and are disappointed in what occurred between the Governor and General Assembly.”
The intrigue: Leonsis is suddenly saying awfully nice things about Capital One Arena, giving the public signs that he might stay in D.C.
- While tweeting positive stats about recent attendance figures for concerts and sports games, Leonsis added: “Each of these events brings the community together, supports thousands of jobs, and generates significant tax revenue for the city.” Note: “the city“!
Catch up fast: As the Alexandria arena deal looked dead in the Virginia legislature, D.C.’s attorney general delivered another blow last week, warning the teams can’t contractually leave downtown until 2047.
- Through it all, Mayor Bowser and the D.C. Council said a counteroffer to revamp Capital One Arena remained on the table for Leonsis.
Flashback: Capital One Arena, then known as the MCI Center, opened in 1997 and transformed the Chinatown neighborhood.
- Over the years, D.C. and Monumental have invested to improve the facility, including $70 million spent by Monumental in 2018 and 2019.
- But Leonsis sought bigger improvements, including a new grassy entrance and seating that’s closer to the action.
Bowser and Monumental did not return Axios’ requests for comment.
#VirginiaArenaDeal #Capitals #Wizards