The D.C. mayor is making one final push to keep the Capitals in the District.
With plans to relocate the Washington Capitals to Virginia reportedly coming to fruition, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. council are making one "final offer" to keep the team in D.C.
Bowser's office, with the full backing of the D.C. council, announced plans to support a "complete renovation and modernization of the Capital One Arena." D.C. would pay $500 million toward an $800 million three-year renovation project, and the ground lease extension would go until 2052. This last push hopes to stop a reported relocation to Potomac Yard for the Capitals and NBA's Washington Wizards.
“Downtown DC is the District’s economic engine that provides revenue resources to support important programs in the city. Mr. Leonsis and Monumental Sports have been critical partners in keeping our downtime thriving, especially after the pandemic," Bowser's office said in a statement. "The modernization of the Capital One Arena will be an invaluable investment for continued success and our future prosperity. This proposal represents our best and final offer and is the next step in partnering with MSE to breathe new life and vibrancy into the neighborhood and to keep the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals where they belong - in Washington D.C.”
Bowser's announcement comes after Virginia lawmakers approved a plan to build a new multi-sport complex in Potomac Yard in Alexandria, which would house the Capitals and Wizards. Monumental Sports & Entertainment owner Ted Leonsis is reportedly set to be part of an announcement for the plans on Wednesday, which would include the news of the pro sports team's relocations.
It is unclear if Bowser's new plan will delay the move or make Leonsis change his mind, but it is a new twist in a complex plan to move D.C.'s pro sports teams.
Capital One Arena, formerly known as Verizon Center and MCI Center, has housed the Capitals since 1997.