The Capitals owner defended his team's pending move to Potomac Yard.
Last month, Monumental Sports & Entertainment founder Ted Leonsis, whose company owns the Washington Capitals and Wizards, made headlines as he announced plans to move the teams to Virginia after years in D.C. by 2028.
MSE reached a framework of an agreement that would establish and create a new "Entertainment District" at Potomac Yard in Virginia, which would feature a new state-of-the-art arena for the Capitals and Wizards. Capital One Arena would continue to be used for the Washington Mystics and Georgetown Hoyas.
Since then, fans have voiced their thoughts, and several have shared concerns and disagreed with the move. There have also been protests about the decision, with many hoping that the teams maintain their roots in the Nation's Capital.
Leonsis addressed the fans with a letter on Thursday, defending the move and encouraging fans.
"I certainly acknowledge concerns heard from passionate members of the community," Leonsis wrote. "I look forward to hearing from those who are concerned, working to address any issues raised and determining why I believe this is the best decision for our fans, our thousands of full and part-time employees, the teams, the athletes, our partners and the DMV.
"I believe in the DMV and will always be an advocate for our extended community, for the benefit of our teams and fans. My goal is to always take the high road, and I believe I have lived up to that. However, I feel that it is important for me to address you, our community, directly, presenting the facts of this project."
Leonsis went on to share more details of the plan and its main objectives, which he said are to "provide our fans with the best experience in all of sports" and "establish a best-in-class set of facilities for our athletes and employees." He also broke down the importance of efficient ways in and out of the arena, improved seating and entertainment, easy Wi-Fi access and more, as well as improved facilities.
"This will give us the best chance to be successful on the ice, on the court, on the airwaves and in business settings," Leonsis added.
Leonsis said he and MSE are still working with the City of Alexandria and Commonwealth of Virginia to complete definitive documents, and that the project is still going through "various legislative processes."
He also said that all parties are participating in "an extensive community engagement process," and that teams are also looking to analyze the traffic situation and get in touch with architects.
In his letter, Leonsis also stated that he has respect for the city of Washington, D.C. and shared his experiences in the city, while also stating that he doesn't believe the move will take away from D.C. natives from accessing the teams. He also emphasized the importance of taking the entire D.C., Maryland and Virginia area into account with the move.
"Monumental Sports & Entertainment has always been about the entire DMV.... between the Capitals and the Wizards, 44 percent of fans who attend games are from Virginia, 41 percent are from Maryland and 15 percent are from Washington, D.C. The teams represent the DMV, and they belong to the entire DMV. This will never change," Leonsis said.
"I disagree with claims that this project would move the teams in a way that will reduce accessibility for fans," he added, citing Metro, rideshare services and the water taxi as means of accessing Potomac Yard.
Leonsis also defended the move economically, saying that the new arena should help drive economic growth and is "worthy of investment."
Ultimately, MSE's hope is that Potomac Yard will do for Virginia what Capital One Arena did for D.C.
"Just as Monumental Sports & Entertainment was part of the initial renaissance of downtown Washington, D.C., we would like to be part of the next renaissance."
Leonsis closed out the letter with more on the next steps, adding that MSE will continue to work toward establishing a new home.
"The decision to move the teams to Potomac Yard is about space and opportunity," Leonsis said, adding, "What excites me about this opportunity is the land, the accessibility it provides and being part of the tech corridor that has been established in this neighborhood. The ability to build a smart campus from scratch.
"With this transformational opportunity, we believe the entire DMV community will be enriched and strengthened."