Big players in Capital One Arena metamorphosis

Article posted by Coliseum, November 7^th, 2024

Image: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

The Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced recently that the Clark Construction Group (Clark – a building and infrastructure company based in Maryland, US), Gensler (global architecture, design, and planning firm based in San Francisco) and CAA ICON (the strategic management consulting firm based in Denver) will serve as partners in the delivery of the upcoming transformation of the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., US.

‘MONUMENTAL’ stated that the planned enhancements will deliver best-in-class experience for the fans, a world-class destination facility for the athletes and will ensure the Capital One Arena remains the anchor for economic vitality in Downtown DC. The transformation will include state-of-the-art upgrades, expanded facilities and innovative design elements that reflect the MSE’s commitment to providing world-class entertainment experiences.

Washington, D.C., (US)-based the Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the United States with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports.

The 20,356-capacity Capital One Arena is an indoor arena in Washington, D.C., (US). Located in the Chinatown section of the larger Penn Quarter neighborhood the arena sits atop the Gallery Place Rapid Transit Station of the Washington Metro.

Image: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Observed Jordan Silberman, President, Venues at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, “Clark, Gensler and CAA ICON are industry leaders with a wealth of local and national experience and proven track records in planning and executing complex projects. We are excited to collaborate with them to reimagine the Capital One Arena creating the spaces for providing the fans unforgettable experiences, the athletes and the community. Together, we’re laying the foundation for an entertainment district that will serve as a vibrant destination for generations to come.”

DC-based the global design and architecture firm Gensler has unparalleled experience designing some of the most iconic sports and entertainment venues across the United States. In addition to their sports portfolio, Gensler has extensive master planning and urban design experience on projects that span the globe.

Added Jordan Goldstein, Co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gensler, “We’re passionate about improving the athlete and the fan experience in an impactful way. The upcoming transformation of the Capital One Arena will improve the connection between the player and the fan – through immersive engagement, significant architectural intervention and enhanced arena operations. By working alongside Clark Construction to revitalize the existing arena, we’re further demonstrating how Downtown D.C. is an economic anchor committed to a sustainable future. We’re fortunate to have the ongoing partnership and support of Monumental Sports & Entertainment to make this transformative renovation happen and create positive impact in our community.”

Having constructed the original arena, Clark brings unparalleled expertise and familiarity with the building’s structure ensuring a smoother renovation process with minimized risks and increased efficiency. Clark’s early involvement has also enabled competitive sourcing of the subcontractors ensuring optimal pricing and quality while maximizing participation from the small businesses and the local workforce.

Image: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Commented Lee Delong, Capital Group head honcho for Clark, “We’re honored to deepen our partnership with the MSE and participate in the revitalization of this cultural cornerstone of Washington, D.C. This work will transform the Capital One Arena into a world-class facility that embodies the spirit and connectivity of this City and its teams underscoring Clark’s commitment to the communities we serve by reinvigorating the vitality of the Gallery Place neighborhood and expanding the local economic opportunities for decades to come.”

The CAA ICON will serve as the Owner’s Representative for the MSE in the upcoming transformation of the Capital One Arena. As the Owner’s Representative, the CAA ICON will act as a liaison between the MSE and all the stakeholders involved in the renovation, ensuring the project aligns with the MSE’s vision and goals. Their role includes overseeing the design and construction process, managing the budgets and schedules, facilitating communication between the architects, contractors and the MSE leadership, and utilizing lessons learned from its 20 years in the sports venue development business to enhance the value of each dollar spent. This partnership ensures that the arena’s transformation is executed efficiently and strategically maintaining a focus on enhancing the fan experience while supporting the economic growth of downtown D.C.

Maintained Marc Farha, Co-CEO of CAA ICON, “We are driven by the MSE’s vision for the Capital One Arena and its integral role in Downtown D.C.’s past, present and future. We are grateful to be part of a team that shares the same values and are committed to the meaningful impact that the sports and entertainment venues have on their communities through unforgettable events, economic growth and job creation.”

Image: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

A cornerstone of this partnership is its significant legacy impact on the local economy during construction – providing meaningful contracting opportunities for the Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) and the other local businesses as well as creating new jobs and training programs for the D.C. residents. The project will have a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) and First Source employment program and will promote local business participation and prioritize the District residents for job opportunities. A Project Labor Agreement will be in place to ensure fair labor practices.

The D.C. Council will review and vote on legislation this Fall codifying the public-private partnership and representing the final milestone before moving forward with the transformation of the Capital One Arena.

Public-Private Partnership

‘MONUMENTAL’ further stated that the Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) Founder head honcho Ted Leonsis and the Mayor of the District of Columbia Muriel Bowser recently announced the introduction of legislation supporting the public-private partnership to recreate the Capital One Arena as a new destination that will represent and reﬂect Washington D.C., as the most important City in the world and serve as a must-visit venue for the fans regionally, nationally and globally.

This is a massive investment in an existing Downtown arena which is expected to be delivered in time for the 2027-2028 seasons.

The new arena concepts reflect an attention to detail for a better fan experience across the interior of the arena – from the moment of arrival until departure. This includes an expanded main entrance at the F Street to ease the flow for fans before and after the events. Wider concourses and more elevators and escalators are designed so the guests can move from space to space faster and more efficiently. And there are plans for approximately 65 percent more concession space, 30 percent more restrooms and an expansive new food and beverage (F&B) experience appealing to the widest array of tastes and showcasing varied cuisines.

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