Events DC Entertainment and Sports Arena

Leaders from Events DC and the Washington community cut the ribbon on the District’s latest showcase for D.C. sports.

New Entertainment and Sports Arena Reinvigorates D.C.’s Congress Heights Community Bigger than basketball. ment events and important civic and community residents will enjoy the result- community activities,” Brown said. “The ing resurgence of Ward 8. The Entertain- arena is in the heart of one of D.C.’s More than a slogan or catchphrase, ment and Sports Arena is constructed on most important communities – Con- the former St. Elizabeths Hospital site in those three words capture the essence gress Heights – and will create a much- Congress Heights. Events DC officials of Washington, D.C.’s new Entertainment needed economic boost and signifi- stated that the arena will create a and Sports Arena. Mayor cant expansion of sports and entertain- much-needed economic boost for one as well as Events DC, the official conven- ment to a new corner of the city for resi- of the city’s underserved wards and tion and sports authority for Washington, dents and visitors to enjoy. We all thank expand entertainment options in that D.C., know the effect it will have on revi- Mayor Bowser for her vision in making part of the city. talizing the historic Congress Heights this all a reality." “The venue will establish a premier community. Ease of access, open The Entertainment and Sports Arena floor plan and closeness entertainment destination within Ward 8 The $65 million, 4,200-seat venue will is projected to attract more than to the game are hallmarks that will open doors to more diverse be a hub for entertainment, basketball, 380,000 visitors annually and produce of the new design. programming options in the District,” boxing, MMA and Esports among many $90 million in new tax revenue over the O’Dell said. “It will also attract cultural other offerings. The arena will also serve next two decades. The 120,000-square- and community-based events, giving “We are proud to celebrate the as the practice facility for the NBA Wash- foot venue also helped fill a void in residents and visitors the opportunity to opening of the Entertainment and ington Wizards and home court of the D.C.’s sports and entertainment land- enjoy the rich diversity of D.C. in a Sports Arena,” stated Erik A. Moses, WNBA and new NBA scape. brand-new space situated on a cam- senior vice president and managing G League team, the Capital City “We looked at the market, there are a pus that is undergoing a major redevel- Go-Go. lot of smaller venues, of about 1,000 to director of sports, entertainment and opment.” “We celebrate not just the opening 2,500 capacity and then it jumps to special events at Events DC. “The arena While the Entertainment and Sports of a state-of-the-art sports and enter- 6,000 or more,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, is a perfect-sized venue for Esports, Arena will undoubtedly spawn further tainment facility, but the promise and president and chief executive officer of combat sports like boxing and MMA, development in the surrounding area, opportunity that this project brings to the Events DC. “Similar to some of our other premier amateur sports, showc asing the venue’s construction has already St. Elizabeths’ East Campus,” said venues, like the Walter E. Washington emerging artists and providing national fueled growth for local companies. The Bowser. “The Entertainment and Sports Convention Center and , acts an intimate venue to connect with project provided opportunities for local Arena is the home our Mystics deserve. this arena is important not only for the their audience.” businesses and district residents to bring But it’s even more than that – this proj- attraction of new events and experi- The Entertainment and Sports Are- much-needed economic and civic ect is bigger than basketball. The ESA is ences to the city, but also for D.C.’s na’s events calendar is as dynamic as it benefits to the local community, with about jobs, opportunity, and commu- greater economic development and is diverse. In addition to the building’s nearly half of the project’s hires living in nity; it’s about ensuring that every job creation.” anchor basketball tenants, high-profile Wards 7 or 8. The project also exceeded neighborhood, in every corner of our Shortly after the ribbon-cutting cele- events such as the Professional Fighters its initial Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) city has world-class housing and ameni- bration event on Sept. 22, the arena’s League semi-finals (Oct. 20) and the goal set forth with over 65 percent of the ties.” grand opening features a concert Red Bull Conquest national champion- contracts awarded to CBEs and more Max Brown, chairman of the board series with two headline performers. ships (Nov. 16-18) will take center stage. than $10 million dollars’ worth of con- of directors at Events DC, emphasized Grammy award winner Wale, Grammy The latter will mark the first of many tracts have been awarded to Ward 7 that the arena will serve as an anchor award winner and 2018 double Oscar high-profile Esports competitions that and 8 businesses. and catalyst for growth in the commu- nominee, Mary J. Blige, opened on Events DC anticipates attracting to the In the final analysis, this project really nity at large. Oct. 6 followed by Grammy award win- arena. is so much bigger than basketball. Stay “This arena will be the perfect venue ning rock band Cage The Elephant on As participants and visitors alike con- current on the arena’s events calendar for intimate concerts, exciting entertain- Oct. 13. tinue to descend on D.C. in droves, by visiting ESAontheRise.com.

32 special advertising section I street & smith’s sports business journal October 8-14, 2018 ESA_SBJ-ad-fullbleed_mech_ol.indd 1 9/14/18 3:06 PM Events DC Entertainment and Sports Arena Monumental Sports & Entertainment Takes Center Stage at the Entertainment and Sports Arena

As the Entertainment and Sports Arena helps Arena serving as home to MSE-owned Arena’s prospective sponsors and part- usher in a new era of event program- owned teams, the company can capital- ners will also have an opportunity to play ming in D.C., Monumental Sports & Enter- ize on cross-promotional marketing a pivotal role in the renaissance of D.C.’s tainment (MSE) will serve as anchor ten- opportunities while highlighting their bas- historic Wards 7 and 8. ant for Washington’s new crown jewel ketball franchises on a year-round basis. “Partners at the ESA will be associ- venue. “It’s a great advantage in that we will ated with a project designed to do good MSE owns and operates seven pro- have a chance to communicate directly, in the community – to become a central fessional sports teams and three of them in-arena with any fan who comes to the unifying pillar of the community and to The basketball venue at the Entertainment – the NBA’s , NBA G ESA and has a terrific game experience,” and Sports Arena will be center court for two bring economic investment to southeast League’s Capital City Go-Go and Touhey said. “The unique appeal of a D.C. basketball teams — the NBA G League’s Washington,” he said. “It’s a tremendous WNBA’s Washington Mystics – will have small, intimate game experience will cre- Capital City Go-Go and WNBA’s Washington opportunity for partners who want to be Mystics. It will also serve as a training center a permanent presence at the ate natural opportunities to encourage for the NBA’s Washington Wizards. part of something transformative in 120,000-square-foot facility on the St. fans to come out and replicate that expe- Washington, D.C.” Elizabeths East campus. The venue fea- rience with other Monumental teams.” The Entertainment and Sports Arena tures a state-of-the art training facility for The grand scope of this Entertain- – it will be the game experience that was strategically conceived to create a the Wizards and Mystics along with a ment and Sports Arena project goes well Mystics fans deserve, and they will be premier entertainment destination within 4,200-seat arena for the Mystics and beyond basketball. Given that, Touhey the only WNBA team in the league with a Ward 8 that will provide more diverse Go-Go. has a hard time pinpointing what he and dedicated practice and game facility.” programming options in the district. It “It gives the Washington Mystics and his team are most proud of when it He added, “We are also incredibly will also host cultural and community the Capital City Go-Go a game facility comes to the new arena and its impact proud to be bringing our teams to south- based events, allowing residents and that’s optimized for the intensity and on the Congress Heights community. east Washington, to a part of the city that visitors alike the chance to enjoy D.C.’s closeness of WNBA and G-League “It’s almost hard to choose,” Touhey has traditionally been underserved. We diversity. games,” said Dave Touhey, Monumental said. “We are really proud to be able to are proud to be investing there and hope “Our hope is that the arena will serve Sports & Entertainment president of ven- offer a world-class facility that, in addi- that other businesses in Washington will as a great unifying point in the commu- ues. “That creates an incredible new fan tion to providing a great training environ- do the same.” nity, a place people can go for games, experience that hasn’t really existed in ment for the Wizards in the MedStar The Entertainment and Sports Arena shows and entertainment from all over D.C. up to this point.” Wizards Performance Center, is really is projected to attract 380,000 visitors the world and from right here in south- Washington possesses both a rich optimized for fans to enjoy Mystics and each year and produce $90 million in east D.C.,” Touhey said. “We want the basketball heritage and passionate fan Go-Go games. The game experience for new tax revenue over the next two arena to become part of the fabric of the base. With the Entertainment and Sports the Mystics will be close, loud, energetic decades. The Entertainment and Sports community.”

34 special advertising section I street & smith’s sports business journal October 8-14, 2018 Events DC Entertainment and Sports Arena

AEG Provides Industry Leading Venue Management and Booking Support for D.C.’s Entertainment and Sports Arena

The Entertainment and Sports Arena’s hard, on every detail, in order to make individuals that make up the Events right.” grand opening celebration in Washing- the arena a model in its class. It took DC team,” Krezwick said. “They are He added, “The value of AEG is ton is a harbinger of things to come in months of collaboration to produce the passionate people who care and have deep. The bench-strength is the Congress Heights section of our perfect opening and we look forward to a clearly defined mission and that is unmatched with worldwide resources. nation’s capital. continuing that kind of quality enter- evident in all they do.” Any challenge is met with a strong The power of part- tainment together.” Krezwick, the industry veteran who team in purchasing, security, marketing nership between AEG The Entertainment and oversees AEG Facilities’ East Coast and booking. The relationship between and Events DC was Sports Arena will serve as operations, leads management, mar- facility management and music is clearly in evidence as home court for D.C.’s keting and content development for another strong, valuable asset that the 4,200-seat venue WNBA team, the Washing- AEG venues within the region. AEG uniquely provides.” launched with Grammy ton Mystics and its G AEG Facilities, a stand-alone divi- That’s an asset AEG already pro- Award winning perform- League team, Capital City sion of AEG, and its affiliates owns, vided for the ESA’s grand opening cel- ers Mary J. Blige and Go-Go. It will also serve as operates or consults with more than ebration phase and one that it will Cage The Elephant just the official practice facility 150 of the industry’s preeminent ven- deliver on for many years to come. weeks after the official for the NBA Washington ues worldwide and across five conti- With AEG’s support, the Entertainment Sept. 22 ribbon-cutting Wizards and play host to nents. The company provides com- and Sports Arena will help Washington event. Visitors experi- high-profile entertainment, plete venue management, as well as further grow its status as one of the enced the many splen- AEG Facilities senior vice sports and cultural pro- specialized programs in operations, country’s most vibrant sports and dors of the new state-of- president, Richard Krezwick, gramming. guest services, ticketing, booking, entertainment markets. When asked is working closely with the the-art,120,000-square- Events DC team to create With the glistening $65 sales and marketing. how the ESA compares to other ven- foot arena, which was world-class events at million arena opening to Krezwick shed some light on ues in AEG’s expansive company port- strategically constructed Washington’s newest arena. rave reviews, Krezwick the diligence that is required to ensure folio, Krezwick cited a seamless fit on St. Elizabeths East credited Events DC for pro- success of the venue moving forward. between the arena and the city that Campus in Ward 8 to help transform viding the vision behind the ESA. “We try very hard to understand the houses it. an underserved area in the district. Events DC, the official convention and local market, the facility goals and the “The ESA provides a state-of-the- “AEG is a proud partner of Events sports authority for the District of audience,” he said. “This balance art, multipurpose, mid-size facility DC, consulting on every aspect of Columbia, delivers premier event ser- comes into play for every decision from that fits perfectly into the D.C. fabric,” operating a first-class venue,” said vices and flexible venues across the local hiring to the talent on stage. All of Krezwick said. “There is a comfort Richard Krezwick, AEG Facilities nation’s capital. this was extremely important in D.C. and vibe to the arena that will keep senior vice president. “We all worked “There is a really talented group of and we carefully took our time to get it locals returning.”

October 8-14, 2018 special advertising section I street & smith’s sports business journal 35 Events DC Entertainment and Sports Arena

B&D Venues Delivers ESA Smart City and Events DC Partnership Continues at On Time and On Budget Entertainment and Sports Arena Construction of the $65 million Entertain- President Chris Dunlavey added, “In Smart City is continuing its longstand- events in the country such as Major ment and Sports Arena took 14 months order to achieve these objectives, B&D ing relationship with Events DC as League Gaming, Call of Duty World with B&D Venues, a specialized practice Venues proactively manages the design IT systems management provider for Day, Pro Circuit Sports and the 2018 group within Brailsford & Dunlavey. This from the project’s outset, keeping the internet and data services at the Enter- Summer Pro Circuit. As the exclusive group focuses exclusively on the plan- budget, program and pro forma in align- tainment and Sports Arena (ESA). This telecommunications partner of the ning and implementation of sports and ment throughout the design phase, while dynamic partnership began more ESA, Smart City is well equipped to public assembly facilities. For ESA, B&D also keeping the project on schedule.” than 15 years ago at the Walter E. handle all the needs of the modern Venues served as program manager, Every B&D Venues project creates its Washington Convention Center and fan experience along with the most ensuring that the project was completed own set of challenges and rewards. The on time and on budget. expanded to other local venues demanding technological events. As part of a leading national strategic including the DC Armory and RFK Sta- “From a high-density Wi-Fi network advisory and program management B&D’s portfolio includes more dium, among others. capable of accommodating every firm, B&D Venues is no stranger to suc- than 200 sports venue Smart City’s Dennis O’Gara, vice patron in the 4,200-seat arena to the cess in sports venue implementation. It projects representing more president of operations for East region, 10 Gbps internet backbone available previously served as project manager for than $6 billion. noted the company will manage daily to the network, the ESA is ready to numerous facilities across the country, operation of the ESA’s data network, establish its place in the gaming and including MLB’s $693 million Nationals Wi-Fi and telephone service. sporting community,” O’Gara said. Park, which the firm delivered in a record Entertainment and Sports Arena was “Smart City was chosen to provide Smart City is also playing a vital role 22 months. unique in the sense that the Washington these services based on their 30 years in the surrounding community’s renais- Bill Mykins, the practice leader of B&D Wizards required a new state-of-the-art of public venue event experience, sance. The company partnered with Venues, noted the company’s portfolio training center as part of the overall resulting in tens of thousands of trade- Dynamic Concepts, Inc., a minority includes more than 200 sports venue arena design. shows and conventions,” he said. business and certified Local Disadvan- projects representing more than $6 bil- “With this being a premier NBA prac- “Events DC is looking to make an taged Business Enterprise, to provide lion in completed construction value. tice facility as well as an arena, that in impact on the national stage for sport- skilled labor for the Entertainment and “B&D Venues believes that an arena and of itself presented several chal- ing, gaming and unique events and Sports Arena. Smart City and DCI now or stadium project’s long-term success is lenges,” said B&D Venues’ Sarah Pearl- Smart City will bring a level of expertise directly employ residents from Ward 7 rooted in its ability to meet the opera- stein, who served as ESA senior project in helping court these events to the and 8 neighborhoods through pro- tional needs of its users, deliver the finan- manager. “It was a very fast-track ESA.” grams such as the H.O.P.E. Project, cial performance required by its busi- project.” Smart City has previously provided which provides a comprehensive ness plan, and be flexible in design in And just the latest in B&D Venues’ industry leading technological solu- training program for young adults order to adapt to changes in market ever-expanding portfolio of sports venues tions for some of the largest esports seeking to become IT professionals. demand,” Mykins said. completed on time and on budget.

CONGRATULATIONS This is Lisa. EVENTS DC AND MONUMENTAL Lisa hasn’t SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT! given a damn B&D VENUES, a Brailsford & Dunlavey practice group, is proud to have served as program manager about wi-fi on the new Entertainment & Sports Arena and NBA since 2007. Wizards Practice Facility—truly a community game-changer for Congress Heights. And that’s good. As an event manager for a major convention center, she’s got other things to worry about... like locating three missing pallets of cheese for her catering team. These days, it never crosses her mind that her exhibitors and attendees will have reliable connectivity. Lisa hired Smart City in 2007, so she knows they will. That’s the peace of mind that comes with a network that just works. Now...where’s the cheese?

888.446.6911 / SmartCityNetworks.com

venues.programmanagers.com ©Events DC In a hectic world, we provide peace of mind.®

36 special advertising section I street & smith’s sports business journal October 8-14, 2018 Events DC Entertainment and Sports Arena

The Superlative Group Entertainment and Sports Arena By The Numbers Spearheads Search for ESA The Entertainment and Sports Arena stands proudly as the anchor and catalyst for redevelopment of the St. Elizabeths East Campus in Washington, D.C.’s Congress Heights neighborhood. Here’s a look at some of the numbers that help Naming Rights Partner tell the story behind the District’s glittering new venue: The newly christened Entertainment and 4,200 – Seating Capacity Sports Arena enjoyed its grand opening Kyle Canter, chief 120,000 – Square Feet on Sept. 22, but don’t be surprised if operating the venue’s name changes. officer, $65 million – Cost to build the ESA The Superlative Group acts as the Superlative. exclusive naming rights and sponsor- $10 million – Worth of contracts awarded to Ward 7 ship agent for Events DC properties and 8 businesses during the ESA’s construction and the Ohio-based company has secured more than $2 billion in con- $90 million – In new tax revenue over 20 years to be tractually obligated income for a wide generated by the ESA range of clients since 1994. 380,000 – Annual visitors per year “Our valuation team has been work- ing with Events DC to complete the 2 – Number of venues under one roof (NBA/WNBA process of determining the fair market training facility & 4,200 seat arena) value of each potential naming rights and corporate partnership opportunity 1 – The first facility for an NBA, WNBA and NBA across all Events DC properties,” said “There is very strong G-League team all to call “home” Kyle Canter, Superlative chief operat- interest in the project ing officer. “We are now in the begin- 5 – Miles from the United States Capitol Building and ning stages of the sales process at the because of all the things the National Mall ESA. Our firm will work closely with it has to offer.” Events DC through the process of 24 – Home games at the ESA for the Capital City identifying partners, presenting oppor- WNBA game and the next night it will Go-Go, the Washington Wizards’ NBA G League affiliate tunities and contracting. be draped to create an intimate envi- “There is very strong interest in the ronment for a comedian or perfor- 10 – Times the WNBA Washington Mystics have made project because of all the things it has mance,” Canter said. “Sometimes it’s the playoffs in franchise history, including a 2018 to offer.” difficult to create that flexibility without WNBA Finals appearance As the anchor for one of Washing- pricing yourself out of the market with 8 – Miles in distance if the arena’s steel structural ele- ton’s most dynamic revitalization proj- the overhead it can require to trans- ects in recent memory, the Entertain- form a building. The ESA can deliver ments were attached end to end ment and Sports Arena is poised to that, and it will be a real competitive 65 – Tons of long-span joists attract 380,000 new attendees annu- advantage for the building.” ally. The diversity of visitors will be In closing, he added, “But the one 1,130 – Tons of structural steel matched by the events themselves with thing that truly separates this opportu- basketball, boxing, concerts, esports, 11,322 – Square feet of steel plates nity is what this building is going to do graduations and exhibitions among the 41,796 – Linear feet of structural members including offerings. With a seating capacity of for the entire area. I think in D.C. you 4,200 and the flexibility to produce a have some great examples of how a beams, columns, braces, and trusses unique setting for myriad events, the ballpark or stadium can serve as that 42,155 – Square feet of insulated metal panels ESA’s value proposition for prospective anchor project, the centerpiece of a partners and sponsors is undeniable. total revitalization of a community. It’s 133,000 – Square feet of metal deck “On one day it will be sold out for a going to be something special.”

October 8-14, 2018 special advertising section I street & smith’s sports business journal 37 Events DC Entertainment and Sports Arena

Aramark Continues Its Tradition of Entertainment and Sports D.C. Excellence at the Entertainment Arena by the Numbers and Sports Arena Key Dates: 9-16-2015 – Events DC and Aramark is building on its already strong other key constituents including presence in the Washington market- Mayor Muriel Bower announce plans place by serving as exclusive conces- to build the Entertainment and Sports sionaire of the Entertainment and Arena in the Congress Heights Sports Arena. The company has an community existing partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment and provides all 1-11-2018 – “Topping Out” food and beverage services at Capital cerem Conquests marks a major One Arena. milestone ony for the ESA, signifying At the Entertainment and Sports that the 4,200-seat venue reached its Arena, Aramark will have approximately total height of construction 50 employees on-site for events in addi- 9-22-2018 – Grand Opening tion to its management staff. Aramark’s As the food service provider for the Sports and Entertainment Arena, Aramark increases ribbon-cutting event at the regional vice president of sports and its footprint in D.C. With an emphasis on local sourcing, community development and Entertainment and Sports Arena entertainment, Brent Hardin, said the outreach, Aramark’s impact will extend far beyond the arena. company 10-5-2018 – Grammy award is proud to play a part in the revitaliza- Deli and Plum Good. incubator for food offerings within the winner and DC-native Wale performs first-ever concert at the ESA as part of tion of the Congress Heights “Our pursuit for additional local pro- community, both well established and the arena’s Grand Opening community. gramming opportunities will be continu- up and coming,” he said. celebration. “Our team held various job fairs for ous throughout the partnership at the Aramark’s involvement with the this venue and it is our intent to con- ESA,” Hardin said. “Beyond the core Entertainment and Sports Arena pro- 10-6-2018 – Grammy award tinue cultivating employees locally, favorites fans expect in an arena expe- vides a case study in corporate good- winner Mary J. Blige performs at the within the surrounding neighborhoods,” rience like this, there will be significant ness as the company plays a pivotal ESA as part of the arena’s Grand Hardin said. “We at Aramark have great emphasis on local food programming, role in the renaissance of these under- Opening celebration confidence that the ESA will turn Con- specifically establishments that call served wards in D.C. Hardin noted – Grammy award gress Heights into a true destination of Wards 7 & 8 ‘home.’ Since the inception there is a genuine sense of appreciation 10-13-2018 winning rock band Cage The Elephant prosperity and growth. of our partnership, Events DC has when it comes to the new arena and the performs at the ESA as part of the “Aramark commends Events DC for emphasized how important this compo- impact it will have in the future. arena’s Grand Opening celebration their vision and continued efforts to nent is to their organization, the venue “Beyond being one of the newest, achieve what this arena and broader and the community it resides in.” great mixed-used projects in the nation, 10-20-2018 – Professional development project will provide to the The Neighborhood Food Amenity this project will be transformational for Fighters League stages first-ever MMA community. We consider ourselves for- will also be a highlight at the ESA mov- the St. Elizabeths Hospital site and the event at the ESA tunate to play a role in that.” ing forward. Hardin noted this unique surrounding Congress Heights neigh- – Capital City Go-Go Aramark’s emphasis on the infusion space will be open on event days to borhood,” he said. “Events DC’s motiva- 11-3-2018 makes its NBA G League debut at the of local flavor to its wide range of start, but there’s a vision to serve both tions behind this project are inspiring ESA against Greensboro menu offerings at the ESA has been fans and the neighborhood more and Aramark is honored to share in the evident from the start. The current con- broadly as the St. Elizabeths Campus commitment to provide a world-class 11-16-2018 – Red Bull as first cessions stands’ program includes continues to develop. experience to the ESA and bring new esports event at the ESA food and beverage from local purvey- “Fans and community members life to the Congress Heights neighbor- ors including The Orange Cow, MLK alike can expect for this space to be an hood.”

Aramark is proud to partner with Events DC

We look forward to the success that will come from the new Entertainment and Sports Arena.

38 special advertising section I street & smith’s sports business journal October 8-14, 2018