Monumental Sports & Entertainment Partners Begins Construction on Reimagined Capital One Arena, Announces Agency Partnerships

Monumental Sports & Entertainment officially began construction on the new Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. today and simultaneously announced industry partnerships with three leading agencies – KLUTCH Sports Group, Legends and Elevate Creative.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment received unanimous approval for the development and agreements from the D.C. Council last month for the three-year $800+ million arena transformation. As part of the agreement, the D.C. Council approved a $515 million investment over three years.

MSE has an encompassing view for the high-tech, high-touch building that will serve millions of annual visitors for the next 25 years and set a new bar for fan experience. Supporting the mission, KLUTCH Sports Group and United Talent Agency will help guide MSE’s commercial partnership strategy. Global premium experiences company Legends will support MSE’s premium sales efforts. Full-service strategy, design and execution agency Elevate Creative will offer expertise on brand messaging, team activation and sponsorship integration.

“Their expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of our arena, ensuring we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our fans, partners and community,” said Jim Van Stone, president of business operations and chief commercial officer at MSE. “With their support, we are poised to create a world-class venue that will redefine the fan experience for years to come and set a new standard for sports and entertainment in the D.C. region and across the country.”

KLUTCH Sports Group and United Talent Agency will play a pivotal role in the valuation and packaging of the arena’s new partnership offerings. As an extension of MSE’s Global Partnerships team, KLUTCH will leverage its network and expertise to support the sales and development of strategic partnerships across all Monumental properties and platforms.

Legends will play a key role in advancing the premium sales strategy for MSE and the new arena. Legends will provide comprehensive premium sales and marketing support, including an in-house team that will work closely with MSE’s sales staff throughout the three-year construction project including focusing MSE’s growing volume of premium seat offerings.

MSE selected Elevate Creative to drive branding and sponsorship integration strategy for the new arena supporting MSE’s marketing group in shaping the overall brand vision. Elevate’s contribution includes developing compelling story lines and brand experiences as well as collaborating with MSE to ensure brand and sponsor integration throughout Capital One Arena.

In addition to the agency partners announced today, in October MSE announced that Clark Construction Group, Gensler and CAA ICON would serve as partners in the delivery of the transformation of Capital One Arena. CAA ICON is serving as the overall project manager, Gensler is leading design efforts and Clark Construction will oversee building construction. This includes a full redesign of entrances and exits, safety, lighting, traffic mitigation and public transportation in collaboration with terrific partners from the District, WMATA, MPD and many others.

Capital One Arena currently has a cap of 20,000 and is home to the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NCAA’s Georgetown Hojas men’s basketball team. The venue opened on Dec. 2, 1977, and since then has welcomed 47 million people and hosted 4,500 events.