Governor Youngkin Announces $2 Billion World-Class Entertainment District in Virginia

Public-private partnership will feature global corporate headquarters for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, an industry-leading Arena for both the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, a state-of-the-art Monumental Sports Network media studio, the Wizards practice facility, a performing arts venue, an expanded esports facility, and mixed-use development in the City of Alexandria, supporting approximately 30,000 jobs over the next several decades

 

RICHMOND, VA –  Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced a $2 billion public-private partnership to create a world-class Entertainment District in the City of Alexandria at Potomac Yard. This new 9 million-square-foot district developed by JBG SMITH will feature the global corporate headquarters for Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), an industry-leading Arena for both the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, a state-of-the-art Monumental Sports Network media studio, the Wizards practice facility, a performing arts venue, and an expanded esports facility, in addition to bringing new retail, residential, restaurants, hotels, conference, and community gathering spaces.

The project, a partnership among the Commonwealth of Virginia, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the City of Alexandria, and JBG SMITH, will bring more than 650 relocated MSE headquarters positions to Potomac Yard. The Arena, Phase 1, and future phases of development are estimated to generate a combined $12 billion in economic impact for the Commonwealth and City of Alexandria and create approximately 30,000 jobs over the next several decades. Subject to legislative approval by the Virginia General Assembly, the Entertainment District will break ground in 2025 and open in late 2028.

“This is the most visionary sports and entertainment development in the world, bringing together entertainment, sports, and technology in the most advanced innovation corridor in the United States: a once-in-a-generation and historic development for the Commonwealth, sports fans, and all Virginians. The Commonwealth will now be home to two professional sports teams, a new corporate headquarters, and over 30,000 new jobs – this is monumental,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This was only made possible through consistent collaboration between Virginia’s economic development team, the Monumental Sports & Entertainment team, the City of Alexandria, our administration and the Virginia General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission, and JGB SMITH. Virginia is undoubtedly the best place to live, work, raise a family, and now watch basketball or hockey.”

“Ensuring a stable financing structure was the Commonwealth’s top priority, and we are confident this transformational project is a win-win for Virginia, the City of Alexandria, and Monumental Sports & Entertainment,” said Secretary of Finance Stephen Cummings. “All project investments backed by the Commonwealth and the City will be paid back in full by incremental project revenues; there is no upfront investment by the Commonwealth and no existing taxes or tax increases are a part of this financing plan. This tremendous opportunity will drive billions in total economic impact over 40 years.”

“The Commonwealth of Virginia is truly a catalyst for innovation, and this transformational project represents a unique opportunity for the region’s premier sports and entertainment company to forge meaningful connections with Virginia Tech, and other corporate partners in the region, including Amazon, Boeing, and Raytheon. This district will generate tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact, creating a prime regional destination,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “It is an honor to partner with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, VEDP, the City of Alexandria, and JBG SMITH on this historic win for Virginia.”

“Investments in the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure, including the Potomac Yard-VT Metro Station, enable developments like this to become powerful regional economic drivers. Today’s announcement underscores the importance of strengthening our multimodal transportation network, and it is exciting to see this world-class Entertainment District come to fruition,” said Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III. “We look forward to working with Monumental Sports & Entertainment and the City of Alexandria, as well as the regional business community, to ensure future investments in the National Landing corridor support the safe and reliable movement of automotive, pedestrian, and transit users to and from this cutting-edge District.”

“We are committed to providing world-class fan experiences while continuously evolving our teams, deepening community ties, and solidifying our role as leaders at the forefront of sports and technology,” said Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis. “The opportunity to expand to this 70-acre site in Virginia, neighboring industry-leading innovators, and a great academic partner, would enable us to further our creativity and achieve next-generation, leading work – all while keeping our fans and the community at the forefront of everything we do.”

“Alexandria’s ability to attract this ambitious project is a direct result of the success of previous investments made in Potomac Yard and across our city,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. “It is our collective strategy and vision for purposeful economic growth that will ensure Alexandria remains a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive community for all.”

“Monumental Sports’ major commitment to National Landing marks another milestone in its evolution into a model, 21st-century urban destination in Northern Virginia and will serve as a powerful catalyst for growth and opportunity in the neighborhood,” said Matt Kelly, Chief Executive Officer at JBG SMITH. “We are grateful for Governor Youngkin’s leadership and look forward to partnering with his administration, the City of Alexandria, Virginia Tech, and Monumental Sports in cultivating a dynamic district anchored by world leaders in commerce, sports, entertainment, and higher education.”

Located on the Potomac River just across from Washington, D.C., the Entertainment District is easily accessible by all modes of transportation and is minutes from the newly opened Potomac Yard-VT Metro Station, Ronald Reagan National Airport, community bike paths and foot trails, and underground parking. Joining National Landing as part of Potomac Yard, the Entertainment District will be adjacent to the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus and near Amazon HQ2, creating opportunities for unique partnerships between MSE and Virginia Tech focused on entrepreneurship, sports analytics, immersive technologies, and innovative new business and media strategies.

“We’re excited by Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s plans to be our neighbor in Potomac Yard,” said Virginia Tech President, Tim Sands. “We believe in the great potential of this location, and are eager to welcome others who are passionate about this community and building an exciting and vibrant future together.”

“Securing this public-private partnership is truly a game changer for the City of Alexandria, the region, and the Commonwealth, benefiting a generation of Virginians and putting Potomac Yard on the map as a regional sports, entertainment, and innovation destination,” said Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission Chair Delegate Barry Knight. “The thousands of jobs and economic impact generated by this project cannot be overstated, and I am proud the MEI Commission could play a role.”

“Thanks to everyone who played a role in this historic project for the City of Alexandria and the Commonwealth,” said Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission Vice Chair Senator George Barker.“Accelerating economic development in Virginia is a top priority, and the Entertainment District will have a ripple effect on the economy and catalyze additional investments for decades to come. I am pleased the MEI Commission could be part of the collaboration to help secure this critical project.”

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is one of America’s leading sports and entertainment companies. Its people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. The company invests and innovates to consistently raise the game so they can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite their community, fans, and partners.

The Youngkin Administration and Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Alexandria, JBG SMITH, and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Project Approval Commission to secure the project for Virginia.

In the upcoming General Assembly session, legislators will be asked to approve the creation of a new Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority. The $2 billion transformational investment will be supported through bonds issued by the to-be-created Authority, as well as a $403 million investment by MSE. The bonds will be repaid through annual rent paid by MSE, arena parking revenues, District naming rights, and incremental taxes generated by the Arena and Phase 1 development. There is no upfront investment or inclusion of any taxes already being collected by the Commonwealth to repay the bonds and there will be no tax increases for local residents. The City of Alexandria will also contribute $56 million toward the construction of the performing arts venue in partnership with MSE, and $50 million toward underground parking development. The land and buildings will be owned by the to-be-created Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority. The Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority will enter into a 40-year lease with the company.

The project includes $110 million in on-site infrastructure including site development and roadway, signal, and intersection improvements funded through the bonds. VDOT, Alexandria DOT, MSE, JBG SMITH, and transportation consultants continue to refine a detailed analysis of the National Landing corridor needs, with input from regional partners, the business community, and residents to ensure a safe, reliable, and successful Entertainment District. Potential transportation improvements will focus on transit, roadway, smart mobility, and neighborhood protection.

This public-private partnership is subject to legislative approval by the Virginia General Assembly and the City of Alexandria.

To learn more about the project, please visit www.monumentalalx.com.

Woods’ Spaid and Patrick named Class 4 Player and Coach of the Year

VHSL Announces 2023 Class 4 Girls All-State Volleyball Team

James Woods’ Kennedy Spaid named Class 4 Player of the Year;

James Woods’ Adrienne Patrick named Class 4 Coach of the Year

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — The Virginia High School League announces its 2023 Class 4 All-State volleyball team. James Wood sophomore outside hitter Kennedy Spaid is the Class 4 Player of the Year, and James Wood head coach Adrienne Patrick is the Class 4 Coach of the Year.

The 5’11” Spaid led the team with 346 kills and .339 hitting % this year. She also had 54 aces, 189 service points, and 18 blocks. Additionally, her on-court dominance led the team with 338 serve receptions, finishing second with 193 digs. A two-year starter and captain, she has earned first-team district, region, and state honors the past two seasons, including District and Region Player of the Year.

Patrick led James Wood to a  27-2 record and a second consecutive state title with a 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-14) win over Hanover in the Class 4 finals. It is her second straight state Coach of the Year selection after leading the Colonels to a 26-1 record and their first state title in school history. A former James Wood athlete and graduate, she has compiled a 53-3 record the past two seasons and a 75-14 career mark after four seasons as head coach. Additionally, Patrick has earned District and Region COY honors in the past two seasons.

The all-state volleyball team consists of nine position players and one libero. Only those players selected to the all-region first-team are eligible for selection to the all-state team. The all-state selection committee comprises eight coaches, with two from each region.

2023 VHSL Class 4 Girls All-State Volleyball Team.

AG Miyares Files Lawsuit Against Meta for Harming Youth Mental Health Through its Social Media Platforms

Attorney General Miyares Files Lawsuit Against Meta for Harming Youth Mental Health

Through its Social Media Platforms

STAFF REPORTS

TALKWINCHESTER.COM

RICHMOND, VA — Today, Attorney General Jason Miyares and 41 other attorneys general throughout the country sued Meta in federal and state courts alleging that the company knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Instagram and its other social media platforms that are purposefully addictive for children and teens. At the same time, Meta falsely assured the public that these features are safe and suitable for young users.

The attorneys general assert that Meta’s business practices violate state consumer protection laws and the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). These practices have harmed and continue to harm the physical and mental health of children and teens and have fueled what the U.S. Surgeon General has deemed a “youth mental health crisis” which has ended lives, devastated families, and damaged the potential of a generation of young people.

“We have a mental health crisis in our country. Everywhere I go – from Loudoun to Lee – Virginians agree that social media presents a new and unique danger to our children. Users know that platforms like Instagram are addicting – especially to children. It’s obvious. But this addictive nature goes beyond just distracting our youth. It’s harmful, has real world implications, and Meta has been flat out disingenuous to the American people,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. “This lawsuit is about holding big corporations that prioritize financial gain over our children’s wellbeing accountable.”

The federal complaint, joined by 33 states and filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that Meta knew of the harmful impact of its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, on young people. Instead of taking steps to mitigate these harms, it misled the public about the harms associated with use of its platform, concealing the extent of the psychological and health harms suffered by young users addicted to use of its platforms. The complaint further alleges that Meta knew that young users, including those under 13, were active on the platforms, and knowingly collected data from these users without parental consent. It targeted these young users noting, as reported in a 2021 Wall Street Journal article, that such a user base was “valuable, but untapped.”

While much of the complaint relies on confidential material that is not yet available to the public, publicly available sources including those previously released by former Meta employees detail that Meta profited by purposely making its platforms addictive to children and teens. Its platform algorithms push users into descending “rabbit holes” in an effort to maximize engagement. Features like infinite scroll and near-constant alerts were created with the express goal of hooking young users. These manipulative tactics continually lure children and teens back onto the platform. As Aza Raskin, the original developer of the infinite scroll concept, noted to the BBC about the feature’s addictive qualities: “If you don’t give your brain time to catch up with your impulses, . . . you just keep scrolling.”

Meta knew these addictive features harmed young people’s physical and mental health, including undermining their ability to get adequate sleep, but did not disclose the harm nor did they make meaningful changes to minimize the harm. Instead, they claimed their platforms were safe for young users.

These choices, the complaint alleges, violate state consumer protection laws and COPPA. The federal complaint seeks injunctive and monetary relief to rectify the harms caused by these platforms.

In parallel complaints filed in state courts today, eight states have made similar allegations.

States joining the federal lawsuit are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Florida is filing its own federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Filing lawsuits in their own state courts are the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and Vermont.

Read the complaint HERE.

Van Voorhis makes History as Shenandoah defeats Juniata

Josh Kirby

joshkirby@talkwinchester.com

WINCHESTER – It was a great afternoon at Glo Fiber field on the campus of Shenandoah University as the Hornets defeated Juniata 48-7.

History was made this afternoon at Shentel Stadium as Haley Van Voorhis a Junior safety for the Hornets entered the game late in the first quarter and on a third down, Van Voorhis recorded a quarterback hurry to Juniata’s Calvin German to force a fourth down as she became the first female non-kicker to play in a college football game at any NCAA level.

Todd Bartley and Brock McCullough were on the call from Shentel Stadium on the Shenandoah Hornets Sports Network on 105.5 WINC-FM.

“I thought it was really cool, The games going on and then all the sudden there this energy burst in the stadium” Hornets head coach Scott Yoder said on the Hornets postgame show on 105.5 WINC-FM “she’s earned this and I’m just glad I could see it on the sidelines.”

Bartley and McCullough also chatted with Van Voorhis after the game as well. “It definitely means a lot to me I’ve definitely worked a lot to get to this point, this is just something I’m really hyped up about.”

When asked about the moments right after the quarterback hurry “I was so excited and happy to be out there because at the end I’m just doing what I love to do,” Van Voorhis added, “It’s fun to be able to play football and then also be able to prove something most people don’t think can happen.”

Haley Van Voorhis after becoming the first female non-kicker to play in a college football game at any NCAA level joined Todd Bartley and Brock McCullough during the postgame show on the Shenandoah Hornets Sports Network on 105.5 WINC-FM.

 

From SUhornets.com:

GAME RECAP

After the Eagles (1-3) failed a fourth down conversion under two minutes into the game, the Hornets (2-1) drove down the field and capitalized on an 8-yard touchdown run by AJ Maxwell. Maxwell’s run was the fourth play on the 67-yard drive.

Three minutes later it would be Maxwell again finding the endzone for his second touchdown of the game.

The next Eagles’ dive ended just six plays in as Jake Jack punched the rain-covered ball out of the quarterback’s arms and to an awaiting Matt Conroy who hopped on it for the recovery.

Plays later Steven Hugney connected with Jayron Thompson for a 40-yard reception to set up the next Hornets touchdown. For said touchdown SU went back to the ground, this time handing it off to Aidan Metzger for the score, making it 20-0 in the first.

It would be much of the same on the next two drives, as the Eagles fumbled on their first play and Paul Battle and the Hornets quickly recovered in the redzone. Metzger took his third trip to the endzone to cap off the four-play drive for SU.

After Van Voorhis’ history-making play, the Eagles would have a bad snap on the punt as the ball rolled out of the back of the endzone, resulting in a safety. That gave Shenandoah the 28-0 lead at the end of one.

In the second quarter, Hugney added a rushing and passing TD to put the Hornets up by 42. The rushing TD came on a 1-yard play with 7:27 to go in the half. He’d then connect with Braden Domenico on a 29-yard pass five minutes later.

Shenandoah’s special teams got into the action as well, as Dylan Tubbs’ squib kick was recovered by the Hornets to keep the Eagles offense off the field.

In the third quarter, Maxwell added his fourth and final touchdown of the day, rushing into the endzone on a 12-yard rush.

After a Juniata score in the final frame, the Hornets ran out the clock on eight rushes by Bryce Buchanan. Buchanan finished the game with 10 carries for 39 yards. 
Hugney led all Hornets in rushing yards with 78. In the air, the quarterback completed 15 passes for 231 yards and a TD.

Domenico caught six of those passes, racking up 107 yards on the day.

The Hornets travel to Ferrum next Saturday at 2pm to opne ODAC play.

James Wood falls to Halifax County 16-9 in Class 4 Softball State Quarterfinals

STAFF REPORTS

TALKWINCHESTER.COM

Josh Kirby of NEWS TALK 1400 spoke with Emma Payne and Destiny Talbott from Halifax County along with James Woods softball head coach Patrick Gibson; after James Wood fell to Halifax County 16-9 in Class 4 State Quarterfinals.

Halifax, Emma Payne went 3 for 4 with 2 singles, a double and a walk. Olivia Seamster and Hannah Ellixon both hit back-to-back solo shots after James Wood battled back from down 3-0 to make it a 7-3 game at the end of the 1st. James Wood would be unable to put up another two runs until the 6th inning.

For James Wood: Sydney Orndorff went 4-4 with a HR (RBI) Single, and two doubles.

 

Emma Payne, Halifax County

 

Destiny Talbott, Halifax County

 

James Woods softball head coach Patrick Gibson

David Magley, President of TBL – “I’m excited to be in the Shenandoah Valley”

STAFF REPORTS

TALKWINCHESTER.COM

Josh Kirby of NEWS TALK 1400 spoke with David Magley, President of The Basketball League (TBL) during the final VA Valley Vipers home weekend series of games.

On background from the TBL Website, “David is a retired American NBA basketball player and coach. Prior to becoming the President of the TBL he served as the commissioner of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL). Magley is a longtime successful entrepreneur. Awards include being an Academic All-American at Kansas University, 1978 Indiana Mr. Basketball, and producing four NCAA Student-Athlete children with his wife of 35+ years Evelyn.”

The VA Valley Vipers concluded their first season in the TBL in May.

 

 

Kenny Wallace named Firefighters’ Marshal for 96th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

Festival President, Sharen Gromling, is pleased to announce Kenny Wallace as Firefighters’ Marshal for the 96th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.  Wallace is a retired NASCAR driver renowned for his racing prowess and national television on-air persona.  As our Firefighters Marshall Kenny Wallace will kick off the parade with “start your engines” as he leads the festival fire truck brigade through crowd-lined streets in historic downtown Winchester, VA.

Wallace set the NASCAR record in 2011 for most career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, amassing nine wins, 10 pole positions, 66 top-five and 173 top-10 finishes in the 547 Xfinity starts. His racing career spans more than 25 years having competed in more than 900 races in NASCAR’s top three racing divisions.

The 1986 American Speed Association (ASA) 22-year-old rookie-of-the-year made his NASCAR debut driving with Dale Earnhardt, finishing seventh in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway. He transitioned into a full-time Xfinity Series ride in 1989 for a team fielded by his brother Rusty Wallace, where he was rookie-of-the-year and completed the season sixth in the point standing. In 1991 Wallace finished runner-up in the Xfinity Series points and is only one of four NASCAR drivers to have won the Most Popular Driver award multiple times. Wallace had his final start in the 2015 Iowa Speedway NASCAR Series race as he drove for Joe Gibbs Racing.

He brought his infectious humor, trademark laugh, and widespread popularity when he worked as an analyst for NASCAR Raceday on FS1, covering the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.   Retired from NASCAR driving, Wallace, who is held in high esteem in his field for “racing anything and everything”, continues to race his No. 36 Toyota DIRTcar in more than 60 dirt races per year, a consciously scaled-back effort from years past to afford him more family time.

He is the son of accomplished short-track racer, Russ Wallace, and brother of NASCAR drivers Rusty and Mike Wallace. Born in St. Louis, Wallace was nicknamed “Herman” after the mischievous “Herman the German” cartoon character for his boisterous, full-of-himself behavior.  Wallace and his wife, Kim, have three daughter, two granddaughters and one grandson.  His family lived in North Carolina for several years during his NASCAR career before moving back to St. Louis in 2016.

Wallace will be attending festival events on Friday, May 5, including the Coronation, presented by Morgan Orthodontics, where he will be knighted by Queen Isabella Astin prior to leading the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade at 5:30 p.m.

Additionally, he will be an added speaker on Saturday, May 6, at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast at the Tolley Dental Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center on Shenandoah University Campus.  He will then ride in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade, which steps off at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.

Boys Soccer: Sherando defeated James Wood 2-1 in extra time

Boys Soccer: Sherando defeated James Wood 2-1 in extra time.

Josh Kirby spoke with Sherando Coach Patrick Anderson.

Kirby also spoke with James Wood Coach Ronald Velasquez.

Sherando defeated James Wood 7-2 in softball

The Sherando Lady Warriors defeated James Wood 7-2 this evening.

Josh Kirby speaks with Warriors Coach Mark Conner on the victory.

 

Kirby also spoke with James Wood Coach Patrick Gibson about this game and the season up until this point.

 

Millbrook falls to Briar Woods 7-1 in Baseball

Millbrook fell to Briar Woods this evening 7-1 in Varsity Baseball, Millbrook committed 6 errors and only had three hits. Nate Brookshire for Millbrook recorded Millbrooks only run off of a Briar Woods error.

Josh Kirby interviewed Millbrook Coach Brian Burke after the loss and looks ahead to the district games tomorrow and Friday.