FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2011

Monumental Report to Serve as Hyper-Local Online Community Platform

Website links to local sports, entertainment and community news

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Monumental Report, a new media platform featuring links to local sports, entertainment and community news and resources, was launched today by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, announced Ted Leonsis, the company’s founder and chairman.

Updated daily, Monumental Report (http://www.monumentalreport.com) provides visitors with a central location to access current information related to teams, venues and communities within the D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia region.

“Monumental Report is a unique tool designed to connect people with what matters to them in their community,” said Leonsis. “Millions of people visit our venues each year, and we are excited to launch Monumental Report for them as an interactive guide to the area. The website also supports the growth of regional businesses through content that drives consumers to local establishments.”

With an emphasis on sports, entertainment, dining, small business, philanthropy and community, Monumental Report includes a variety of links and information as well as original content.

The website’s sports features include daily links aimed at fans of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics as well as links to local college and university teams and updates on local youth and amateur sports tournaments and camps.

Interactive maps highlighting businesses to visit around the Verizon Center, Kettler Capitals Iceplex and George Mason University’s Patriot Center are included among in the site’s entertainment content. In addition to restaurant, movie and entertainment reviews, Monumental Report contains details about upcoming concerts and music artists. A comprehensive calendar provides an overview of upcoming events throughout the region. Focusing on the community, the website consists of neighborhood notes, business news and information on area events and charities.

In addition to interactive maps, Monumental Report utilizes several other forms of technology. Real-time Twitter feeds featuring tweets by athletes, artists, fans and the media showcase the latest conversations in the region. Foursquare, Facebook news feeds and photo hosting are incorporated into the website. Monumental Report also will offer several new advertising options to small businesses.

“Monumental Sports & Entertainment is most commonly recognized as owning the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics and the Verizon Center, but fundamentally we are a content, local e-commerce and network media company,” Leonsis said. “The launch of Monumental Report is another step in our ongoing evolution as a bricks and clicks new media entity. We have a major positive impact on local businesses, and we are committed to supporting our partners as well as local fans and consumers with this unique new property.”

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the country with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports. Monumental Sports owns and operates three professional sports teams: the NBA’s Washington Wizards, NHL’s Washington Capitals and WNBA’s Washington Mystics. The group also owns and operates Verizon Center, the premier sports and entertainment venue in Washington, D.C., oversees the management of Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the state-of-the-art training facility for the Capitals, and George Mason University’s Patriot Center.

Washington Capitals/Wizards/Mystics owner Ted Leonsis was on Elliot in the Morning Monday, September 12, 2011 and chatted about the Caps, Capitals Convention, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, 'Walk With Us To Cure Lupus,' and more. Listen to the audio below.




Register for "Walk With Us To Cure Lupus" here. The walk is Sunday, October 2, 2011 on the Nationals Mall.

Attention Caps Fans - This is a great opportunity to ask Ted Leonsis questions. Submit your questions EARLY to Ownerscorner@washcaps.com. 

Press Release:

Ted Leonsis to Participate in Owner’s Corner on WashingtonCaps.com
Monday, 05.16.2011 / 12:20 PM / News
Washington Capitals

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have announced today that they will host an Owner’s Corner with founder, chairman, majority owner and chief executive officer of Monumental Sports Ted Leonsis on Thursday, May 19, at 1 p.m. exclusively on WashingtonCaps.com.

The interview will be hosted by senior writer Mike Vogel and streamed live on WashingtonCaps.com. The session will feature Leonsis answering questions from fans regarding the Washington Capitals and their off-season plans for the upcoming campaign. Fans who are interested in participating can submit, in advance via email, their questions to Ownerscorner@washcaps.com or on AOL instant messenger at “CapitalsReport”.

For more information about the Washington Capitals, please visit WashingtonCaps.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TED LEONSIS!

(Majority Owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment that owns and operates the
Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics)

I have posted several stories about Ted Leonsis over the last couple of years.  He has won awards, wrote a successful book, started new companies and just won the Winter Classic.

I personally admire the man and have repeatedly said that Ted is the best owner in sports and will continue to say so until someone proves me wrong. 

Thank you Ted for reaching out to the Caps fans and for being supportive of new media.  You are the best owners in sports. Period.  Happy Birthday! Let's Go Caps!

Ted is usually in his Verizon Center box for every Caps game and
often looks down to the players like a proud papa.

Ted's book proved to draw interest from Caps fans of all ages.

Ted even "represents" at the games sometimes.

Photo 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography/

Caps News Network. All Rights Reserved.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS) Challenge is Saturday, October 23, 2010 -- Run, Bike, Walk on The Mall in Washington, DC. See link for details of how to donate or volunteer at event.




Press Release:

Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS) Challenge To Be Held on Oct. 23
Friday, 10.01.2010 / 8:41 AM / News

On Saturday, October 23rd, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS) Challenge will be held in the nation’s capital. Ted Leonsis, internet pioneer and owner of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, along with his Buddy, Ken Holden, a six-time medalist in the Special Olympics, will serve as Co-Chairs of the event.

This event is part of an ongoing effort to honor the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, whose lifelong mission was to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities had opportunities for success in the classrooms, on the playing fields, and in the work force. The event, which will benefit both Best Buddies and Special Olympics, will celebrate friendship, teamwork, and competition.

"I am honored to be serving as chair of this important event with my Buddy, Ken Holden." says Leonsis. "Ken and I have been Buddies for the past 10 years and I look forward to working alongside this amazing friend and athlete to make this a day to remember in the nation's capital."

In addition to Leonsis, many of Washington’s biggest names and faces are enthusiastically lending their support and signing up to participate in the EKS Challenge, which will include politicians, corporate executives, professional athletes, celebrities, family members, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The day’s events will kick off at 7:30 am and will feature a 20-mile cycling event led by Mayor Adrian Fenty and renowned Tour de France cyclists Bobby Julich and Christian Vande Velde, starting at the Washington Monument, riding past the Capitol and through the city. The day’s activities will also include The Carl Lewis Challenge, a 5K run and 3K walk, led by the Olympic gold-medalist himself. There will also be a Celebrity Youth Fun Run, where students age 22 and under will run alongside featured celebrities.

"I know my mother is looking down with a huge smile and sense of satisfaction that Best Buddies and Special Olympics together have launched a ride, run and walk that will celebrate and recognize the enormous talents and leadership abilities of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman, Best Buddies International.

Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics, agrees. “We invite everyone to participate in this historic event so that they can feel the amazing world of welcome that our athletes create.”

The EKS Challenge will be much more than a ride, a run or a walk… it will be the ultimate sightseeing experience and the start of a beloved new tradition in the nation’s capital. Similar to Eunice Kennedy Shriver herself, this event will soon be a staple in the disability movement in Washington DC. It is not to be missed! To register, volunteer or get more information on the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge, please go to http://www.ekschallenge.org/

Press Release:

Friday, 07.16.2010 / 11:45 AM / News Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which is led by Ted Leonsis and comprises three professional sports teams – the Washington Capitals, Wizards and Mystics – as well as the Verizon Center, released its new brand identity logo today.

The red Monumental “M” and its accompanying star represent Washington, D.C., and signify that Monumental’s three teams and arena reside in the nation’s capital.

“We were striving for a brand identity that would have a clean and bold design yet easily recognizable and symbolizing that we play in the capital of our great nation,” said Leonsis, chairman and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

The new logo will be utilized in a variety of ways to demonstrate the combined efforts and spirit of cooperation among the various professional sports franchises and the Verizon Center. It will serve as a visual reminder of the ultimate goal: winning championships in the NBA, NHL and WNBA as well as taking pride in successfully managing this tremendous public trust on a daily basis.

In June Monumental Sports & Entertainment merged Lincoln Holdings LLC and Washington Sports and Entertainment LP, combining the three professional sports teams into one ownership group, as well as assuming ownership of Verizon Center. Additionally, the new group controls the local Ticketmaster franchise, Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the Capitals’ state-of-the-art training facility in Arlington, Va., and George Mason University’s Patriot Center, located in Fairfax, Va.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the country with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports. The executive management team includes Leonsis as the majority owner, chairman and CEO. Dick Patrick is vice chairman and COO as well as president of the Capitals. Raul Fernandez is a vice chairman as is Sheila Johnson, who continues in her role as president and managing partner of the Mystics.

The Washington Capitals celebrated their fans on the last home game of the season. Caps hosted the Boston Bruins and lost in a shootout, however, the fans still enjoyed the day.  There was facepainting, spirit sign making and Red Rockers passing out Caps favors.

The Caps first-ever Presidents' Trophy was on display and fans were able to pose for pictures, Ted Leonsis signed his book for an hour on the concourse, prizes were announced throughout the game and all fans received Caps umbrellas as they exited the Verizon Center. 

The highlight of post-game activities was the "Jersey off their Backs" presentation where fans receive game-worn jerseys from Capitals players. The fans drew numbers to determine which jersey they'd receive and the players signed the jerseys for them. 

Fans are ready for the playoffs! 

Alex Semin

Jason Chimera

Mike Knuble

Shoane Morrisonn

"Red" Slapshot

Mike Green

Jeff Schultz

Tomas ("Flash") Fleischmann

Scott Walker

Fan was very excited to get Ovi's jersey!

Alex Ovechkin

John Carlson

Simeon Varlamov

Joe Corvo

Fan was happy to get Brooksy's jersey!

Brooks Laich

Jose Theodore

Tyler Sloan

Nicklas Backstrom

Brendon Morrison

Tom Poti

Matt Bradley

All Photos 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography. All Rights Reserved.

A few reminders and information re the last regular season home game for the Washington Capitals....

Time of Game Changed:
NBC announced that it has selected the Washington Capitals' game against the Boston Bruins on Sunday, April 11, as the NHL's Game of the Week as part of the NHL's and NBC's flexible scheduling policy. The matchup, which will be broadcast in high-definition, will start at 12:00 p.m. The doors will be opening an hour and a half prior to the game, at 10:30am.

Traffic Advisory - Road Closures for Sunday April 11:
Due to the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Race, many roads in downtown Washington, D.C. will be closed. Please see map or the list of road closures below and plan accordingly.

• 4AM-11AM 15th Street between Independence and Constitution Aves
• 5AM-11AM

          Independence Ave, SW between 14th St, and 23rd St.
          Ohio Drive, 23rd St. to Virginia Ave (Rock Creek Parkway section)
          Ohio Drive, riverside and channel side (East and West Potomac Parks)
          Memorial Bridge to include Arlington Memorial Circle and Lincoln Memorial Circle
          23rd St., Constitution Ave to Lincoln Memorial Circle
          17th St. Constitution Ave to Independence Ave
          Raoul Wallenberg, SW (15th St.), Maine Ave to Independence Ave.
          Daniel French Drive, SW
          Henry Bacon Drive, NW
          Parkway Drive, NW
          Maine Ave, SW, 12th Street to 15th Street, All traffic will be diverted onto 395 S

• Also, a reminder for the street closures occurring Sunday evening through Tuesday for the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit at the Convention Center. See linked map.

Umbrella Giveaway
Fans will receive a Capitals umbrella courtesy of Verizon upon exit of the Sunday, April 11, game against the Boston Bruins. The gift from the Capitals and Verizon is another way to say thank you to the fans for all of their support during the season.

Presidents’ Trophy Display
The Presidents’ Trophy will be on display outside section 119 today. Bring your camera to take pictures of the Caps’ first-ever Presidents' Trophy!

Ted Leonsis Book Signing
Capitals' chairman and majority owner Ted Leonsis will be at Verizon Center today signing his book "The Business of Happiness" from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. outside section 108. Doors will open early at 10:30 a.m. Fans can bring a copy of their book or buy one at Verizon Center. See my previous post with more information about the book.

Jerseys off their back highlights/Fan Appreciation Week
All this week the Capitals hosted Fan Appreciation Week, thanking Caps fans for their support throughout this season. The Capitals gave away great prizes and autographed items on WashingtonCaps.com. The online raffle took place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day through Friday, April 9. Winners were selected at random and will be announced online at the top of every hour. At 2 p.m. each day one lucky fan will win a jersey worn by a Caps player during the team's final regular-season home game on Sunday, April 11. 

Did you win anything? The list of season ticket holder winners can be seen by clicking here.

2010 Playoff Information

• Playoff Tickets have started shipping with deliveries expected throughout the week. The tickets should arrive no later than Monday, April 12. Please note that they are now being sent UPS without a signature required and NOT via Fedex as noted in last week's update.
• The schedule for the First Round of the playoffs will be posted to website, www.washingtoncaps.com, either late in the evening on Sunday, April 11, or on Monday morning, April 12, as soon as the dates and times are finalized.
• If you signed up for the Pay As We Play playoff payment option, your credit card will be charged at least one to two days after the last playoff game for that round. If your payment defaults, your playoff tickets will not be valid for the next round until your balance due has been paid. Please note that if you default on your payments for the 2010 Playoff Pay As We Play program, the Capitals reserve the right to automatically cancel your 2010-11 season ticket plan.

Capitals' chairman and majority owner Ted Leonsis will be at Verizon Center Sunday, April 11, before the Capitals take on the Boston Bruins signing his book "The Business of Happiness" from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. outside Section 108 on the main concourse. Doors will open early at 10:30 a.m. Fans can bring a copy of their book or buy one at Verizon Center.

See my previous post with more information about the book.

There was a great article by Thomas Heath in the Washington Post on Monday about Caps Owner Ted Leonsis and his success.

Ted Leonsis said that networking and cultivating influencers have been keys to his success.

"If you don't have good connections, good networks, nothing will happen." Leonsis still follows his own advice.  "Enjoy it and use it as a way to get to network," he said. "No job is too small to covet."

Ted's book, "The Business of Happiness: 6 Secrets to Extraordinary Success in Life and Work" is now available online.

Here are a few early reviews:

Kara Swisher

Washington Life Magazine

The Growth Guy

As I have said many times before, Ted Leonsis is the best owner in sports!  Thank you Ted!  Have a nice Olympic break.

Photo 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

Ted Leonsis is not only the best owner is sports, he is now also an Emmy-winning movie producer!  I bet that there aren't too many other sports owners with an Emmy!

This was previously announced, however, fans had a chance to congratulate Ted at Saturday's game against the Predators.  The Emmy was for Outstanding Historical Programming-Long Form for "Nanking."

Congratulations Ted!  Everything he touches seems to turn to gold.

In related news, this is a nice article about Ted in the LA Times.

Photos © 2009 Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

ESPN the Magazine ranked the Washington Capitals as the Number 1 team for responsiveness to fan feedback. Number 1, not just in NHL, but in ALL professional sports.

The Capitals ranked 6th overall out of 122 professional teams on ESPN the Magazine's Ultimate List for 2009. The 1st place fan feedback helped the Caps jump 39 spots from last year. It is also interesting to see that five out of the top ten are NHL teams. Number one overall was awarded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (MLB). See press release below for additionals Caps rankings.

Being a first time full season ticket holder to the Capitals for the 2008-2009 was truly an amazing experience. We all know that the product on the ice was fantastic, however, all of the "behind the scenes" staff and events were equally fantastic.

We have been season ticket holders to other sports in town and nearby cities and the Capitals blow all of the others out of the water regarding customer service. The owner, Ted Leonsis, invites fans to email him and add him as a friend on Facebook! He appreciates hearing feedback - both good and bad.

The front office established the guest services department and each season ticket holder was assigned to a guest services specialist who could answer questions and help with just about anything.

Yet, just a another reason why Ted Leonsis is the best owner in sports.

Photo 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

Press Release:
Capitals Rank Sixth in ESPN The Magazine's 2009 Ultimate Standings
Team ranks No. 1 in responsiveness to fan feedback Washington Capitals
Jul 1, 2009, 6:32 PM EDT

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals rank sixth in the newly released ESPN The Magazine’s 2009 Ultimate Standings list, jumping 39 spots from last year in part because of a first place ranking in responsiveness to fan feedback. The magazine rated 122 Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL) and National Hockey League (NHL) franchises by how much they give back to fans.

“It is great to be recognized by ESPN The Magazine,” Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said, “and I am proud that our organization continues to deliver great value to our fans. Our fan base is one of the most passionate in all of sports. We had a great season, and we shared it with great fans. The Verizon Center was electric and promises to be in the future as Caps fans continue to rock the red.”

The report was the result of exclusive and original analysis by ESPN The Magazine and the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center, combined with fan feedback data gathered by the consulting firm Maddock Douglas, ESPN.com and GMI NetReflector. More than 50,000 responses were collected. The analysis is used to determine how franchises establish and maintain the greatest overall reward for their fans.

Teams were judged on affordability, bang for the buck, coaching, fan relations, ownership, players, stadium experience and title track. The Capitals’ No. 1 ranking in responsiveness to fan feedback helped the organization to place 11th in fan relations. Other categories where Washington ranked high were ownership (fifth), coaching (10th), players (12th), which relates to the effort the players put on the ice and their likability off the ice, and stadium experience (15th). Washington enjoyed what could be considered the franchise’s most successful regular season in history to move up 54 spots to rank 11th for bang for the buck. The Capitals improved in all of the categories resulting in the overall ranking of sixth.

Washington had a club-record 29 sellouts in the regular season and sold out every playoff game at Verizon Center. The average attendance was 99% of capacity. The Capitals have sold out for season tickets for 2009-10, making Verizon Center the place to be.

Ted Leonsis and his son took in a baseball game at Naionals Park recently. It happened to be the second of three games against the Boston Red Sox during interleague play so the park was sold out, a majority of Red Sox Nation.

"I know the Nationals can build up a big and loyal following and sell the place out on their own one day." I wish Ted Leonsis owned the Nationals.

Click here to read Ted's blog about his night.

Leonsis chatting with Mark Lerner in President's Club

Photos 2009 © Cheryl Nichols. All Rights Reserved.