Design & Development

Clark, Gensler and CAA Icon to deliver Capital One Arena revamp

Featured image credit: Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Featured image credit: Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Monumental Sports & Entertainment has announced that Clark Construction Group, Gensler and CAA Icon will serve as partners in the delivery of a major renovation project for Capital One Arena.

The arena, home to the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals, is set for a wide range of upgrades over the coming years, with the work set to be completed ahead of the 2027-28 season.

Last week, MSE and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the introduction of legislation supporting the public-private partnership for the project, as the first renderings of a new-look Capital One Arena were released.

MSE has now confirmed the design and construction team for the project. Gensler, a global design and architecture firm, has worked on major projects across the US, including Chase Center, home of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.

Gensler has also worked on Crypto.com Arena’s renovation project and has designed upcoming renovations for M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.

Clark constructed the original Capital One Arena, and has been retained to carry out the redevelopment of the venue. MSE said Clark’s early involvement has enabled competitive sourcing of subcontractors, which has ensured optimal pricing and quality and maximised participation from small businesses and the local workforce.

CAA Icon will serve as the owner’s representative for MSE, acting as a liaison between the organisation and all stakeholders involved in the project. The company’s role will include overseeing the design and construction process, managing budgets and schedules, and facilitating communication between architects, contractors and MSE leadership.

Jordan Silberman, president of venues at MSE, said: “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 Capital One Arena, creating the spaces for unforgettable experiences for fans, 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.”

MSE had been planning on building a new entertainment district in Virginia that would have housed an arena for the Wizards and Capitals, but these plans were dropped in March when MSE reached an agreement with D.C. to carry out major renovation work at Capital One Arena.

D.C. has committed to financing of $515m (£397m/€476m) towards the project, with MSE planning on contributing at least $285m. An amended lease agreement has been signed that will keep the Wizards and Capitals in D.C. until at least 2050.

Last week, MSE announced plans for The Vaults, a new set of luxury suites at Capital One Arena. The Vaults, designed by Gensler, are set to provide a “one-of-a-kind” luxury suite experience for guests.