Monumental partners with KLUTCH Sports Group, Legends, and Elevate to help lead landmark arena project and create world-class fan experience

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced today three industry-leading agencies to help lead the execution of a brand-new, completely modernized Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C. Renowned partner companies 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, and full-service strategy, design, and execution agency Elevate Creative will offer expertise on brand messaging, team activation, and sponsorship integration.

Today’s announcement comes as MSE formally begins construction on the new Capital One Arena, having received unanimous approval on the development and finance agreements from the D.C. Council last month for the three-year, $800+ million arena transformation. MSE is taking a 360-degree approach to planning a high-tech, high-touch building that will serve millions of annual visitors for the next 25 years and set a new standard for fan experience and technological innovation.

“As we embark on the creation of a brand-new Capital One Arena, we are proud to partner with KLUTCH Sports Group, Legends, and Elevate—three of the most respected and innovative agencies in the industry,” said Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE. “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. 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 & United Talent Agency

MSE has partnered with KLUTCH Sports Group and United Talent Agency to enhance its commercial partnership strategy for the reimagined Capital One Arena. KLUTCH will play a pivotal role in the valuation and packaging of the arena’s new partnership offerings, aligning with MSE’s vision to transform the venue into a state-of-the-art entertainment hub. As a trusted extension of MSE’s Global Partnerships team, KLUTCH will leverage its vast network and industry-leading expertise to support the sales and development of strategic partnerships across all Monumental properties and platforms. With a proven track record of maximizing value for premier brands, KLUTCH is an ideal fit to drive innovative partnerships that will elevate the fan experience and provide unprecedented opportunities for sponsors.

“At KLUTCH, we pride ourselves on forging innovative partnerships that amplify the value of premier brands, and this collaboration is a testament to that mission,” said Andrew Feinberg, KLUTCH’s Head of Global Partnerships. “Together, we’re setting the stage for a new era of sports and entertainment in the nation’s capital.”

Legends

With a proven history of delivering transformative results in sports and entertainment venues, Legends will play a key role in advancing the premium sales strategy for MSE and the new Capital One Arena. Legends will provide comprehensive premium sales and marketing support, including an in-house team that will work closely with MSE’s sales staff to drive success throughout the three-year construction project. Legends will focus on supporting the success of MSE’s growing volume of premium seat offerings, including The Vaults, set to debut in October 2025. The team will also oversee the development of two new small group premium seating clubs and a fully reimagined suites business in the later phases of the arena transformation. Legends is uniquely positioned to help MSE redefine the premium fan experience at Capital One Arena and take the VIP experience to new heights.

“At Legends, we embrace the opportunity to partner with great people on ambitious projects on the biggest stages. The transformation at Capital One Arena embodies this, representing a bold step forward for Monumental Sports & Entertainment,” said Mike Ondrejko, President of Global Sales, Legends. “We’re honored to collaborate with their world-class team to introduce a redefined premium experience to the great market of Washington, D.C.”

Elevate Creative

Owing to their extensive expertise in creating engaging, immersive brand experiences and integrating sponsorships into world-class venues, MSE has chosen Elevate Creative to drive branding and sponsorship integration strategy for the new arena, supporting MSE’s marketing group in shaping the overall brand vision for the venue. A key aspect of Elevate’s work will include developing compelling storytelling and brand experiences for the arena project – as seen with the noted Where Monuments Meet Momentum campaign, which debuted in December 2024 – as well as collaborating with MSE to ensure seamless brand and sponsor integration throughout Capital One Arena, with special focus on premier spaces like the United Globe Club and Lounge.

“At Elevate Creative, we’re committed to delivering exceptional experiences that connect with sports fans and create lasting memories and meaningful impact,” said Drew Bryant, Chief Creative Officer of Elevate. “We combine the precision of design with the spark of emotion to craft stories — that’s where the magic happens. Partnering with Monumental Sports on this project is a true honor. Our collaboration brought their vision to life in a way that not only energizes fans and engages partners, but also shines a light on both their legacy and where they’re headed. This is the kind of work that reminds you why you do what you do.”

In addition to the agency partners unveiled 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 as MSE works to deliver a best-in-class experience for fans and a world-class destination for its athletes.

Additional information about the brand-new Capital One Arena is available HERE.

ESPN BET becomes Proud Sports Betting Partner across entire Monumental enterprise, including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, and Washington Mystics

PENN Entertainment, Inc. (“PENN” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: PENN) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary PENN Sports Interactive, LLC has entered into a long-term partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment(MSE). Under the multi-channel agreement, and subject to regulatory approvals, PENN secures online market access for ESPN BET in Washington, D.C., and ESPN BET also becomes a sports betting partner of Monumental and its teams, including the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and Washington Mystics (WNBA).

“We are thrilled to join forces with PENN Entertainment and align with ESPN BET, a leading brand across the sports and entertainment landscape,” said Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE. “This partnership furthers our collective commitment to offering fans unique, cutting-edge experiences that reflect the future of sports entertainment, with ESPN BET’s innovative platform adding a new layer of engagement for our fans, both inside and outside the arena.”“We are proud to partner with Monumental Sports and its teams to unite the energy of D.C. sports with our world-class platform,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer, PENN Entertainment. “This deal expands our footprint in the region, further connecting ESPN BET with one of America’s most passionate sports communities. Our presence alongside the Capitals, Wizards and Mystics positions ESPN BET at the center of the action where sports, technology, and fan experience converge.”

As part of the agreement, ESPN BET will work closely with MSE to enhance the fan experience through a multi-channel, integrated marketing partnership. The collaboration will include prominent in-arena and media components, including features in Capitals and Wizards game broadcasts on Monumental Sports Network (MNMT). In addition to custom broadcast integrations, the partnership provides:

• IP Rights for MSE, Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics for both ESPN BET and Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
• In-Arena and TV-Visible Signage
• Out-of-Home Advertising
• Commercial Schedule across Monumental Sports Network
• Unique Hospitality and Experiences

Both MSE and PENN support the American Gaming Association’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign, designed to ensure fans remain educated and equipped with tools to enjoy gaming in a responsible manner. MSE has dedicated a variety of assets and resources to promoting responsible gaming including media coverage on MSE’s efforts, organic and amplified social media posts across all MSE social channels and in-arena digital displays, and commercials to consistently message fans outside the arena, on concourses, near concession areas, and in the center hung and ribbon boards while fans are in their seats.

PENN is committed to providing a safe environment for all customers to enjoy gaming responsibly. ESPN BET offers players comprehensive Responsible Gaming tools and resources, including limits on time, deposits, and wagering amounts. To learn more, visit www.pennentertainment.com/corp/responsible-gaming.

ESPN BET is an online sportsbook operated by PENN Entertainment that combines ESPN’s industry-leading brand and multiplatform reach with PENN Entertainment’s proprietary in-house technology and deep sportsbook operational expertise. ESPN BET is currently available in 19 states.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. Must be 21 or older to play.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in December 2024. Thank you for being a part of the association! Also, let us get to know you better by participating in the I Am Venue Management series. Please visit here to share your story and photo.

Robert Adamiszyn, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV
Josh Aiello, City of Kingston, Mentone, VIC, Australia
Kison Alden, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK
Jovan Amaya, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Catriona Angus, Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch, New Zealand
Andrew Armas, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC
Joshua Arter, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Derrick Artre, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX
Jenn Barday, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Michelle Barlow, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Michael Barrett, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Al Baxter, Populous, Surrey Hills, NSW, Australia
Megan Beardmore, Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis, IN
Jamie Beerli, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Tommy Berridge, Te Whaea National Dance & Drama Centre, Wellington,
Hope Bishop, OVG Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Andrew Blanda, Doltone House, Pyrmont, NSW, Australia
Laura Borden, Parker Arts, Parker, CO
Rebecca Bordenet-French, Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center, Manchester, TN
Austin Bryant, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Adrian Burnett, City of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Sarah Butchart, H3 Group, Hamilton, New Zealand
Edward Callen, Adelaide Venue Management Corporation, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Lauren Carey, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
RaeLe Carlson, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Sabrina Ceballo, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, NJ
Natasha Chavez, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Sarah Corso, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Jacob Costello, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Robert Cummings, Nationals Park – Washington Nationals, Washington, DC
Nicole Curbow, Branson Convention Center – ASM Global, Branson, MO
Michelle Davis, City Parklands Services, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
TJ Davis, Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD
Alonzo Delgado, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Sean Delgado-Cruz, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC
Zac DePaoli, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
Brittany Drovadal, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Cynthia Edmunds, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Amie Edser, Populous, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Chris Edwards, Australian Catering Services (ACS), Coorparoo, QLD, Australia
Wes Elms, Garrett Metal Detectors, Garland, TX
Gemma Felton, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Nathaly Fields, Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Shayla Finley, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee, WI
Paul Finn, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Tim Flood, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Erin Flynn, Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Gail Forster, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu
Richard Freeman, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga, New Zealand
Kerry Gamble, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
LaToya Garland, Miramar Cultural Center, Miramar, FL
Trent Giles, Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
Melinda Gilstrom-Rybak, Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
Richard Ginzel, Music City Center, Nashville, TN
Gabrielle Goecke, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
Brayden Goodwin, Populous, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Tim Goward, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Zarah Graser, Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, Oakland, CA
David Griffin, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Caroline Griggs, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Roy Gross, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Allan Hallett, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Gemma Hansen, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Nate Harris, Greater Richmond Convention Center – OVG, Richmond, VA
Rachel Hawkes, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Andrew Hayles, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
Andre Hebert, CAJUNDOME & Convention Center, Lafayette, LA
Josh Hernandez, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Amanda Hodges, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Rodney Holley, Batesville Civic Center, Batesville, MS
Sarah Howlett, Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Grant Humeston, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Stacy Jass, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Zelda Jennings, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Kerryn Jensen, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
John Juliano, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV
Kerry Keller, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Ryan Kerr, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Kevin Kim, T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
Jeannette Laluk, ConventionSuite by NewGen Business Solutions, Scottsdale, AZ
Mateo Leone, Nowsta, New York City, NY
Clark Livsey, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Deanna Long, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC
Sarah Lorenzana, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Bob Louis, Duke Energy Convention Center – ASM, Cincinnati, OH
Caleb Luker, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Melissa Makarenko, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Ella Markus, UC San Diego University Centers, La Jolla, CA
Emily Martin, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Veronica Martinez, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Jorge Mazzarri, Navy Pier – OVG, Chicago, IL
Michelle McBain, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Rob McGahan, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Megan McIntosh, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
John McKay, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Scott McLarty, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK
Kay Meilleur, Meridian Centre & Canada Games Park, St Catharines, ON, Canada
Jacey Menter, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Danielle Miller, ConventionSuite by NewGen Business Solutions, Scottsdale, AZ
Lisa Mocysnki, Sleeman Sports Complex, Chandler, QLD, Australia
Teale Moyers, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Casey Mullen, Inter&Co Stadium – Orlando City SC, Orlando, FL
Kirby Munn, Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, QLD, Australia
Noah Nave, Owensboro Convention Center – OVG, Owensboro, KY
Amanda Nichols, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK
Lizzie Opolski, Arts Centre Melbourne, St Kilda Road, VIC, Australia
Syr Palmer, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, Wichita, KS
Vrishti Patel, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Natasha Pedigo, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Lindsey Pelfrey, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Sophie Pellicci, Inter&Co Stadium – Orlando City SC, Orlando, FL
Audy Pena, Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Rochelle Peth, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Sara Phoenix, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK
Jerry Pickett, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Victor Plancarte, UC San Diego University Centers, La Jolla, CA
Christina Pohlmann, Mississippi Coast Coliseum And Convention Center, Biloxi, MS
Kim Poole, Auckland Zoo, Auckland, New Zealand
Rinus Pope, AUT Events + Venues, Auckland, New Zealand
Alexandra Porter-Hepworth, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW, Australia
JK Power, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Andrew Preston, Tataki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland, New Zealand
Michele Preston, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Patrick Pruna, Owensboro Convention Center – OVG, Owensboro, KY
Michaella Putman, Venue Solutions Group, LLC, Gig Harbor, WA
Loren Ralston, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Megan Ravsten, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Jocelyn Razo, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Brian Roberts, Customs House, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
Gwyneth Rosenkrantz, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Kaitlyn Rosenthal, UC San Diego University Centers, La Jolla, CA
Matt Ross, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Esther Schwarzbauer, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Todd Seiler, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Gilbert Sifuentez, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Elizabeth Sippel, Owensboro Convention Center – OVG, Owensboro, KY
Noah Small, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Telma Southgate, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Catherine Stahl, Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong, VIC, Australia
Kara Stephenson, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Jonell Stoddard, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Luci Swanson, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
Christina Tan, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Elizabeth Taylor, Venues Otautahi, Christchurch,
Brian Thomas, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Todd Tobias, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
James Trimble, Momentus Technologies, Saint Louis, MO
Brent Tritton, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
David Truzman, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Colby Tucker, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Sarah Turpen, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Connor Van Buskirk, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Christopher Vela, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Mia Vilanova, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee, WI
Debra Warner, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Jon White, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Paige Williams, Berry Center, Houston, TX
David Wright, Branson Convention Center – ASM Global, Branson, MO
LeeAnn Yanes, Greater Richmond Convention Center – OVG, Richmond, VA
Elizabeth Zimmerman, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, Wichita, KS+H105:H161

In these challenging times, as the wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles and surrounding areas, IAVM wants to express our deepest concern and heartfelt support for all our members affected by this disaster. We hope you and your loved ones are safe and managing through these difficult circumstances.

We understand that the challenges you face are profound, impacting not only your personal lives but also the venues you manage and the communities you serve. The disruption and uncertainty caused by such events are unimaginable, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this.

At IAVM, we are a community bound by shared values and mutual support. We stand ready to assist in any way possible. Whether it’s providing resources, connecting you with support networks, or rallying assistance from fellow members, we are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or guidance.

Your safety and well-being are our utmost priorities. Together, we can navigate these tough times, leaning on the strength of our community. Thank you for your resilience, dedication, and all that you do. Stay safe, and remember, we are here for you every step of the way.

With heartfelt support,

The IAVM Team