Sellout Crowd Raises $1.2 Million at Legacy on Ice

Capital One Arena benefit supported victims of the tragedy at National Airport on January 29^th

Photo courtesy of Monumental Sports PR

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), Entertainment Gang, and U.S. Figure Skating yesterday hosted Legacy on Ice, a live figure skating tribute held at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington D.C. Proceeds from the event will support the families and loved ones of the 67 lives lost in the tragic aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025, and the first responders and aviation professionals who responded heroically to the tragedy.

The sellout event of more than 15,000 – including nearly 500 first responders and approximately 150 family members of victims in attendance to honor their loved ones – has raised nearly $1.2 million to date. That figure is expected to increase throughout this month with the live national broadcast on NBC taking place on March 30 where viewers will be encouraged to donate throughout the broadcast and upon the conclusion of an online auction featuring sports memorabilia, culinary and entertainment experiences, among other items. Anyone interested in donating to the Legacy on Ice program, benefiting affected families, loved ones and first responders, may do so at www.LegacyOnIce.com.

“We continue to be in awe of and grateful to this community, whose compassion and support was out in full force for the ‘Legacy on Ice’ event,” said Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman, Managing Partner and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “Against the backdrop of this massive tragedy, this region has provided a light in showcasing its generosity and empathy for the victims, their families, and the heroic first responders, and I encourage people to continue to donate if they can.”

The event was announced just one week after the tragedy and was pulled together in just over 30 days and included 37 of the figure skating community’s most iconic athletes and decorated stars. The athletes and production team had only scant hours of in-person rehearsal time before going live. Still, the two-hour program came together in nearly flawless execution, pulled together by hundreds of staff working behind the scenes.

Generous contributions from eight organizations were instrumental in the success of yesterday’s Legacy on Ice event, including CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Venture Global, American Express, DXC Foundation, MGM National Harbor, Clark Construction, Giant, and Kendra Scott. Funds from these corporate sponsorships significantly lowered all associated costs for the event, in turn increasing the proceeds that will benefit victims’ families and first responders through the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation’s Legacy on Ice program.

Guests at yesterday’s event were treated to a series of engaging activations taking place outside of the arena, on the concourses and in the bowl at Capital One Arena:

• In a poignant tribute, the dasher boards around the rink at Capital One Arena displayed a panel of 67 stars, commemorating each of the victims of the January 29 crash.  
• The DC Fire and EMS Department flew an American flag hung between two ladder trucks across F Street NW in front of the main entrance to Capital One Arena – a tradition that honors those who lost their lives in service of others.   
• A dedicated group of K9s and their handlers from the DC Fire and EMS Department and several therapy dogs were on hand.  
• Representatives from local sports teams, including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Washington Commanders, Washington Nationals, D.C. United, and the Washington Spirit attended, showcasing the community’s solidarity and support.  

Future Engagement Opportunities

• After streaming on Peacock and airing on Monumental Sports Networkyesterday, NBC will broadcast an encore of the event to a national audience on Sunday, March 30 at 1 PM ET.  
• The Kendra Scott Foundation Sports Fund is supporting the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund through sales of the Kendra Scott Ice Skate Pendant. Learn more HERE.
• The Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) has launched an online benefit auction, offering additional opportunities to support communities impacted by this tragedy. The auction features a slate of special offerings graciously donated by Washington sports teams, businesses and community groups. Those interested can visit www.Monumentalsports.com/LegacyOnIceAuction to see the full list of auction items. The auction runs through April 3 at 3 PM ET.

To find additional information on the Legacy on Ice program and to donate directly, please visit www.LegacyOnIce.com.