Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) today announced the debut of “Building Momentum,” a new multi-platform content series that will take fans behind the scenes of the ambitious transformation of MSE’s brand-new arena in downtown Washington, D.C. Launching this morning with the first mini episode of The Ground Floor, this original series is brought to life by MSE’s productions team and presented by KPMG, MSE’s strategic partner for the arena transformation.

“Building Momentum” will share exclusive access and updates throughout the construction process—offering fans a firsthand look at how MSE is reimagining the home of the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, family shows, concerts, and other world-class programming. From infrastructure and design to technological innovation of the fan experience, the series will spotlight the scale, vision, and partnerships driving this once-in-a-generation project.

“’Building Momentum’ will give fans a seat at the table as the future of our brand-new arena comes to life,” said Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations at MSE. “We’ve created a compelling, creative series that truly captures the energy and innovation behind this transformation and we’re excited to share it over the coming months.”

“Building Momentum” will include various miniseries:

The Ground Floor with Juliana Morgan

• A fast-paced, bite-sized social media series hosted by Monumental Sports Network’s (MNMT) Juliana Morgan. These short-form videos will explain key transformation updates—what they are, why they matter, and how they’ll impact fans.
• Initial episodes will highlight the project timeline, overall arena upgrades, state-of-the-art arena technology, modernized team spaces, and curated art and memorabilia throughout the building.

Pardon Our Progress

• Episodes will feature perspectives from MSE and Gensler executives, explore the revitalization of The District, and provide a closer look at enhancements to the fan journey—leading up to the Capitals and Wizards season openers and throughout the first portion of the season.

Additional Content to Come

• Construction updates of new arena spaces leading up to the start of the season
• MNMT talent will go in-depth on different aspects of the transformation, offering personal takes and immersive storytelling.
• Dedicated miniseries spotlighting KPMG’s role as transformation partner, with an inside look at their strategy, analytics, and operational support for the transformation.

Today’s announcement comes as construction is underway on the brand-new Capital One Arena. 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.

Follow the “Building Momentum” series across all MSE social media platforms: Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The Nicholas Family of Companies has acquired Glacier Ice Arena, a 63,000-square-foot indoor ice arena with two NHL-regulation rinks at 670 Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills, Ill.

The Nicholas Family of Companies, a second-generation family-owned and -operated organization headquartered in Mount Prospect with additional offices in Wisconsin and Florida, today announced it has acquired Glacier Ice Arena, a 63,000-square-foot indoor ice arena with two NHL-regulation rinks at 670 Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills, Ill. The Nicholas Family of Companies will own and manage the hockey and ice-skating rink and will commence large-scale renovations later this year without disruption to operations.

Glacier Ice Arena is the newest addition to the Nicholas Family of Companies’ portfolio of ice rink facilities, which also includes the Mount Prospect Ice Arena at Nicholas Sportsplex in Mount Prospect, Ill.; Rosemont Ice Arena, a new 103,000-square-foot twin-sheet facility in Rosemont, Ill., set to open in August; and Elk Grove Ice Arena, a 86,261-square-foot, two-rink complex in Elk Grove, Ill., set to break ground in August. All four will be operated by the company’s internal sports and recreation firm Spectate Group.

“Glacier is a thriving facility with a rich 25-year history that’s created a strong, vibrant community,” said Nick Papanicholas Jr., chief executive officer and managing director of the Nicholas Family of Companies, which includes Spectate Group. “While the growing popularity of hockey has increased interest in investing in rinks, we also have a track record for managing them, and we are confident we can thoughtfully enhance the experience for future generations of players and families.”

The National Hockey League is consistently reporting higher revenue, increased ratings and record-setting attendance, with arenas filled to more than 96% capacity, reflecting the surge in hockey’s popularity. Additionally, there were 389,820 registered youth hockey players in 2023-24, up from 340,000 in 2009-10, and over 90,000 girls under age 18 are registered to play, almost surpassing Canada, according to USA Hockey.

Steve Perlmutter, the managing member of Glacier Ice Arena since its founding in 1999, opened the rink after seeing firsthand the impact of youth hockey and figure skating through his children’s participation in them in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs. He got to know the Papanicholas family, also avid hockey players, through the sport, and his decision to sell the facility ultimately was driven by his longstanding respect and admiration for them.

“The Nicholas Family of Companies is a seasoned, professional organization we’re confident will continue delivering the experience we’ve worked so hard to establish,” said Perlmutter. “We are grateful for the community’s support of Glacier and the hard work of our staff, particularly General Manager Eric Schneider and Assistant General Manager Chris Howarth, who have been indispensable in creating the family-friendly experience here. Eric and other staff will stay on under new management, helping to ensure a seamless transition for our patrons.”

“My family and Steve have a great relationship, and I want to continue that by carrying forward his vision with appreciation and respect,” said Papanicholas. “Glacier Ice Arena was Steve’s passion project, and we want to honor that legacy.”

Glacier Ice Arena is affiliated with a club called Ice Dogs Hockey Club and serves as the primary venue for the Ice Dogs Hockey Association – home to roughly 15 teams – for both games and practices. The Nicholas Family of Companies will continue to support the association by providing essential access to the ice arena and safeguarding a smooth changeover that respects its ongoing use.

As with the Nicholas Family of Companies’ Nicholas Sportsplex and Rosemont Ice Arena, there is potential for the firm’s integrated hospitality company, Big Fish Hospitality Group, to be incorporated into future phases of planning following the acquisition. “In the future, we may add a restaurant element to Glacier Ice Arena,” said Papanicholas. “We envision this facility as more than just a place to skate – we want it to be a space where the community can gather before, during and after the puck drop.

“Four of my kids played hockey so I’ve spent a lot of time at ice rinks,” he added. “I can say with certainty that this space has great bones and is an efficient size to support the community’s growing interest in hockey.”

Glacier currently has 10 locker rooms; study rooms; party and meeting rooms; a snack bar; and a video game room. Nicholas and Spectate are evaluating additional services and amenities to enhance the experience for patrons while minimizing downtime.

“Our job at Spectate Group is to immerse ourselves with the initial vision of Glacier Ice Arena and understand the brand from the inside out,” said Ryan Zanon, director of operations at Spectate Group. “We want to embrace the learning curve that comes with this acquisition to continue the integrity of the rink.

“Spectate Group is growing its footprint in the hockey world, but each rink remains deliberately personal – anchored by boots on the ground, nurturing each community like its own ecosystem,” Zanon added.

Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and ArtsBridge Foundation recently released their joint 2024 Annual Report, celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the Cobb Galleria Centre. Since opening in 1994, Cobb Galleria Centre has generated $4 billion in economic impact on Cobb County and the state of Georgia.

In 2024 alone, Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre produced a total of 392 events and performances with attendance of 434,000. Thousands of students attended field trips hosted by ArtsBridge Foundation – the arts education outreach arm of the Cobb Energy Centre – while ArtsBridge’s Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards won a sixth Southeast Emmy® Award.

In 2024, Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Centre operations supported 1,050 jobs and generated approximately $158 million in overall economic impact for Cobb County and the state of Georgia, based on an economic impact study performed by an independent consulting firm.  Approximately $7.2 million in sales, income, local option, hotel/motel and liquor by the drink taxes are directly attributable to events held at the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Centre. 

At the end of 2024, Michele Swann stepped down as General Manager and CEO of the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Centre and ArtsBridge Foundation, a role she held since 1995. The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority announced Charles Beirne as her successor. Beirne will lead the long-anticipated renovation and expansion of the Cobb Galleria Centre, which begins later this year. The expansion project is expected to be completed in 2027.

To read more, visit https://cobbgalleria.com/about-us/annual-report/.

The San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) unveiled a new suite of Mamava lactation pods. The modern, freestanding spaces advance the facility’s commitment to serving the needs of all convention guests, especially during large-scale events that draw tens of thousands of attendees daily. 

“These additions reflect our focus on providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors,” said Rip Rippetoe, President and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center. “By expanding and enhancing our lactation accommodations, we’re meeting the needs of our diverse event community, including exhibitors who often have limited time away from their booths.”  

Augmenting two existing Mothers Lounges, both on the ground level, the four new Mamava pods will be available on all three levels of the Convention Center to offer convenient options for guests and workers alike. Each pod is equipped with easy-to-clean surfaces, convenient power outlets, and secure, app-enabled entry. Parents can use the free Mamava app to find the pods and Mothers Lounges, and to open the pods using the app.  

“This partnership, sparked by our presence at the SHRM Annual Conference, reflects a shared commitment to supporting working parents,” said Sascha Mayer, cofounder of Mamava. “We believe all breastfeeding parents deserve a dignified place to pump or feed a baby distraction-free—anywhere, anytime. The San Diego Convention Center is helping normalize breastfeeding and expand equitable access to lactation support for the next generation.”

A ribbon-cutting event took place July 2 to introduce and celebrate the new pods. Guests included leadership from SDCC; San Diego Tourism Authority; Mamava; and the UC Health Milk Bank, a non-profit milk bank that opened in 2020 to serve vulnerable babies across the region.

“As San Diego leads the way in human milk science and innovation, the addition of Mamava pods to the Convention Center is another step toward building a community that actively supports families and promotes public health,” said Alison Wolf, Executive Director of the UC Health Milk Bank.