From the Nationals:

“The Washington Nationals on Tuesday added All-Star and World Series champion pitcher Sean Doolittle to their staff as a Pitching Strategist. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

In this role, Doolittle will serve as a liaison between the analytics department and pitching staff, while assisting the manager and pitching coach with strategy, mental preparation and mechanics. Read More

rendering courtesy JBG

From Monumental Sports:

“Today, Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Founder, Chairman, Principal Partner, and CEO, Ted Leonsis, announced the company has reached a framework of an agreement for a public-private partnership to create a world-class Entertainment District in Alexandria at Potomac Yard, pending legislative approval and completion of definitive documents. This would relocate the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards’ home arena to Virginia beginning in 2028, should the proposal become finalized. Read More

No!!!!! https://t.co/OrVtwALbX5

— PoPville (@PoPville) December 12, 2023

This was supposed to be a hypothetical!!

UPDATE From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson unveiled legislation to support a complete renovation and modernization of the Capital One Arena. The legislation, which has unanimous support from the DC Council, outlines the District’s contribution of a half billion dollars to the modernization project to create a state-of-the-art urban arena and solidifies Monumental Sports and Entertainment as an economic anchor of the Gallery Place-Chinatown entertainment district and a destination for District residents and visitors.

“Downtown DC is the District’s economic engine that provides revenue resources to support important programs in the city. Mr. Leonsis and Monumental Sports have been critical partners in keeping our downtown thriving, especially after the pandemic. The modernization of the Capital One Arena will be an invaluable investment for continued success and our future prosperity,” said Mayor Bowser. “This proposal represents our best and final offer and is the next step in partnering with Monumental Sports to breathe new life and vibrancy into the neighborhood and to keep the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals where they belong – in Washington, DC.”

The legislation that Mayor Bowser submitted to the Council outlines the parameters of the agreement, including receiving the authority to enter into a lease extension and provide financing of $500 million toward the $800 million renovation project over a period of three years beginning in 2024. City leaders have also committed to a swift and expedited review and approval process to meet current construction plans for the arena. Read More

From the Nationals:

“Just in time for the holidays, the Washington Nationals today unveiled highlights of the club’s 2024 promotional schedule, featuring an exciting array of exclusive bobbleheads, collectibles and experiences for adults and kids alike.

Several fan-favorites return, such as City Connect apparel, player bobbleheads and more, joining plenty of new giveaways including Nationals-themed hockey, football and soccer jerseys. Also new this year, the Nationals are expanding multiple popular theme days into theme weekends – with three days each celebrating the 2019 World Champion Nationals, the 1924 World Champion Senators, and the ever-popular STAR WARS™ franchise. Read More

Thanks to David for sending this Sweet Mustang in “Commanders colors”

Sweet City Ride is made possible by readers like you!

Emma succinctly asks: “Best sports bars in DC?”

Where are your favorites these days? For which particular sports?

“Proposed NPS plan that includes removal of 1,200 trees.” via Casey Trees

Thanks to J. for passing on from Casey Trees:

“Calling all Casey Trees Advocates – Save Trees in Rock Creek Park

Your Advocacy is Needed TODAY:

Tell the National Park Service (NPS) not to cut down 1,200 trees in Rock Creek Park by submitting comments on their plan to rehabilitate the Rock Creek Golf Course. Your comments are easily submitted through NPS’ online form.

Guidance on how to provide comments and a recommended template are provided further down in this article.

What is Happening: Read More

photo by Pablo Raw

From the National Gallery of Art:

“The beloved winter tradition returns! The 2023–2024 Sculpture Garden Ice Rink season will run from Monday, November 20, through March 3, 2024 (weather permitting).

Managed by Guest Services, Inc., the ice rink invites visitors to skate among the museums on the National Mall. Skaters will be surrounded by monumental sculptures from modern and contemporary artists including Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Tony Smith, Roy Lichtenstein, and Roxy Paine.

To celebrate the start of the skating season, the ice rink will host figure skaters from Team USA for pop-up performances at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. on opening day, November 20.

Ice Rink Hours and Fees Read More

photo by DCbmyers

From a press release:

“Today, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced the selection of a team to perform a Sports Study to support DMPED’s work to plan, coordinate, and support professional and recreational sports in Washington, DC. The team selected to lead the Sports Study is Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc (JLL) and the Robert Bobb Group. Read More

Thanks to Nolan and a couple other readers for sending: “In an interesting turn of events, Swingers Navy Yard on Half Street is now permanently closed after just 8 months. Dupont location is staying open.” Read More