The billionaire owner of the NHL and NBA teams in Washington, D.C. has apparently decided to move their home base to Virginia because of the loud knocking of a child.
Ted Leonsis announced last month that he would be moving the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards from their current home – the Capital One Arena in downtown DC – to a newly developed arena in the DC suburb of Alexandria, Virginia.
According to the Washington Post, Virginia state lawmakers have approved funding and plans to build an arena in the city's Potomac Yard district.
Although the mayor announced $500 million in funding for a renovation of Capital One Arena, many believe the reason for the film is because of the loud music outside his office caused by a man and two children.
Ted Leonsis announced that he will be moving the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards from their current home – the Capital One Arena in downtown DC – to a newly developed arena in the DC suburb of Alexandria, Virginia
After more than 25 years at Capital One Arena, the teams could be heading to Alexandria, Virginia
Although the mayor announced $500 million in funding for a renovation of Capital One Arena, many believe the reason for the film is because of the loud music outside his office caused by a man and two children
David Halmon, his 11-year-old son J-Money and his other son have been rapping at deafening volumes outside the arena using two speakers and an amplifier, causing problems for residents and businesses in the area for the past seven years.
Howard Marks, who lives in a condo in the area, told The Washington Post that he paid more than $6,000 to soundproof his apartment.
Before he decided to do so, he said that he and his partner “could barely watch TV or barely talk to each other without raising our voices.”
However, Halmon told the Post that “they tried to drive us out” and that Leonsis offered him a deal to “not be here,” but he didn't agree.
David Halmon, his 11-year-old son J-Money and his other son have been rapping at deafening volumes outside their arena using two speakers and an amplifier, causing problems for residents and businesses in the area for the last seven years
The children's knocking can be heard not only on the street, but also within the walls of surrounding buildings
In early December, the father was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute cocaine.
He was sent to prison for a few weeks and pleaded guilty to drug possession in what locals described as a “time of welcome calm”.
He was sentenced to 90 days probation, but street shows resumed in late December.
In June 2020, Maryland police charged Halmon with criminal citations including disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct.
At the time, a complainant told police that the “music was so loud he couldn't hear himself think.”
As a result, Halmon received six months of unsupervised probation.
Leonsis began to “become frustrated with the arena environment.” He was particularly bothered by street musicians who played loud music outside his office over the years.
His company denies that the loud noise was the reason for the company's decision to move
According to the post, Leonsis “began to become frustrated with the arena environment.” He was particularly bothered by street musicians who played loud music outside his office over the years.
However, Leonsis' company denies that the loud noise was the reason for the company's decision to move.
Monica Dixon, Monumental's president of external affairs and chief administrative officer, said the noise “never factored into the company's decision to explore a move to Virginia.”
“This is completely false and we completely reject any implied conclusion.” “Ted has been a tremendous supporter of downtown music and will continue to do so,” she said.
Monumental's lease for the building expires in 2027 and the move is expected to take place by 2028.