Potomac Yard Arena The Focus Of Next Agenda Alexandria Program

ALEXANDRIA, VA — If you had to name one topic that defined Alexandria news in the last few months, it would be the proposed arena and entertainment district in Potomac Yard.

That development proposal will be the focus of the next Agenda Alexandria program on Monday, March 25. The panel will be held at 7 p.m. at the Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, 201 S Washington St., Alexandria, VA.

Participants in the panel will be Katie Waynick, president of the Del Ray Citizens Association, Andrew Macdonald, a former Alexandria vice mayor who is part of the Coalition to Stop the Arena in Potomac Yard, and Dennis Coates, professor of economics at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Waynick will discuss results of a survey done by the Del Ray Citizens Association in collaboration with citizens associations in Rosemont, Lynhaven and Hume Springs. Survey results will show what concerns these communities near Potomac Yard have about a potential arena and entertainment district.

MacDonald will discuss the coalition's advocacy to the Virginia General Assembly and challenges with opposing the development.

Coates will bring expertise on private-partnerships and the impact on local economies with a focus on stadiums and arenas.

Additional panelists may be added. Agenda Alexandria will also get Monumental Sports and Entertainment's president of external affairs Monica Dixon to participate on the On the Agenda podcast. Journalist and Agenda Alexandria Board member Michael Pope will moderate both discussions.

There is a $10 cost to attend, but Agenda Alexandria members may sign up for free. There is an option to watch the panel discussion online.

The panel discussion comes after the state financing for the arena and entertainment district was not in the budget agreed to by Virginia House and Senate budget negotiators. The compromise budget was made after the House version included the arena financing but the Senate version's did not. State Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), the chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, had not brought the arena proposal before the committee, raising concerns about state financing support for a private economic development project.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who had announced the arena proposal with Monumental Sports and Entertainment, criticized the decision to leave the arena financing.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), who had introduced arena legislation in the Senate, told WTOP the Senate could have more discussion on the arena if Youngkin will "compromise" on the Democratic-controlled Senate's priorities. Youngkin has indicated he could reintroduce the arena in an amended budget, WTOP reported. To get the General Assembly to reconsider the arena, Youngkin would have to propose it in a budget amendment or separate bill. The Virginia General Assembly will reconvene on April 17 to consider the governor's budget amendments and vetoes. Youngkin could also choose to call a special session.

Virginia General Assembly approval to create a Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority and provide over $1.4 billion in bond financing would be the first step for the arena.