Sports

Monumental Sports & Entertainment Rebrands its Media Platform

Monumental acquired former NBC Sports Washington from Comcast/NBC Universal in 2022; network will be available on the same broadcast channels across all cable and satellite providers

Published

1 year ago

June 25, 2023

Daily News Staff

Monumental Sports Network and Announces New Content and Programming for D.C. Sports Fans starting in the 2023-24 Season

WASHINGTON /PRNewswire/ — Today, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced the official rebrand of its sports network, NBC Sports Washington, as Monumental Sports Network. The rebranding will take effect this September and will replace all instances of the NBC Sports Washington brand and logo. The rebranding will also extend to new on-air graphics, digital aesthetics, and more. Monumental will launch a brand awareness campaign this summer to inform fans of this transition, ahead of the 2023-24 NBA and NHL regular seasons.

When the new Monumental Sports Network brand goes live this fall, the network will launch a variety of new original and studio programs that overhaul the network’s 24-hour programming experience. This investment in programming will complement the hundreds of live games and pre- and post-game programs that the network already produces for the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, the G League’s Capital City Go-Go, the NBA 2K League’s Wizards District Gaming – all franchises owned and operated by Monumental. Monumental Sports Network holds exclusive local TV media rights to the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards and WNBA’s Washington Mystics games. Additionally, the network will carry hundreds of hours of programming for local collegiate and high-school level games across D.C., Virginia and Maryland.

The programming additions include two new studio shows, behind-the-scenes team magazine shows, and coverage from D.C. native Rachel Nichols, the nationally recognized sportswriter, reporter and broadcaster.

“When we acquired NBC Sports Washington, we committed to building the best local sports network for our fans. Today’s announcement is the first of many which reflect significant investments that we are making back into our media platform that will greatly upgrade the everyday experience for D.C. sports fans and our various partners,” shared Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises, Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “We’re incredibly excited to debut the many enhancements that we’ve developed over the course of this past year and believe that fans will genuinely appreciate the thoughtful approach that we’re taking to bring them closer to the teams and athletes that they love and admire.”

About the Rebrand:
The rebrand will replace all instances of the NBC Sports Washington brand and logo, and will extend to new on-air graphics, digital aesthetics, and more. Monumental, in partnership with renowned brand agency, HZ, developed the brand’s logo, upcoming campaign and extensions.

To build a brand that truly represents D.C. sports, the concept started with a focus on the heart of the organization: the fans. The naming and brand development process included deep market research, analysis, and multiple rounds of testing with focus groups and participants across the DMV. And while Monumental Sports Network is the existing namesake of the digital network which MSE launched in 2016, after several thoughtful rounds of examination, it rose to be the most suitable brand for the new station.

The testing included thousands of current season ticket holders for the Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics – the most loyal and enthusiastic fans who consume the brand most consistently. Participant groups were expanded to also include casual sports fans, community members, and those who live outside the DMV but still identify as D.C. sports fans. Of the six names tested, the one that resonated the most and felt the most authentic was Monumental Sports Network. Almost half of participants picked this as their front-runner over the other options presented.

With the name locked in, attention turned to the logo and brand development. With several unique logo options and multiple brand-looks, testing began with the various participant groups and they provided quantitative and qualitative feedback. The logo — “Monumental M”— was the clear winner, with favorability double that of other logo concepts. The subtle nods to the Washington Monument in the composition of the logo is unique and authentic to D.C. HZ also used the power of each team’s colors and identities in crafting the new Monumental Sports Network brand. D.C.’s architecture, textures, and symbols were also used as inspirations throughout the brand iconography. Participants overwhelmingly gravitated to that brand option over all others.

“The team at HZ that helped develop the brand is a unique combination of brand experts, DMV natives, and huge D.C. sports fans,” shared Katie Hooper, President, HZ. “It gave us a unique opportunity to craft a brand that we knew would truly resonate with the community. Leaning into the strengths of how iconic D.C. is and collaborating with fans, we found so much inspiration to push the brand forward and create something that only a D.C. sports network could own.”

About the New Content & Programming:

Monumental Sports Network is pursuing a significant overhaul of the network’s programming for the upcoming season including multiple new in-game enhancements, new original programming, alternate feeds of live games, and additional on-air talent including national media personality, Rachel Nichols.

Live game enhancements:

Sideline reporters will travel and report on-the-ground for all games.
Players and coaches will be mic’d up in-game, bringing fans closer to the action during broadcasts 40 Wizards and 40 Caps games per season.
Point-of-view cameras will be positioned for announcers, capturing the most dramatic calls for all games.
Unparalleled access and views for fans watching Alex Ovechkin’s chase of history to beat Wayne Gretzky’s all time goal scoring record.
Unique crash box camera angles will be positioned during Washington Capitals games for ice-level game action and new access to behind-the-scenes and point-of-view cameras outside the Capitals’ locker-room for home games.
Wireless cameras will be positioned for game production, capturing more in-arena excitement/reactions.
There will be more opportunities to get to know players with longer-form, personality driven postgame interviews.
The pregame and postgame shows will start the season being produced from Capital One Arena until the network’s new studios are delivered at the end of 2023/early 2024.
Fans will also see more advanced analytics during broadcasts.

New original programming:

Rachel Nichols Project: A new interview format series will feature award-winning journalist and sportscaster Rachel Nichols. Rachel will be telling the stories of her hometown’s top sports talent and celebrities.
By the Book: In conjunction with Caesars Sportsbook, Monumental will re-launch the network’s marquee sports betting series for a third season. Highlights will include a new studio and cutting-edge graphics.
Untitled Capitals Magazine: A new weekly series will highlight the best behind-the-scenes, off-ice stories with players, staff, and other Capitals fanatics stories, hosted by network presenter Alexa Landestoy.
Untitled Wizards Magazine: A new weekly series will feature the best behind-the-scenes, off-court stories with players, staff and other Wizards fanatics stories, hosted by network presenter Wes Hall.
Untitled Top 10 Series: Program will count down the greatest moments in Capitals and Wizards history in this new format series; episodes may include greatest goals, buzzer beaters, dunks, and comebacks.
Classic Capitals and Wizards games: Fans will be able to relive classic Capitals and Wizards games and anniversaries tied to major rivalries and marquee matchups during the 2023-24 seasons.
Other specials and limited series in development: Fans will gain behind-the-scenes access to Monumental’s sports teams’ players and coaches, there will be new studio specials celebrating important moments throughout the season, podcasts diving deeper into stories both on and off the court/ice, and new limited series focusing on fashion and the NBA.

Alternate Feeds:

Fans can anticipate at least 100 games where there will be alternate feeds across both the Wizards and Capitals’ regular season games each year.
Alternate feeds will be available on the network’s soon-to-be launched digital platform during game times when the Capitals and Wizards aren’t playing at the same time.
Alternate feeds will feature rotating on-air talent including former players, team personnel, local media personalities, and more – but in a more casual, conversational setting while analyzing the game.
Alternate feeds will also feature advanced data analytics and other data visualizations to enhance the on-screen experience.
The network will pursue the production of alternate feeds upon opening its new state-of-the-art studio experience later in the 2023-24 NBA and NHL regular seasons.

All of Monumental Sports Network’s new programming enhancements will improve the game day experience for fans, creating a longer programming grid that builds up to the game itself, upgrade the current broadcast, and gives viewers more choices to enjoy their broadcast.

Additional Assets

In addition to the brand and programming notes, Monumental Sports Network will launch a new digital experience and newsletter.

The new digital experience will be home to live games for pay TV customers, exclusive digital content, and the latest news, schedules and stats from our teams.

The newsletter will keep fans up to date on all things Monumental Sports Network each week, presented in a quick and easy to consume format. Fans will get the latest schedule and programming updates, the best broadcast moments and the most interesting stories and news about the teams.

To see more, visit: https://www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/coming-soon

“This brand personality conveys key pillars for our network: confidence, authenticity, iconicity, inclusiveness, and innovation” said Friday Abernethy, General Manager of Monumental Sports Network. “And we expect that the way we are programing the network, making investments in technology and the new production studio, and designing a seamless fan/user experience will set the trend for the entire industry.”

Today’s announcement of the network’s rebranding as well as new content and programming for the 2023-24 season and beyond will be followed by additional announcements about the network in the coming months. The full technical and operational change-over from former NBC Sports Washington to Monumental Sports Network will come this fall, ahead of the start to the NHL and NBA seasons. At that time, fans will see new logos and a new brand identity when they tune into the familiar station.

Audiences tuning into Monumental Sports Network will still see some legacy programming from NBC Sports Washington’s existing contracts. An announcement will be made later this summer on the launch date and schedule for the new broadcast line-up. Channel guides will continue listing the station as NBC Sports Washington until the full technical and operational changeover in the Fall.

The rebrand and programming line-up announcement is just the first phase in bringing Monumental Sports Network to fans, with exciting plans for an upgraded fan experience to be announced throughout the Summer and Fall of 2023.

About Monumental Sports Network
Monumental Sports Network is wholly owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE). The network holds exclusive local television media rights for the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards and WNBA’s Washington Mystics games. Monumental Sports Network is also the TV and digital home to the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go and the NBA 2K League’s Wizards District Gaming as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes content and original sports and entertainment programming. The network also boasts the most comprehensive regional high-school and regional collegiate Division II-and-under sports programming in the greater Washington D.C. metro area. For more visit: https://www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/coming-soon

SOURCE Monumental Sports & Entertainment

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Green, multi-purpose recreation facility coming to Stellarton after arena retrofit

Published

4 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Daily News Staff

STELLARTON, NS, July 17, 2024 /CNW/ – Stellarton Memorial Rink is getting an overhaul after an investment of $6 million from the federal government.

Minister Sean Fraser and Darren Stroud, President of the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre Association, announced the funding for this project that will turn the former arena into a green, multi-purpose, indoor recreation facility.

The project will revitalize and repurpose the former Stellarton Memorial Rink to make room to host a multitude of community events and will include an indoor walking track as well as new volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts. The facility will be renamed the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre in continued tribute to our fallen war veterans and will feature a removable stage for performances, modernized locker rooms, and retractable bleachers.

This federal government investment was made through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) and will ensure Stellarton Memorial Community Centre is accessible and energy efficient. Upgrades to the building include improved insulation and mechanical systems to allow for four season operation for indoor sports and recreation. The building will also be made fully accessible with upgraded entrance ways and washrooms.

Quotes

“Our government is committed to creating a greener and more inclusive future for all Canadians. The Stellarton Memorial Community Centre will provide multipurpose community space for all ages and abilities, while reducing its carbon footprint.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“The Stellarton Memorial Rink has been part of our community for more than 75 years, playing an important role in the lives of many families and visitors to Stellarton. That’s why the provincial government has invested in revitalising and repurposing the rink so the community can continue to use it for a variety of activities.”

The Honourable Pat Dunn, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Pictou Centre

“We are thrilled and honoured with the investments placed by both Federal and Provincial governments in the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre project. This financial support will help to ensure this facility continues to honour our veterans while serving our community in a most inclusive and efficient manner for generations to come.”

Darren Stroud, President of the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre Association

Quick Facts

The federal government is investing $6 million in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. The Government of Nova Scotia has previously announced a contribution of $2 million to this project.
These enhancements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 101% and greenhouse gas emissions by 298 tonnes annually.
The GICB program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan’s first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change.
The program launched in 2021 with an initial investment of $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades.
Budget 2024 announced an additional $500 million to support more projects through GICB until 2029.
At least 10% of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.
The funding announced today builds on the federal government’s work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.
Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement.

Associated Links

Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html

Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-ns-eng.html

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

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Senior Pickleball Report

The Great American Blueberry Challenge Inspires Blueberry Fanatics–and Professional Competitive Eaters–to Win Big for National Blueberry Month

Published

9 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Daily News Staff

Blueberry eating competition sets a world record; $10,000 still up for grabs in nationwide social media contest for everyday blueberry lovers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. /PRNewswire/ — In one of the most exciting celebrations of National Blueberry Month yet, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is shining a spotlight on how – and how much – people love blueberries. The Great American Blueberry Challenge, which kicked off at the start of the month to inspire blueberry lovers nationwide to share creative ways to grab a boost of blue, culminated in the first-ever blueberry eating championship on Saturday, July 13. USHBC, in partnership with Major League Eating, invited professional competitive eaters from across the country to gather in Grand Rapids, Mich. to eat as much blueberries as possible in the span of eight minutes, setting a world record of 18.475 lbs.

Over 80 lbs of blueberries were consumed by the professional competitive eaters during the event.

Patrick Bertoletti took the top prize in the competition, earning a cash prize as well as the inaugural title of blueberry eating champion. An impressive total of 82.769 lbs of blueberries were devoured by the competitors during the event, with a final ranking as follows:

First place: Patrick Bertoletti, 18.475 lbs
Second place: Geoffrey Esper, 16.044 lbs
Third place: James Webb, 15.319 lbs
Fourth place: Nick Wehry, 12.600 lbs
Fifth place: Gideon Oji, 12.569 lbs

The Great American Blueberry Challenge eating championship took place during the Advil Targeted Relief Major League Pickleball (MLP) Mid-Season Tournament, as part of USHBC’s partnership with MLP. Also featured at the event were special guest officiants Shelly Hartmann, chair of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, blueberry grower and owner of True Blue Farms in Michigan; and professional pickleball player Anna Bright of the MLP St. Louis Shock.

“While we work to generate excitement for blueberries all year long, we think National Blueberry Month makes July the biggest and best month of the year, and we know that many blueberry superfans feel the same way! What better way to capture that enthusiasm than with a thrilling spectacle that turns ‘grab a boost of blue’ into a literal sport – while at the same time engaging pickleball players and fans as the Official Fruit of Major League Pickleball,” said Hartmann. “Whether you enjoy blueberries for an active lifestyle, or simply because they’re delicious, we hope to inspire and grow even more love and passion for blueberries year after year.”

While the sport of professional competitive eating comes with the cautionary advice of “do not try this at home,” blueberry fans still have a chance to win big – a grand prize of $10,000 plus runners-up prizes – by celebrating National Blueberry Month in a different way that can be just as fun and more creative. The Great American Blueberry Challenge social media contest runs through July 31 and is specifically for everyday consumers. USHBC invites people to think of an idea that shows off a creative, unique or even downright wacky way to enjoy blueberries – for example, seeing how high you can blow a blueberry up in the air, or eating blueberries with chopsticks while blindfolded. To enter, participants must share their video on Instagram, tagging @blueberries and including #BlueberryChallengeContest in the post. More information is available at GreatAmericanBlueberryChallenge.com.

To learn more about blueberries and explore delicious recipes, swaps and other inspiration, visit Blueberry.org.

About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is an agriculture promotion group, representing blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. The blueberry industry is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at blueberrycouncil.org.

SOURCE U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

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Sports

UNITED LEGWEAR & APPAREL CO. AND SKECHERS EXPAND DISTRIBUTION

Published

15 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Daily News Staff

EU and UK territories added to longtime licensing and distribution partnership

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — United Legwear & Apparel Co., LLC (ULAC), a New York-based global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of legwear, apparel, and accessories, has announced an expansion of their 20-year licensing partnership with global lifestyle and performance footwear and apparel brand Skechers to include distribution in the European Union and the United Kingdom. The license will be managed in these two added territories through ULAC’s newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiaries in the EU and UK: United Legwear & Apparel Europe BV and United Legwear & Apparel UK Ltd., respectively.

Skechers will leverage ULAC’s sales and distribution strengths in these territories to increase their market footprint. Isaac Ash, CEO and President of ULAC, explained that the timing was perfect for the addition of these territories to their licensing agreement: “ULAC has had a successful partnership with Skechers for two decades in North America. With the establishment of ULAC Europe B.V. in 2023, it’s a strategic time for Skechers to tap into our capabilities and increase their legwear presence in retailers across these countries.”

“Customers’ enthusiastic response to our offering of Skechers-branded socks has paved the way for additional expansion opportunities, including in Europe,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “With a long history together, United Legwear understands the Skechers brand, our need for quality and style, and our consumers. Together, we can bring more comfort to the people of Europe.”

Skechers will now have dedicated showroom space at ULAC Europe B.V.’s headquarters in Amsterdam and in the London showroom. Buyers from key retailers can easily view the legwear collections for men, women and kids in these beautiful, newly-built spaces.

Skechers lifestyle and high-performance socks, including pairs for running, golf, basketball, football, and pickleball for men and women, as well as Skechers lifestyle socks for children of all ages, are available in Skechers retail stores and retailers across the United States and Europe.

About United Legwear & Apparel Co.
United Legwear & Apparel Co. LLC (unitedlegwear.com) is a 25-year-old New York City-based global entity that designs, manufactures, and distributes legwear, bodywear, apparel, and accessories. Founded by Isaac E. Ash, United Legwear & Apparel Co. (ULAC) is a joint venture partner of PUMA North America; has distribution partnerships with Scotch & Soda and Hurley; maintains highly-recognized licensed brands such as Skechers, Van Heusen, DKNY, Champion, and Weatherproof; owns the Pro Player and Lemon brands, and has a portfolio of private-label brands. ULAC’s mission is to produce and distribute apparel and accessories of highest quality and best value while working with integrity and fairness.

Press Contact: Rita Polidori O’Brien | rita@unitedlegwear.com

About SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
Skechers (NYSE:SKX), The Comfort Technology Company® based in Southern California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The Company’s collections are available in 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and approximately 5,200 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.