Wizards Consider New Practice Facility on Howard Campus
Howard University's new president, Wayne A.I. Frederick, is looking to improve the school's finances, and one possibility is a $35M publicly financed Wizards practice facility. He's in early talks with a pair of private developers and Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis about building the facility on as much as two acres between Georgia Avenue and Eighth Street NW, as part of an on-campus mixed-use development. Frederick feels the revitalization of Georgia Avenue would bring revenue to the school and add amenities, like the wellness center, a grocery store or housing, for students and the community, the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile Ted sees a new practice facility as necessary to attract the best free agents and maintain the team's competitiveness. The Wizards are also looking at locations in Arlington, Montgomery County and Tysons Corner. The world-class practice facility, inspired by Kettler Capitals Iceplex, would have two full-size basketball courts, viewing stands and a weightlifting center among other things. [WaPo]
