Feed Editor 22 May 2007 18:59:57 GMT Keep up with the latest news surrounding Verizon Center. Managed and owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Verizon Center is home to the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, the NHL’s Washington Capitals, and the Georgetown Hoyas Men’s Basketball teams. Located in the heart of Chinatown above the Gallery-Place Chinatown Metro stop, Verizon Center is only a few steps away from the White House and hosts more than 220 events and concerts each year. http://www.verizoncenter.com en Andrea Bocelli U.S. Tour Kicks-Off Next Month Includes Friday, Dec. 2 Show at Verizon Center Tickets are on sale now For the third year running, Andrea Bocelli will be returning to the U.S. for a special concert tour next month. The tour kicks off Thursday, Dec. 1st in Columbus, OH and includes a stop in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Dec. 2 at Verizon Center at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale for the Verizon Center show. Last year's tour was praised "giving audiences the spirit and love only [Andrea Bocelli] can bring," and this year's tour promises to do just the same. The concert will feature his vast platinum-selling catalogue, covering both traditional classics and his world-famous romantic crossover repertoire. This tour comes on the heels of Andrea's acclaimed performance in New York City's Central Park, where more than 60,000 fans braved the rain to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. The performance will be released as a CD/DVD entitled Andrea Bocelli Concerto: One Night in Central Park on Nov. 15, 2011 on Sugar/Decca, and for the first time ever captures the many sides of Bocelli's musical passions all in one package. Additional performers include The New York Philharmonic, under the direction of musical director Alan Gilbert, with special guests Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Bryn Terfel, Chris Botti, David Foster, Andrea Griminelli, Nicola Benedetti, Anna Maria Martinez and Pretty Yende. With over 65 million record sales, Bocelli has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by occupying the first, second and third place in the American classical music charts. Celine Dion famously commented on Bocelli's talent saying, "if God would have a singing voice, He would sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli." 3 Nov 2011 17:21:52 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/bocellikickoff_111102.shtml ROGER WATERS MAKES HIS TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO NORTH AMERICA IN 2012 WITH HIS EXTRAORDINARY AURAL AND VISUAL MASTERPIECE: "THE WALL" Roger Waters, the co-founder and principal songwriter of the archetypal progressive band Pink Floyd, has announced the return of the historic production of "The Wall" to North America in 2012. His aural and visual masterpiece of alienation and transformation will be performed in-its-entirety featuring a full band and state-of-the-art production. "The Wall" live has played more than 120 shows around the world for more than 1.6 million fans making it one of the most successful tours of 2010 and 2011. The 2012 tour will begin on May 1st in Houston, TX at the Toyota Center making a 36 show trek throughout North America, which includes a July 12th stop in Washington, D.C. at Verizon Center at 8:00 p.m. sharp. Several outdoor stadium performances will also take place with state-of-the-art modifications transforming the arena production into magnificent outdoor events. The tour, promoted by Live Nation, includes stadium stops in San Francisco at AT&T Park on May 11th, Vancouver at BC Place on May 26th, Chicago's Wrigley Field on June 8th, Toronto at Rogers Centre on June 23rd and Philadelphia at the Citizens Bank Park on July 14th. "Thirty years ago when I wrote 'The Wall,' I was a frightened young man," Waters recalls. "In the intervening years it occurred to me that maybe the story of my fear and loss with its concomitant inevitable residue of ridicule, shame and punishment, provides an allegory for broader concerns: Nationalism, racism, sexism, religion, whatever! All these issues and 'isms are driven by the same fears that drove my young life." Waters' first reinvented his iconic stage production of "The Wall" in 2010 utilizing modern day technological advances and special effects which have been embraced by audiences around the globe with countless sold out performances and multiple-night stands including a record-breaking 9 sold out shows at the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. "The Wall" remains one of the most influential albums in the history of recorded music with a profound effect on pop culture, resonating with multiple generations of music fans. 3 Nov 2011 17:20:23 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/rogerswaters_111101.shtml REMARKABLE ROOKIE CLASS HIGHLIGHTS HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS' ARRIVAL INTO WASHINGTON D.C. AND FAIRFAX ON MARCH 24-25 Globetrotters Introduce Class of Newcomers, Highlighted by the Tallest Pro Basketball Player, the Shortest Globetrotter Ever, and the Team's First Female in 19 Years On the heels of signing one of the most extraordinary rookie classes in team history, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2012 World Tour to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. (Saturday, March 24 at 1 p.m.) and the Patriot Center in Fairfax (Saturday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m.). Tickets to see the world's most famous basketball team will go on sale on Monday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, www.ticketmaster.com, each arena box office, or by phone at 800.745.3000. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com. The outstanding rookies include Paul "Tiny" Sturgess, the world's tallest pro basketball player at 7-8, Jonte "Too Tall" Hall, the shortest Globetrotter ever at 5-2, and Fatima "TNT" Maddox of Temple University, the team's first female player since 1993 and ninth female in team history. The new Globetrotters also feature the top three finishers from the 2011 College Slam Dunk Contest, including the reigning champ Jacob "Hops" Tucker. At 5-10, Tucker sports a 50-inch vertical leap, and his YouTube videos have garnered well over four million views. Tucker joins slam dunk runner-up John "Jet" Williams of UNC-Asheville and semifinalist Darnell "Spider" Wilks of the University of Cincinnati. The 2012 rookie class has a total of three seven-footers including 7-4 Jermaine "Stretch" Middleton, the third-tallest player in team history, and 7-foot Anthony "Biggie" McClain. At 7-8, Sturgess becomes the tallest Globetrotter ever after a career at Mountain State University (W.Va.). He is the 19th internationally born player in team history, hailing from Loughborough, England. 3 Nov 2011 17:18:58 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/globiesdc_111011.shtml The 17th Annual BB&T Classic, a popular college basketball showcase, will feature long-time host universities, University of Maryland and George Washington University, plus Big East power University of Notre Dame and 2011 Final Four participant Virginia Commonwealth University. Tickets for the annual event are on sale now. The doubleheader will be played on Sunday, Dec. 4 and will benefit the Children's Charities Foundation. The 2011 event will match University of Maryland against the University of Notre Dame, preceded by George Washington vs. VCU. Both games will be televised regionally on the Mid Atlantic Sports Network (MASN). Tickets are $45 and $25 (plus applicable service charges) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Verizon Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 202-397-SEAT, 703-573-SEAT and 410-547-SEAT. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 202-661-5065. The Classic continues to be the major source of fundraising for The Children's Charities Foundation (CCF). Founded in 1994, CCF has distributed more than $8.3 million to at risk children in the Washington Metropolitan area. CCF annual events include the BB&T Classic, the Basketball Gala, Coats for Kids and the CCF Golf Tournament 3 Nov 2011 17:18:16 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/bbtclassic_111007.shtml Hard Times Cafe Brings Local Fare to Verizon Center Marks Second Sports Venue Location for Food Chain New Concession Stand Set to Open with Capitals First Home Preseason Game September 26 Verizon Center will be home to a new Hard Times Cafe concession stand, bringing local fare to the downtown sports and entertainment venue that is home to three professional sports teams, college basketball, family shows and a multitude of concerts each year. A D.C. staple since opening its first location in Alexandria, Va., in 1980, Hard Times Cafe is known for its award-winning chili and wings. The new concession stand at Verizon Center, which is the second location at a sports venue for Hard Times Cafe, will open for hockey fans starting Monday, Sept. 26 as the Capitals take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in their first home preseason game. "Hard Times' partnership with Monumental Sports and Verizon Center is a continuation of our efforts to promote our great food and fast service at sports venues in the D.C. area," said Doug Welsh, vice president of marketing for Hard Times Cafe. "We have quickly become the area's number 1 sports place and this positioning, as well as our location at Nationals Park, is an extension of our sports marketing efforts." Ranked as one of the 10 best places for chili in the country by USA Today in 2005, the Hard Times Cafe concession stand will offer fans at Verizon Center a chance to enjoy chili macs, nachos, wings, chili dogs and hot dogs. The concession stand will be located on the main concourse by section 112 and will also offer a popular menu item - the veggie nacho. A portable concession stand for Hard Times Cafe will also be located on the main concourse by section 119. 3 Nov 2011 17:17:00 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/hardtimescafe_110926.shtml Monumental Report, a new media platform featuring links to local sports, entertainment and community news and resources, was launched today by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, announced Ted Leonsis, the company's founder and chairman. Updated daily, Monumental Report (http://www.monumentalreport.com) provides visitors with a central location to access current information related to teams, venues and communities within the D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia region. "Monumental Report is a unique tool designed to connect people with what matters to them in their community," said Leonsis. "Millions of people visit our venues each year, and we are excited to launch Monumental Report for them as an interactive guide to the area. The website also supports the growth of regional businesses through content that drives consumers to local establishments." With an emphasis on sports, entertainment, dining, small business, philanthropy and community, Monumental Report includes a variety of links and information as well as original content. 3 Nov 2011 17:15:42 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/monumentalreportvc_110926.shtml KMART presents WWE RAW Holiday Tour Live at Verizon Center Thursday, December 29 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now WWE fans get ready! KMART presents WWE RAW Holiday Tour is coming to Verizon Center on Thursday, December 29 at 7:00 p.m. WWE RAW superstars scheduled to appear include John Cena, CM Punk and The Miz. WHO: Triple Threat Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship: John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne vs. The Miz & R Truth Also Scheduled to Appear: Jerry "The King" Lawler, Mason Ryan, Alex Riley, Jack Swagger, Zach Ryder, Dolph Ziggler, Vickie Guerrero, Primo, Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly *Wrestlers are subject to change. 3 Nov 2011 17:14:11 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/wweholiday_110922.shtml Verizon Center debuts a mobile app for Android, iPhone and iPod Touch today that will allow fans to add to their live event experience at the downtown D.C. venue for all games, concerts and events. The free mobile app, developed by YinzCam, is available for download from the Android Market for Android devices, the App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch, and during hockey and basketball games at Verizon Center via text messaging to a specified short code. The customer-friendly app provides detailed, searchable maps and locations for all concession food items and drinks, guest services, bathrooms, ATM machines, stairs, elevators, entrances and exits. Additional features include a schedule of all upcoming games, concerts and events, and a customer feedback section for fans to submit queries or concerns during an event. The mobile app also has a QR Code Reader that will eventually provide fans with exclusive digital media content via QR Codes placed throughout the arena. A Blackberry version of the mobile app is currently in development. 12 Sep 2011 18:30:25 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/verizonmobileapp_110201.shtml Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that its newest arena show, Quidam, will be performing in Washington from Wednesday, November 16 through Sunday, November 20 at Verizon Center for eight performances only. Tickets for the general public will go on sale Monday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m. Cirque Club members can now gain exclusive access online for Quidam tickets up through June 19. Membership is free and benefits include access to tickets in advance, special offers and exclusive behind the scenes information. To join, please visit www.cirqueclub.com. Quidam had its world premiere in Montreal under the Big Top in April 1996. Since that time, the production has toured on five continents and has been experienced by millions of people. In December 2010, Quidam embarked on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas throughout North America. The cast features 52 world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and characters. Show Premise: Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world - the world of Quidam - where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul. 12 Sep 2011 18:27:48 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/quidam_110614.shtml Music icons and pop culture visionaries JAY-Z and Kanye West have joined their extraordinary talents to form the group 'THE THRONE' and will be touring together in support of their much anticipated album, WATCH THE THRONE, being released on iTunes August 8th. The WATCH THE THRONE TOUR will highlight this once-in-a-lifetime pairing of two of music's greatest performers on one stage. Tickets for the Verizon Center show, as well as the entire tour, will go on sale August 8 at 10:00 a.m. through Ticketmaster. *Please note the change in the show date for Verizon Center. 12 Sep 2011 18:26:31 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/kanye_110725.shtml The Foo Fighters are coming to Verizon Center on Friday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. as part of their North American Tour. They are touring in support of their recent release, Wasting Light, featuring the hit single "Walk". Tickets go on sale August 12 at 10:00 a.m. 12 Sep 2011 18:25:19 GMT http://www.verizoncenter.com/news/foofighters_110808.shtml