Press Releases
Kettler Capitals Iceplex to Open in Arlington, VA
New facility will house Capitals training center and two rinks for community use
November 1, 2006
The Washington Capitals joined KSI Services Inc. and Arlington County today to announce the name of the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the team’s new training facility and community ice arena located adjacent to the Ballston Common Mall in Arlington, Va.
“The opening of the Kettler Capitals Iceplex marks a momentous occasion for our franchise and the Northern Virginia area,” Capitals chairman and majority owner Ted Leonsis said. “This is a first-class facility that our team and the community can take pride in. We are eternally grateful for the cooperation of KSI and Arlington County in making this project a reality.”
KSI Services Inc., one of Metropolitan Washington’s leading residential and commercial developers that was founded by Robert C. Kettler in 1977, acquired the naming rights for the facility.
“As the area’s largest real estate developer, we have a 30-year history of building communities that enrich people’s lives. By purchasing the naming rights, KSI is showing our commitment to Arlington County, the Capitals and the greater community,” said Robert C. Kettler, chairman and founder of KSI Services Inc. “We are also excited to announce we are changing our brand from KSI to Kettler. This spectacular new facility gives us the opportunity to showcase our new brand.”
The 137,000-square-foot facility was built on a new eighth level atop an existing seven-story public parking garage at the corner of North Glebe Road and North Randolph Street. According to USA Hockey and STAR (Serving the American Rinks), Kettler Capitals Iceplex is the only rink in the United States built eight stories or more above street level. Kettler Capitals Iceplex is owned by Arlington County and leased to the Capitals.
“We are very pleased to welcome the Washington Capitals to their new home in Arlington,” said Christopher Zimmerman, chairman of the Arlington County Board. “Hockey teams, figure skating, free Caps practices – this is an incredible asset for our community … and right on Metro’s Orange Line!”
Kettler Capitals Iceplex includes two indoor NHL-sized ice rinks, office space, locker rooms, a pro shop, a snack bar, media facilities and additional space for special events. One of the rinks features a capacity of approximately 1,200. The project also features a 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training center for the Capitals with a large weight and fitness room, extensive athletic training and medical facilities, spacious locker-room and lounge areas, a theater-style classroom and a high-tech video room. An additional level, above the training facility, will house the entire front-office staff of the Capitals and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.
All Capitals practices at the facility will be open to the public and free of charge. Capitals practices will move to the new facility later this month.
Kettler Capitals Iceplex is the first indoor ice rink inside the Capital Beltway in Virginia and the only community rink accessible by the Washington Metro Area Transportation Authority’s Metrorail line. The two rinks will offer an estimated 12,000 hours of ice time per year for use by youth, high school and college hockey teams, figure skating, synchronized skating, recreational skating, learn-to-skate programs and broomball. In addition, the Capitals will donate 500 hours of ice time annually to provide economically disadvantaged and physically and mentally challenged members of the community an opportunity to use the facility.
Architecture Incorporated of Reston, Va., designed the $42.8 million project, while D.C.-based Sigal Construction was the general contractor.
Capitals full season tickets, weekend plans and 11-game plans are available and can be purchased through the Caps PowerPay option – monthly payments with no fees or charges. Single-game tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets. Call 202-266-CAPS, email ticketsales@washcaps.com or visit WashingtonCaps.com for more information.
About KSI Services Inc.
Based in Northern Virginia, KSI is a leading developer of award-winning, mixed-use residential and commercial properties across the Washington Metropolitan area. In 2006, KSI was named one of the area’s largest private companies by the Washington Business Journal and is one of the nation’s largest Top 20 multifamily developers. KSI has developed more than five million square feet of commercial space and more than 50,000 homes. Current projects include urban and transit-oriented developments, multifamily housing, commercial and mixed-use developments and golf courses. Robert C. Kettler, a third-generation builder and developer, founded KSI in 1977.
About Arlington County
Arlington, Va., is a world-class urban community that was originally part of the “10-mile square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Known for its urban villages and transit-oriented development, Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use. In 2002, the county was the first recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for “Smart Growth.” Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world – including the Pentagon – Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.