WASHINGTON — For two teams struggling to produce wins, their fans are certainly fired up about one potential loss in particular - the downtown loss of the Wizards and Capitals.
But while Wednesday’s news of a possible move for both teams to northern Virginia has fans upset about the future, there could be history at stake, too.
Lyia Deng married into the family business at China Express Restaurant, and says she feels a sense of duty to keep the restaurant alive. After 37 years in business, she says its location next door to Capital One has helped them survive in recent years. If the teams move, they'll take the customers with them, for 80 to 100 nights a year between the two teams.
"For my family it's very bad news," Deng said. "Very worried."
Across from Capital One Arena, Luna Hall's general manager said they already serve a strong weekend crowd regardless of games, but without game nights, weeknights could struggle.
The District said it will fight to keep the teams an the business they bring.
"There's a lot of work to be done, but right now it's a challenge because of a lot of uncertainty in the air, but would I say to our business community that we're standing together in this," said Gerrin Price, the president and CEO of the Downtown DC BID.
The District said the two professional sports teams generate about $25 million a year in tax revenue. All of the events combined with the basketball and hockey games are estimated to generate more than $300 million in sales around the arena.
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