PROJECT UPDATE: CAPITAL ONE ARENA | | |
Rendering courtesy of Capital One Arena
Capital One Arena renovation reaches the street
Planned three-year modernization moves into its most visible phase
| | Construction at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., home of the NBA's Washington Wizards and the NHL's Washington Capitals, has entered its most visible phase. New entrances, a redesigned exterior, expanded public spaces, and improved pedestrian access are taking shape as part of the arena's three-year, approximately $800 million modernization. Read how the project is reimagining one of the nation's busiest sports and entertainment venues and helping reshape the fan experience from the moment visitors arrive. Click below for the full story. | | ASK THE EXPERT: CHRIS DUNLAVEY | | | | |
Building beyond the game
What does it take to build a sports venue that fans love long after the final whistle? In this month's Ask the Expert, B&D Co-Founder and CEO Chris Dunlavey shares lessons from more than three decades shaping some of the country's most iconic sports destinations. From the rise of mixed-use districts to the future of college athletics, Dunlavey offers an insider's perspective on where the industry is headed, plus a few personal reflections on the sport that has shaped his life: rugby. Click below for the full interview.
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| B&D INSIGHTS: WORLD CUP VENUES | | |
Stadium images courtesy of Shutterstock
Retrofit intelligence
What the 2026 FIFA World Cup reveals about the future of sports venues
| As the 2026 FIFA World Cup moves into its final stretch, the biggest story may not be what's happening on the pitch. Instead, it may be what the tournament is revealing about the stadiums themselves. In his latest piece, B&D's David Almany explores how this year's reliance on existing venues for World Cup matches signals a fundamental shift in facility planning. The future, he argues, belongs to stadiums and surrounding districts that can adapt, evolve, and continue creating value long after the final whistle. Click below for the full story. | | Photo courtesy of CENTERS | | |
CENTERS positions for growth
B&D subsidiary names Jeff Sessine president
| | CENTERS has named longtime leader Jeff Sessine President as the firm positions for its next stage of growth. With nearly three decades shaping CENTERS’ operating model, culture, client partnerships, and student development approach, Sessine will guide expanded operating partnerships across arenas, recreation and wellness, conference services, facilities management, student centers, and other campus and community-serving environments as part of parent company Brailsford & Dunlavey’s broader platform. | | Established in 1998 by Brailsford & Dunlavey, CENTERS was the first company in the U.S. to provide campus center management services for campus life facilities including sports venues, recreation and wellness facilities, student centers, performing arts venues, conference facilities, and more. Visit or view for more info. | |
Never miss another issue of Venues News & Insights
| | ABOUT B&D'S VENUES PRACTICE GROUP | | B&D's Venues Practice Group is a national leader in sports, entertainment, event facility and mixed-use district development. With a legacy of advising on over $10 billion in venue investments across the country, the group empowers public and private sector clients to unlock transformative opportunities through strategic planning, program management, and community-focused development. With deep expertise in feasibility, financial modeling, design oversight, and stakeholder engagement, B&D delivers venues and mixed-use districts that serve as economic catalysts and vibrant hubs for connection and pride. For more information go to venues.bdconnect.com. © 2026 Brailsford & Dunlavey, LLC. All rights reserved. | |
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Integration of B&D and PMA underway
With the integration of B&D and PMA underway, we're aligning expertise and capabilities to better serve our clients and communities. In case you missed it, click below for the full announcement.
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