Monumental Sports Network, home of the Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics (among others), opened its new, multi-million-dollar media operations center. This includes state-of-the-art production facilities and broadcast studios for its many studio shows and live sports content. The space will serve as a backdrop for the teams’ pre-and post-game shows, halftime and intermission reports, and other original programming on the network.
“The opening of this state-of-the-art facility represents the most significant step yet in our journey to create a best-in-class media experience for our amazing fanbase,” said Zach Leonsis, president of media & new enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “This new IP-based media center paves the way for higher quality video, better programming, and more content about our fans’ favorite teams. We’re so excited to deliver a national broadcast-quality experience to one of the largest and most influential markets in the world.”
Work on the new production center began in June of 2022 when design concepts started forming. The building is a two-story, SMPTE 2110 facility that features two top-quality studios that can combine on non-conflict nights to create one single national telecast-worthy experience.
The main studios feature 24 cameras, 1,200 square feet of 4K quality LED monitors, and innovative robotics to help create pre-and post-game shows for sports fans in the national capital region. The facility also includes two insert studios, five control rooms to simultaneously produce multiple events, and brand-new office space for more than 150 Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) employees.
Before the end of the current Capitals and Wizards seasons, Monumental Sports Network will upgrade its video quality from 1080i (shooting at 30 frames per second) to 1080p (shooting at 60 frames per second) so fans can enjoy their favorite live and original programs in stunning high definition. The new facility is also built to upgrade its video quality to 4K in the future. This is thanks to the SMPT 2110 system and its flexibility.
“The SMPTE 2110 system and other innovative technologies leveraged in our new facility not only will help us deliver a higher quality broadcast to fans this season but will allow us to continue to innovate and improve our product moving forward,” said Charlie Myers, chief technology officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
