Some of the most competitive match-ups in DC are not happening on Capitol Hill, but rather in the many sporting facilities around the city. The Greater Washington Sports Alliance, a sports commission for the region established in 2003, works to make the Greater Washington area a powerful sports destination. In addition to attracting sporting events, the Sports Alliance connects the area’s strong business community with professional, university and local teams and gives back to the community through its support of organizations that promote youth sports to build character, encourage fitness and enhance education.

The Greater Washington Sports Alliance promotes sports as a way of life in the DC area. “Sports. It’s not just a game. It’s our mission.” The Greater Washington region boasts strong success attracting marquee sporting events to the region in recent years. For example, in 2005, DC hosted both the Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament and the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Tournament. 2007 saw the 2nd Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, the WNBA All-Star Game, the Major League Soccer Cup Championship, the annual AT & T National hosted by Tiger Woods, the annual running of the National Marathon, and the inaugural Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic. In the years ahead, the Sports Alliance looks forward to DC’s first-ever NCAA Championship - the Frozen Four Ice Hockey Championship and the America’s Polo Cup.

The Greater Washington area is home to all levels of sports competition but is proud to feature five major franchise sports represented and thriving in the city.

DC has been home to baseball since 1859, but when the Washington Senators baseball team moved to Minnesota in 1971, it took 34 years for the national pastime to return to the Nation’s Capital. The relocated Montreal Expos became the Washington Nationals in 2005. When the Nationals move into their new $600 million stadium at the beginning of the 2008 season, 41,000 fans will be able to enjoy highlights on its 4,500 square foot high definition scoreboard.

The Boston Braves moved to the DC area and changed their franchise name to the Washington Redskins in1937. The Washington Redskins eventually became part of the National Football Conference, and have won 12 divisional championships, five conference championships, and three Super Bowls.

In 1973, the Redskins were joined by the Washington Wizards basketball team, originally from Baltimore, crowned division champion three times. For over two decades, the team was known as the Washington Bullets, but changed their name as they settled into a new home in downtown Washington.

Only a year after the Wizards in 1974, the Washington Capitals hockey team was established and made their home beside the Wizards at what is now the Verizon Center. This $200 million dollar facility, celebrating it’s 10th anniversary in 2008, hosts over 220 sports and entertainment events yearly. In 1998, the Washington Mystics, one of the first WNBA franchises, took their place at the Verizon Center alongside the Wizards and Caps. This popular team often leads the league in game attendance.

In 1995, D.C. United gave Washingtonians their first taste of soccer and joined the growing number of sports teams in the city. D.C. United, which plays at historic RFK Stadium, now holds 4 MLS Championship Cups.

And in 2007, the Baltimore Bayhawks became the Washington Bayhawks, marking the beginning of professional lacrosse in the District.

The Greater Washington Sports Alliance is proud to be an integral part in DC’s rise as a formidable sports destination. Sports. It’s not just a game. It’s our mission.