Zach Leonsis: The Almost-Architect Behind Monumental Sports' $800M Arena Overhaul
Zach Leonsis: The Almost-Architect Behind Monumental Sports' $800M Arena Overhaul  
Podcast: In the Weeds Podcast with Chef Spike Mendelsohn
Published On: Tue Aug 04 2026
Description: Zach Leonsis, EVP of Monumental Sports & Entertainment (Washington Capitals, Wizards, Mystics) and son of owner Ted Leonsis, joins Spike Mendelsohn at DC Central Kitchen for a rare look inside one of the biggest sports and hospitality operations in the country. Zach breaks down the massive Capital One Arena transformation — like going from 2 kitchens to 15 — and his path from aspiring architect to running the family business. Along the way: what it was like growing up starstruck around Capitals players as a kid, and the unwritten rules of being an owner, including why he's only flown on the team plane once, ever. Plus: Spike pressing Zach on Ovechkin's future, recorded weeks before the Capitals made it official. In this episode: Growing up around the Washington Capitals, Wizards & Mystics Inside the $800M+ Capital One Arena renovation Monumental Sports' approach to local DC chefs and food Zach Leonsis on family business, leadership, and community impact DC Central Kitchen's role in the DMV hospitality scene Order up! In The Weeds and Odd Chef teamed up for a banger of a merch collab. Visit Oddchef.shop to check out the drop. Enter code INTHEWEEDS10 for 10% off your order.  Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://www.intheweedspod.com/itw-linksWe have teamed up with Odd Chef for an official merch collab! Check it out here and get 10% off your order with code INTHEWEEDS10.🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org