Ten-year partnership includes a multi-million-dollar community programming commitment
Today, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the country's largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, announced a 10-year partnership with Events DC to strengthen communities East of the River. The investment includes a multi-million-dollar commitment to funding local programming and renaming Entertainment and Sports Arena on the St. Elizabeths East Campus to CareFirst Arena.
Through the partnership, CareFirst is deepening its presence in the District, one of its two headquarters cities. The state-of-the-art arena—home to the Washington Mystics and Capital City Go-Go, a practice facility for the Washington Wizards and a central gathering space for concerts, community events and local fairs—will now serve as a beacon for CareFirst's continued commitment to the community.
"Transformational change can only happen when businesses commit to working hand-in-hand with the communities they serve," said Brian D. Pieninck, CareFirst President and CEO. "This means building authentic relationships, investing in what matters most to residents, and being a true partner in the work to improve social conditions. We're here to do more than put our name on a building. We're here to invest in what makes this community strong and vibrant."
A Hub for Healthy Community
As part of the investment, CareFirst will provide $2 million in direct funding to support local programming developed in partnership with the St. Elizabeths community. These resources will be used to create and expand initiatives centered on workforce development, maternal health, food insecurity and other critical issues impacting residents' quality of life.
The impact of this latest partnership agreement adds to a growing list of efforts and investments East of the River for the healthcare organization. CareFirst has teamed up with local groups in recent years to address the many issues impacting community health, from grassroots movements and local coalitions to regional and community health organizations.
“We’ve said all along that the Entertainment and Sports Arena is bigger than basketball. This is about keeping our promises to the Ward 8 community and to DC residents, and that’s what we will continue to do in this new chapter as the CareFirst Arena,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “We are grateful to CareFirst for their commitment to DC and for partnering with local organizations that serve Ward 8 and create new opportunities for our community.”
A Partnership that Builds Bridges
Through this partnership with Events DC, facilitated by the Oak View Group (OVG), CareFirst aims to model how businesses can invest in the future with the communities they serve. CareFirst will support established organizations and create new programs designed to improve health equity and foster economic mobility.
"Events DC's mission is to create unique experiences that result in jobs, economic impact and lasting memories for residents, tourists and guests," said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. "A major part of achieving our mission is building connections between businesses and Washington, DC communities. CareFirst is an industry leader who thoughtfully engages with communities to improve everyone's overall health and well-being. I look forward to our partnership and what we will accomplish together in the District."
Partnering together, Events DC and CareFirst are creating a blueprint for building a stronger community with a commitment to investing in people and building spaces that reflect local communities.
CareFirst serves nearly 500,000 members in the District. Its recent commitment is a promise to continue investing in the well-being of the communities it serves, supporting local organizations and creating spaces where residents feel valued, heard and empowered to achieve their best health.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 87th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2023, CareFirst infused $233 million in support of regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit www.carefirst.com.
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the LEED Platinum-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com.
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class-owned venues and a client roster of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com.
