The Washington Convention Center Authority, which owns and manages the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., has merged with the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission in order to create the new Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA), it recently announced.In addition to the convention center, the newly created board owns and manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the D.C. Armory and surrounding festival grounds, and will serve as owner and landlord of Nationals Park."The Washington Convention and Sports Authority will lead the way as one of the city's premier catalysts for economic activity—not only by running a world-class convention and meeting facility, but also through the promotion and coordination of key sports and entertainment activities for the District," Washington Convention and Sports Authority Board Chair Beverly Perry said in a statement. "The new authority will only enhance the city's offerings for the benefit of visitors, residents and the business community."Gregory A. O'Dell, previously CEO and general manager of the Washington Convention Center Authority, will serve as president and CEO of the WCSA while Erik Moses, former CEO of the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission, will serve as senior vice president and managing director of WCSA's Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division. Former Washington Convention Center Authority Deputy General Manager Samuel Thomas will be senior vice president and general manager of WCSA's convention center operations division."Our convention stakeholders and customers will continue to work with the same dedicated team that has supported them to consistently execute successful events at our award-winning convention center," O'Dell said. "This merger will further enhance the previous great work of the commission, bringing more sports and entertainment events to the District."