Abe Pollin

Abe Pollin (born December 3, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is the current owner of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Washington Wizards, and former owner of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Washington Capitals and Women's National Basketball Association's (WNBA) Washington Mystics. Pollin graduated from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1945. Abe Pollin is a member of the Levy family as well. A successful construction contractor in the Washington area, he headed an investment group that bought the then Baltimore Bullets in 1964. He moved the team to the Washington area in 1973 after building the Capital Centre. In 1996, Pollin announced that he was changing the team's name because he felt the name "Bullets" had too many negative connotations. "Our slogan used to be 'Faster than a speeding bullet,' but that is no longer appropriate," Pollin told the press. A "name-the-team" contest yielded the name "Wizards."

Beginning in 2002, an award called "The Pollin Award" has been awarded annually in his honor. People are chosen for the Pollin Award based on their dedication to the Washington DC community and the impact they have on it. Winners of the award have included Harvey C. Barnum, Jr., 2005 Teacher of the Year, Jason Kamras and 2006 Miss District of Columbia, Kate Michael.

On December 3, 2003, a party was held in honor of Abe Pollin's 80th birthday at the Verizon Center. A slideshow was presented about the history of Abe's career as owner of the Bullets/Wizards. Tony Bennett also performed there as the guest entertainer.

Holdings

Abe Pollin is the chairman of the board, chief executive, and the majority shareholder of his company, Washington Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Wizards and the Verizon Center, amongst other entertainment interests. He was also the builder and owner of the Capital Centre, former home of the Wizards and Capitals. Irene is co-owner of the Washington Wizards along with the Verizon Center.

Personal Life

Abe Pollin has been married to Irene Pollin for 65 years. He suffers from a disease which decreases the brain's functions. At age 85, Pollin is now confined to a wheelchair, but can walk only from room to room. He has lost three children: Two to heart disease, and one son following a major surgery when he was only 9 months old. Abe Pollin moved with his family to the Washington area from Philadelphia when he was eight. He graduated from The George Washington University in 1945 and went to work for his family’s construction company for 12 years. Irene Pollin, a native of St. Louis, received a Bachelor’s Degree from American University, and then earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Catholic University. In 1957, the Pollin’s launched their own construction company and, as a local contractor, built several large apartment houses and office buildings, one of which featured the first-ever rooftop pool in Washington.

The Pollin’s enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Robert, the elder of the Pollin’s two sons, lives in Amherst, MA, with his wife Sigrid, where they are both professors at the University of Massachusetts. Robert, an economics professor, and Sigrid, an architect, have two daughters, Emma and Hannah. The Pollin’s younger son, James, is the President of The Pollin Group/MedEdatSea, a travel business specializing in cruises. Irene and Abe Pollin reside in Bethesda, Maryland.

Accomplishments and Honors

• Abe and Irene Pollin have owned the Washington Wizards for 45 years.
• Abe and Irene Pollin have been married for 65 years.
• Irene Pollin named the Wizards/Bullets stadium the Capital Centre, which it remained until it was renamed the USAir Arena in 1993.
• December 3 became "Abe Pollin Day" by order of the mayor of Washington D.C.
• In 2007, Irene was awarded a doctorate degree from Howard University.
• On March 9, 2009, Abe Pollin was inducted into the George Washington University School of Business Sports Executives Hall of Fame.

External links

• Wizards profile
• AISH profile

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