Longtime Sports Fan Excited About His Next Chapter at The Grandview

When Phil Hochberg was considering his senior living options, location was the main driver. "I grew up in Chevy Chase in Washington, D.C., and I currently live in Chevy Chase, Md. I looked at a retirement community in Virginia, but I realized that I did not want to move there. I am wedded to this area," Phil says.

Luckily for him, he found a retirement community not far from his current house--The Grandview, an Erickson Senior Living community coming to Bethesda, Md.

Priority List perks

So, he joined the Priority List, which gave him the best chance of reserving his desired floor plan, updates on the community's construction timeline, and invitations to exclusive informational and social events.  

Phil chose the Livingston, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plan, in Potomac Heights, the first residence building opening later this year.

"It's a nice-size residence with a balcony, and the view is an extra perk," says Phil, noting that his home is located on the twelfth floor.

In addition to reserving his home before members of the public, the Priority List events have been a real advantage for Phil.

"I've met several others who are planning on moving to The Grandview at the events, which has been great. I also have friends who are on the Priority List, as well as my sister and brother-in-law," he says.

A storied career

Phil practices law in Washington, D.C., specializing in sports and entertainment law. He has represented professional and collegiate sports leagues, conferences, and teams. He is also viewed as a national expert on cable television and broadcasting matters.

In fact, he authored a landmark law review article that was cited by the United States Supreme Court in National Collegiate Athletic Association v. Bd. of Regents of the Univ. of Oklahoma, et. al.

The 1984 case (where he was among counsel for the plaintiffs) is seen as a watershed case in an antitrust lawsuit filed by the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents and the University of Georgia Athletic Board, which relieved the NCAA of its authority over football TV contracts and allowed each school or conference to negotiate its own deal.

"I was very happy with the outcome of that case," Phil recalls humbly.

A lifelong love

Phil's involvement with sports is not limited to his law practice, though.

"As a teenager, I wanted to be a play-by-play sports announcer. I was the stadium announcer at Woodrow Wilson High School," he recalls. "However, when I got to Syracuse University, I discovered that some of my classmates--including broadcast legends Dick Stockton, Marv Albert, and Hank Greenwald--were much more talented than I was, so I decided not to pursue a career as a television sportscaster and switched to law."

However, he did enjoy 38 years as the stadium announcer for the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). He has also been an announcer for the Washington Senators, Baltimore Orioles, collegiate teams, and even Presidential Inaugural Parades.

A rare honor

He was the first non-player/coach/owner to be honored by the Washington football team in its Hall of Fame/Ring of Stars at the stadium in Landover, Md. He has also promoted and led more than 25 sports programs at the Smithsonian Institution.

"Stadium announcing allowed me to continue my love of sports announcing. I also started a large collection of sports memorabilia. Every year, the Redskins gave me an autographed football by the team, and the Senators baseball team did too. I have about 150 autographed footballs and baseballs in my den," Phil says, with a laugh.

A smooth move

In fact, when one of The Grandview's planning and moving consultants met with Phil in his house to measure furniture and help him decide what he should take to his new home, his sports memorabilia collection was at the top of his list.

"My collection may have to be reduced a bit, but I will still take some of my favorites with me," he says.

Once he's settled in, Phil plans on taking advantage of the amenities and activities The Grandview will offer, as well as spending time with some of the new friends he's made at Priority List events.

"I've been very fortunate in life," Phil says.

"My law career has involved sports; I have been able to marry my vocation with my avocation. My life has been wonderful, and I am very happy. I look forward to continuing that life at The Grandview."

Invest in your future self at The Grandview. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free residences, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!