Capital One Arena – Overview

Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., has been a centerpiece of the city for more than two decades. Its central location in the Chinatown neighborhood makes it walking distance from internationally recognized landmarks and dining and nightlife destinations.

Capital One Arena is a popular, sought-after destination for countless sporting events and world-class concerts. The venue has had multiple renovations throughout the course of its life, ensuring that it provides fans a state-of-the-art experience. These multimillion-dollar investments have allowed for new concessions, additional VIP seating, and improved viewing screens. This is part of the reason Capital One Arena continues to be a popular sports and performance venue.

 

Overview

  • History: Construction crews broke ground for Capital One Arena on October 18, 1995. After just over two years of construction, the arena opened on December 2, 1997. Washington Capitals owner Abraham Pollin funded the creation of the arena himself, which cost approximately $260 million. That $206 price tag amounts to approximately $406 million in 2018. Successful executive and entrepreneur Ted Leonosis became the majority owner of Capital One Arena in June 2010. He formed Monumental Sports & Entertainment, a company that also owns the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and more.
  • Stats: The Capital One Arena covers a whopping 1,020,000 square feet. This massive size is necessary in order to host the 220 events that take place at the venue each year. The capacity of the venue is approximately 20,000, but it can vary depending on the event. For example, the capacity for basketball games is 20,356, while it’s 18,506 for ice hockey events. In addition to regular seats, Capital One Arena features 100-plus luxury suits, eight loge boxes, nine dressing rooms, and an indoor basketball court for team practices.
  • Sports: Capital One Arena is home to many professional sports teams. The Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and NBA team Washington Wizards have both been based out of the arena since 1997. The Washington Mystics, one of the first WNBA expansion franchises, also call Capital One Arena home. Lastly, Georgetown University’s men’s basketball team plays in the arena during home games. Capital One Arena was built with professional sports in mind, making it the perfect place for sporting events. Because of this, Capital One Arena has hosted an impressive lineup of games. The Stanley Cup Finals took place there in both 1998 and 2018, and the latter was the first time the Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup. Capital One Arena’s ice rink capabilities also allowed them to host the 2003 World Figure Skating Championship. At this event, Russia came in first place with a total of five medals. Multiple major basketball games have taken place in the venue as well. These events include the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, the 2002 and 2007 WNBA All-Star games, the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2005 and 2016, The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2017, and the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament in 1998, 2002, and 2008.
  • Accessibility: Capital One Arena complies with all ADA requirements, making sure that all visitors are able to fully enjoy their time there. Guests in need of Assisted Listening Devices can access one at Guest Services, free of charge with valid identification. All sporting events have closed captioning, and Capital One Arena can provide this service other performances as well. In addition, Capital One Arena can provide sign language interpreters, as long as guests place their request at least 21 days before the event. Service animals are welcome inside Capital One Arena and must remain on a leash or in a harness. Those in need of escorts or transports throughout the venue can request one at Guest Services or any entry point.
  • Hospitality spaces: Those interested in hosting an event in Capital One Arena have a selection of hospitality spaces to choose from. Located on the second floor, the Budweiser Brewhouse has a clear view of the venue’s busy entrance below. This versatile spot has a front or back room option, and can host 50 to 350 people. Capital One Arena completely revitalized the PwC Club in 2018, making it one of the most luxurious spaces in the venue. It can provide 100 to 250 people with unmatched food and drinks. On the event level of Capital One Arena is the Etihad Airways Lounge. This state-of-the-art lounge has the most spacious reception area of the venue, and it can fit up to 500 people. Those interested in a party atmosphere will find one in Beck’s Lounge on the fourth level. This space can fit 85 people and is filled with flat screen televisions. Beck’s Lounge also features a giant LED wall, which can be customized for your event.
  • Policies: Like any professional venue, Capital One Arena has policies in place to ensure the safety of all attendees. Security searches all bags upon entry, and the maximum size of bags is 14 inches long, 14 inches tall, and six inches wide. Check Capital One Arena’s website for a list of prohibited items. Guest should be aware that the venue reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone who refuses to be searched or is in possession of a prohibited item. Tickets are required for children three years and older. Guests are permitted to bring cameras into Capital One Arena for basketball games, but are not permitted to film the event or use selfie sticks. The camera policy for all other events is determined by the event itself.

 

Tips

  • Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Capital One Arena provides guests with free Wi-Fi throughout the venue. Guests connect to the network simply by accepting the Terms and Conditions.
  • Nursing mothers have access to a comfortable, private space. Across from Section 217 is the designated Nursing Mother’s Lounge, providing plenty of privacy for guests.
  • Get in touch with the venue without leaving your seat. Capital One Arena’s in-event texting service allows guests to safely and easily communicate with employees to share their questions, comments, and concerns. Guests simply text the designated number with their location and concern.
  • Follow Capital One Arena’s suggestions to expedite the entry process. Gates open one hour prior to the event’s start time, so try to arrive early. Bring your belongings in a clear, plastic bag to make searching easier. Before walking through the metal detector, open your jacket, remove your hat, and take all metal and electronic items out of your pockets.
  • Stay hydrated. Guests may bring in one empty water bottle per person for their personal use. You can fill your bottle at the water fountains located at sections 103, 113, 403, 413, 419, and 431.
  • If you have dietary restrictions, plan ahead. Guests with special dietary needs may contact the Guest Relations department via e-mail prior to their visit for assistance.
  • Celebrate your special day. Birthday buttons are available during Capital and Wizards games. Grab your free button at Guest Services locations across from sections 102 and 402.
  • Celebrate your status as designated driver. Guests who pledge to stay sober during events may sign up at the Designated Driver Booth at section 108. Capital One Arena will then enter guests into raffles and prizes.
  • Charge your phone. Free charging stations are available for guests at sections 102, 200, and 405.
  • Save some money on concessions. Popcorn at Capital One Arena is affordable, and offers unlimited refills! In addition to that great deal, Capital One card holders get 10% off all food and drinks at the concession stands.
  • Grab some gear. The Capital One Arena Team Store is on the main concourse near sections 120 and 121.
  • Download the app. Capital One Arena has its own mobile app that can help guests find concessions, report problems, and find out about future games. Currently the app is only available on iOS devices.

 

Trivia

  • Over the course of Capital One Arena’s 20-plus years, it has held a whopping 4,500-plus events. In terms of guests, Capital One Arena has welcomed more than 47 million people through its doors.
  • In addition to sporting events, Capital One Arena has welcomed a vast array of musical artists. These performances have included U2, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Bon Jovi, Prince, Beyonce, the Dalai Lama, Tina Turner, John Mayer, Ariana Grande, Paul Simon, Usher, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Usher, Disney on Ice, and WWE.
  • Capital One Arena has retired nine jerseys. Capitals players whose numbers have been retired are Yvon Labre, 7, Rod Langway, 5, Dale Hunter, 32, and Mike Gartner, 11. Bullets and Wizards players with retired numbers are Earl Monroe, 10, Elvin Hayes, 11, Gus Johnson, 25, Wes Unseld, 41, and Phil Chenier, 45.
  • The venue was originally named MCI Center, until it was changed in 2006 to Verizon Center. Verizon had the naming rights until 2017, when Capital One purchased the naming rights.
  • Only two events have taken place every single year in Capital One Arena. The Harlem Globetrotters hold the record; they’ve had a game at the venue every year since 1973. In second place is The Washington International Horse Show, which has been in Capital One Arena every year since 1975.