Capital One Arena Information
Washingtons best entertainment
Capital One Arena DC is an exciting multipurpose indoor arena that brings the hottest sports and entertainment events to a live crowd! Located in downtown Washington, this state of the arts venue is renowned for being home to the NBA Washington Wizards as well as the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and the NCAA’s Georgetown Hoyas’s men’s basketball team!
To keep up the date with the latest sport events, the Capital One Arena prides itself on the latest technology and was the first to purchase the true indoor high definition LED scoreboard on its ten year anniversary!
Washington also has a vibrant arts and music scene, giving the best in live performance. The Capital One Arena is an incredible venue to see the superstar’s of the music world on stage. Some of the biggest highlights include; Barry Manilow, The Jonas Brothers, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Pink, Elton John, Beyoncé, Cher, Bruce Springsteen and more!
About Capital One Arena
The Capital One Arena, in the heart of the nation’s capital, is located at 601 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20004. The arena is owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment and managing partner Ted Leonsis.
Located in Washington D.C.’s Penn Quarter, the Capital One Arena offers world-class entertainment and sporting events. Since opening in 1997, this iconic venue has been at the core of the city’s cultural and vibrant social life.
It is home to the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, and the historic Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball team. While it hosts several different types of events, the arena is especially energetic on game days.
Hosting over 200 events annually, from the thrilling games on ice and court to the mesmerizing performances of Cirque du Soleil, the Capital One Arena is where Washington’s biggest shows happen. From stand-up comedy nights to thrilling concerts, it’s become the defining location for cultural events in the D.C. region. The arena boasts an array of amenities and proximity to the city’s finest dining and entertainment options.
Capital One Arena history
The site of the Capital One Arena is in the traditional Chinatown section of the Penn Quarter. Originally, the Chinatown district was an area of residences and small businesses — a far cry from the bustling sports and entertainment venue it is today. Moving away from the former USAir Arena in Landover, Maryland, the Capitals and Wizards (previously the Bullets) found their new home closer to their fans in the heart of D.C.
Officially opening its doors on December 2, 1997, with a game attended by President Bill Clinton, the arena was initially named the MCI Center. Its vertical seating enhanced spectators’ views, creating an excellent vantage point from any angle.
Over the years, the arena has changed names, from MCI Center to Verizon Center and finally to Capital One Arena in 2017. These variations reflect changing corporate partnerships.
A significant $30 million renovation between 2019 and 2020 transformed seating, concourses, and dining options, alongside technological upgrades like a state-of-the-art video board and SkyRing. Combined, these upgrades helped ensure that the Capital One Arena remains a premier events venue for years to come.