Arena

Capital One Arena is a modern multipurpose complex located in the heart of Chinatown in Washington, D.C. This arena is the home venue for two legendary sports teams: the Washington Wizards (NBA) basketball club and the Washington Capitals (NHL) hockey team. For many residents and guests of the USA capital, this place has become synonymous with thrilling sports emotions and unforgettable shows.

Accommodating up to 20,000 spectators, the arena serves as one of the city's main venues for not only sports matches but also large-scale concerts by world stars, family shows, and other entertainment events. Thanks to its central location, it is easily accessible to visitors, making it a center of attraction for everyone seeking bright impressions.

Among locals, the arena was long known by the nickname "The Phone Booth." This is due to its previous names, which belonged to telecommunications giants MCI and Verizon. In 2017, Capital One bank acquired the naming rights, and the complex has borne its current name—Capital One Arena—ever since. This place is not just a stadium, but an important part of the cultural and entertainment life of the American capital.

Planning to attend an event at Capital One Arena? Below you will find the main contact information to help you plan your visit. For the most up-to-date information on upcoming events, ticket availability, and attendance rules, it is recommended to check official resources.

Visiting Capital One Arena is an opportunity to dive into a world of diverse and exciting events. First and foremost, it is the home court for Washington Wizards basketball games and the home ice for Washington Capitals hockey matchups, where the atmosphere is filled with the incredible energy of the fans. Additionally, the arena regularly hosts concerts by world stars, large-scale entertainment shows, and comedy performances. The modern infrastructure ensures maximum comfort for visitors: comfortable seating, many food options for every taste, and excellent sound quality make every event unforgettable.

One of the main features of the arena is its excellent location in the lively Chinatown district. This allows guests to combine an event with a walk through the colorful streets, where they can admire cultural landmarks and enjoy local cuisine. Getting to the arena is very easy—the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station is in the immediate vicinity, making it accessible from anywhere in the city.

Capital One Arena also functions as an important business center for the USA capital. Large exhibitions, conferences, and corporate events are often held on its premises, making it not only an entertainment hub but also a significant venue for networking and business development in Washington, D.C.

Capital One Arena is exceptionally well-located in the center of Washington, D.C., making it easily accessible for all visitors. Thanks to an excellent public transport network and its central position, the arena can be reached in several simple ways.

The most convenient and popular option is the metro. The Gallery Place/Chinatown station is located in the immediate vicinity of the arena, serving three lines: Red, Green, and Yellow. This allows you to reach the event venue quickly and without unnecessary transfers from almost anywhere in the city. In addition to the metro, many city buses stop near the arena.

If you are downtown, the arena is a pleasant walk away, as it is within walking distance of many other attractions and hotels. For those who prefer to drive, there are several parking garages near the complex. However, please note that on the days of major events, parking is limited and fills up quickly, so it is recommended to arrive early or use taxis or ride-sharing services.

The history of Capital One Arena began in the mid-1990s when the need arose to replace the outdated US Air Arena located in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Construction of the new modern complex in the city center began on October 18, 1995. The grand opening took place on December 2, 1997, and the arena was originally named the MCI Center after its main sponsor, the telecommunications company MCI.

Throughout its history, the arena has changed its name several times, reflecting changes in the corporate world of the USA. In 2006, after MCI was acquired by Verizon Communications, the complex was renamed the Verizon Center. This name lasted for over a decade until the financial giant Capital One acquired the naming rights in 2017, after which the arena received its current name—Capital One Arena. Due to its first two "telecom" names, locals nicknamed the arena "The Phone Booth" for a long time.

The arrival of the arena had a huge impact on the surrounding area. It served as a catalyst for the revival and development of the Chinatown neighborhood and adjacent territories, transforming them into a vibrant commercial and entertainment hub. The construction encouraged the opening of many restaurants, shops, and residential complexes. At the same time, this process had a downside: the area's growing popularity led to higher rents, forcing some small family-run shops to close.

The time required to visit Capital One Arena depends entirely on your plans. If you are going to a concert, hockey match, or basketball game, you should count on approximately 2–3 hours. This time is usually enough to go through security without rushing, find your seats, enjoy the event itself, and perhaps visit the souvenir shop.

If attending a specific event is not in your plans and you just want to see this iconic Washington, D.C. site and its surroundings, then 1–2 hours might be enough. During this time, you can walk around the arena itself, take a few photos of this impressive structure, and explore the colorful Chinatown neighborhood in the heart of which it is located.

The opening hours of Capital One Arena depend directly on the schedule of the events being held. The complex does not have standard opening and closing hours—it opens its doors to visitors a few hours before the start of an event and closes after it concludes. To get accurate and up-to-date information, it is highly recommended to check the official website of the arena or contact the administration directly, especially if you are interested in a specific concert or match. The arena's box office usually operates on weekdays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and on event days—from noon until the start of the show.

Since the arena is one of the main venues for the most popular events in the city, tickets for concerts and important games often sell out very quickly. Therefore, if you plan to attend an event, it is best to book tickets in advance. The complex operates year-round, offering a rich program of entertainment, so you will always have the opportunity to find something interesting during your visit to the capital.

A visit to Capital One Arena is just one part of the experience Washington, D.C. has to offer. Thanks to its location in the vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood, the arena is surrounded by many cultural, historical, and entertainment spots. A stroll through the neighborhood before or after an event will allow you to immerse yourself deeper in the atmosphere of the USA capital and discover something new.

Just steps away from the arena are world-famous museums, galleries, theaters, and restaurants. This is a unique opportunity to combine watching a sports match or a concert with a visit to the city's iconic landmarks. Below is a list of interesting places located in the immediate vicinity.