Capital One Arena, previously known as Verizon Center, is a multipurpose arena hosting world-class sports and entertainment events. It is operated by Monumental Sports and Entertainment (MSE) and is home to two professional sports teams, including the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL.
The arena was built and opened on December 2, 1997. It hosts an average of 220 events per year and features 20,000 seats. The events you can watch at the Capital One arena include sporting events, games, concerts, and family shows.
This arena is the current home to the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (NHL), the Georgetown University men’s basketball team, the Washington Mystics of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), and the Washington Valor of the Arena Football League.
- Capital One Arena: Key Facts
- Where Is the Capital One Arena Located?
- The Best Way to Get to the Capital One Arena
- Parking Near the Capital One Arena
- The Best Restaurants Near the Capital One Arena
- The Best Bars Near the Capital One Arena
- The Best Hotels Near the Capital One Arena
- The History of Capital One Arena
- Where to Get Tickets for Capital One Arena
- Does Capital One Arena Offer Tours?
- Capital One Arena FAQs
Capital One Arena: Key Facts
| Location | Capital One Arena |
| Capacity | 20,356 |
| Teams | Washington Capitals; Washington Wizards; Georgetown Hoyas |
| Working hours (non-event days) | Mon-Fri – 12.00 PM to 4.00 PM |
| Working hours (event days) | Mon-Sun 12.00 PM (the closing time varies per event) |
| Contact | +1 202-628-3200 |
| Website | http://www.capitalonearena.com/ |
Where Is the Capital One Arena Located?
The Capital One Arena is an indoor sports and entertainment venue located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood in Downtown Washington, D.C. Nearby the arena is the National Portrait Gallery, the CityCenterDC shopping mall, as well as the Planet World Museum.
The arena is located at 601 F St NW, Washington, DC, 20004, United States
The Best Way to Get to the Capital One Arena
The Capital One Arena is accessible by car and public transportation. Since it is located at the top of a rapid transit station, you can get to the arena by the Washington Metro.
The arena is also accessible via the metro at the Chinatown metro stop through the red, green, and yellow lines. This arena is also within walking distance of the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter subway station and the Judiciary Square metro station.
International visitors can also land at the Ronald Reagan National Airport, the Washington Dulles International Airport, and the Baltimore-Washington International Airport and get to the arena by bus or train.
- Bus lines – 70/D6/DC2/X2
- Train Fredericksburg Line & Manassas Line
Parking Near the Capital One Arena
If you prefer to go to the arena with your transportation, you need to be familiar with the parking services at or near the arena. There is an official Capital One Arena parking garage underneath the arena.
Parking in this garage is available during concerts, which is not the case with the Washington Capitals or Wizards games. Handicapped parking is also available in the official parking structure, designated for vehicles with a disabled parking permit, license plate, or placard.
Since finding a parking space is difficult when it is crowded, there are many parking spots that visitors can reach within walking distance. Here are the following parking spots available in this area.
LAZ Parking Capital One Arena Garage
| Location | LAZ Parking Capital One Arena Garage |
| Open | 5 AM to 8 PM |
Parking lots/garages near the Capital One Arena
| Parking lot | Location | Walking distance from the Capital One Arena | Parking rate |
| Market Square East Garage | Market Square East | 4 minutes | $14/hour |
| Atlantic Parking Garage | Atlantic Parking | 6 minutes | $13/hour |
| City Center Garage | Loc-440-CityCenterDC | 6 minutes | $10/hour |
| 801 I St NWGarage (Techworld Garage) | 801 I St NW | 5 minutes | $10/hour |
| Colonial Parking Garage | Colonial Parking | 4 minutes | $12/hour |
| Victor Building Garage | The Victor Building | 4 minutes | $9/hour Sat-Sun$18/hour Mon-Fri |
The Best Restaurants Near the Capital One Arena
Cranes
Cranes is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering dishes from Spanish and Japanese cuisine. From the cooking style of the renowned chefs to the ingredients and combinations of flavors, Cranes offers a variety of delicious options.
Here you can try flavorful dishes such as pork ribs, duck tender yakitori, unagi crostini, and rutabaga noodles or try their delicious dessert, chocolate de Cabra. The restaurant also offers a large selection of cocktails and sake and has a modern interior and a pleasant ambiance.
| Address | Cranes |
| Contact | +1 202-525-4900 |
| Website | https://cranes-dc.com/ |
Dirty Habit
The sophisticated restaurant and bar Dirty Habit is located at the center of the Penn Quarter and Chinatown, right across the street from the Capital One Arena. The visitors here can enjoy a variety of appetizing dishes or make a selection from the restaurant’s extensive menu of cocktails.
Dirty Habit servers globally-inspired dishes with innovative takes. On the menu, you will find tasty and unique dishes, including watermelon tartare, karaage-style fried chicken, beef birria sliders, and much more. The restaurant also provides a special Happy Hour menu and exquisite desserts.
| Address | Dirty Habit |
| Contact | +1 202-449-7095 |
| Website | https://dirtyhabitdc.com/ |
Jaleo by José Andrés
Jaleo is a modern restaurant where you can dine and relax before heading to the Capital One Arena venue. The restaurant shows the diversity of Spanish cuisine, offering a variety of tasty flavor combinations.
The restaurant provides classics such as pan con tomate, Salmon tartare and trout roe cone, creamy chicken croquetas, and much more, as well as a variety of tapas. Aside from a main, brunch, and dessert menu, Jaleo also has a Sangría Hour menu on weekdays and an Allergy Menu for visitors with dietary restrictions.
The restaurant provides a casual atmosphere and is a good dining spot for dining with family and friends.
| Address | Jaleo by José Andrés |
| Contact | +1 202-628-7949 |
| Website | http://www.jaleo.com/dc |
Clyde’s of Gallery Place
With a location in the Penn Quarter, Clyde’s Gallery Place is a restaurant located only steps away from the Capital One Arena. The restaurant is an excellent option for those who like classic American dishes.
It offers a variety of burgers and sandwiches, steak and chops, salads, and many other options, such as crispy fried chicken, Clyde’s meatloaf, and shrimp linguine. Clyde’s Gallery Place also offers a selection of fascinating cocktails.
The American restaurant has a classic interior design and provides a remarkable restaurant ambiance.
| Address | Clyde’s of Gallery Place |
| Contact | +1 202-349-3700 |
| Website | https://www.clydes.com/ |
Succotash Prime
Enjoy succulent dishes inspired by Southern Cuisine with Koren flair at the Succotash Prime restaurant. The award-winning chef prepares a variety of dishes, including smoked chicken wings, hot fried oysters, filet mignon, delta rice bowl, apple cider BBQ pork ribs, smoker portabella sandwich, and many more.
The restaurant also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options and a kid menu, meaning it can accommodate any visitor. Here the guests will also find multiple flavorful dessert and beverage options.
This modern-styled and elegant restaurant offers a relaxing ambiance and quality service.
| Address | SUCCOTASH |
| Contact | +1 202-849-6933 |
| Website | http://www.succotashrestaurant.com/ |
The Best Bars Near the Capital One Arena
Flight Wine Bar
With more than 750 wines from around the world, the Flight Wine Bar is a great option for all refined wine drinkers.
Here, you can enjoy flight wine or opt for their impressive aperitifs and cocktails, such as the Campari spritz, the OG martini, A rose 75, the French connection and many others.
The bar also offers beers and ciders, and other alcoholic beverages, as well as dining options.
| Address | Flight Wine Bar |
| Contact | +1 202-864-6445 |
| Website | http://www.flightdc.com/ |
Free State Bar
Free State is a casual and family-run bar. They offer a selection of tasty alcoholic beverages, including craft beer, spirits, and wine.
In the Free State Bar, you can try their extraordinary cocktails such as Smoke on the Water, Allspice & everything nice, spiked hot chocolate, grapefruit crush, and more.
| Address | Free State |
| Contact | +1 202-601-7216 |
| Website | http://www.freestatebar.com/ |
Rocket Bar
Rocket Bar is an ideal place for those who enjoy drinking beer and entertainment before they head to the Capital One Arena.
The bar has an extensive beer menu, including rocket fuel lager, miller lite, blue moon, angry orchard, and more.
The guests can also get beer in bottles and cans and enjoy pool, shuffleboard, and dart games.
| Address | Rocket Bar |
| Contact | +1 202-628-7665 |
| Website | http://www.rocketbardc.com/ |
Jackpot
Located in the heart of Washington City, Jackpot is an underground bar with a cozy and relaxing ambiance. The bar offers warm service. It features live music every Friday and Saturday, and a happy hour available seven days a week from 4 PM to 8 PM.
The bar offers various beverage options, including cherry blossom ale, Guinness draught, malibu nights, blood orange cider, framboise rose gose, and a selection of beers.
| Address | Jackpot |
| Contact | +1 202-628-5225 |
| Website | https://www.jackpotdc.com/ |
Crimson Whiskey Bar
The Crimson Whiskey Bar is a place where you can experience Southern hospitality. It features a cafe, a dining spot and a rooftop bar with both indoor and outdoor space where you can snack, dine and relax before heading to the Capital One Arena.
Crimson’s Whiskey Bar captures the essence and history of the American south with a cozy and friendly ambiance and a variety of beverage options. The bar offers 150 types of bourbon, as well as a wide selection of beer options, wine, and delicious craft cocktails.
| Address | Crimson Whiskey Bar |
| Contact | +1 202-847-4459 |
| Website | https://crimson-dc.com/ |
The Best Hotels Near the Capital One Arena
Riggs Washington DC
The Riggs Washington DC is five minutes walking distance away from the popular Capital One Arena. The hotel features 181 modern guest rooms inspired by the golden age of banking. All of the rooms and suites at the hotel offer a beautiful view of the Penn Quarter.
The rooms also feature bath amenities such as Italian Carrara marble bathrooms and unique wallpaper and headboards. They feature a dining area and a minibar, and other room and property amenities for the guests, such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and free high-speed internet.
The pet-friendly hotel also offers activities for the children, a bar/ lounge, and a fitness center.
| Location | Riggs Washington DC |
| Contact | +1 202-638-1800 |
| Website | Riggs Washington DC |
Conrad Washington DC
The Conrad Washington is a sophisticated hotel featuring an on-site restaurant and a rooftop bar with scenic views. The stylish guest rooms and suites in the hotel have bronze and oak touches, and they feature floor-to-ceiling windows.
A private bathroom comes with every room in the Conrad Washington hotel. The rooms are equipped with HDTV, a minibar, air conditioning, an iron, a hairdryer, and other amenities. This is a hotel to stay with your whole family while in Washington, including your pets.
Conrad Washington DC comes with a business center with Wi-Fi for meetings, conference facilities, children activities, and a fitness center.
| Location | Conrad Washington, DC |
| Contact | +1 202-844-5900 |
| Website | Conrad Washington, DC Luxury Hotel |
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Motto by Hilton Washington is located only blocks away from the Capital One Arena. The hotel boasts a restaurant and a bar and has a modern and urban vibe. The guest rooms feature a small workspace, private bathrooms, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning for a comfortable stay.
When it comes to property amenities, Motto by Hilton Washington DC provides 24-hour security, baggage storage, free and high-speed Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a bar/lounge and many other amenities for the guests.
| Location | Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center |
| Contact | +1 202-847-4444 |
| Website | Boutique Hotel | Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center |
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC
If you are looking for a place to stay while exploring Washington DC and watching the spectacular events at the Capital One Arena, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco might be the place that you need.
The guests here enjoy free and fast Wi-Fi, satellite TV as well as air conditioning. The hotel is pet-friendly. Moreover, it offers a fully-equipped fitness center and a restaurant offering delicious food and drink.
The hotel has a modern and bold style, with 184 beautifully-designed guest rooms and suites. Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Washington DC, has an excellent location and provides plenty of amenities for the guests.
| Location | Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC |
| Contact | +1 202-628-7177 |
| Website | Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC |
Grand Hyatt Washington
The Grand Hyatt Washington hotel offers aesthetically pleasing rooms and suites designed to provide comfort and convenience for the guests. The hotel provides many amenities for the guests, including free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, a 24/7 fitness center, as well as business services and meeting facilities.
The guests here also have access to room service, laundry, and digital check-in services. The hotel also has a FedEx Office Print & Ship Center. The Grand Hyatt Washington hotel is located in the heart of downtown Washington and provides many amenities for the guests.
| Location | Grand Hyatt Washington |
| Contact | +1 202-582-1234 |
| Website | Luxury Downtown Washington DC Hotel | Grand Hyatt Washington |
The History of Capital One Arena
The Capital One Arena: Home of the Washington Wizards has been a popular tourist destination in the city for over two decades. The construction crew started working on the arena on October 18, 1995, and after two years of construction, it was opened on December 2, 1997.
This construction was the first major sports facility in the capital of the USA. From 1997 up to 2006, the entertainment arena was originally known as the MCI Center before it became the Verizon Center. The arena’s name changed again in 2017, having the same name as it does today, Capital One Arena.
Abraham Pollin, the owner of the Washington Capital, financed the creation of the entertainment arena, which cost $260 million. In 2010, the entrepreneur Ted Leonosis became the owner of the majority of the Capital One Arena and founded Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
Where to Get Tickets for Capital One Arena
You can purchase tickets for the Capital One Arena events at the Box Office 24 hours a day or by phone at 1-800-515-2171. The buying process at the Box Office is safeguarded, simple, and fast.
However, you can also order them online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster outlet. The price of the tickets depends on several factors, such as the venue, the seating location, and ticket quantity.
It is important to mention that there are no exchanges or returns on tickets purchased for sports games, concerts and other venues.
Does Capital One Arena Offer Tours?
The Capital One Arena: Home of the Washington Wizards, is a popular landmark not only for locals in Washington, DC, but also for visitors from all around the world.
Now, you can enjoy the full experience of the live events in the arena by going on a tour of this incredible venue.
Tours/departures
You can sign up for a Washington Wizards NBA tour and watch the Washington Wizards play an NBA game at Capital One Arena.
Moreover, the Capital One Arena NHL Game tour includes a game ticket for the Washington Capitals NHL game and enables you to watch and enjoy the game. The tours don’t include food and drinks.
| Departure point | 601 F St NW |
| Duration | 3 hours |
Capital One Arena FAQs
The Capital One Arena bag policy is part of the venue’s overall security measures to ensure the safety of all attendees. The policy restricts the size of bags that are allowed into the arena, with bags larger than 13 inches long x 9.5 inches tall x 6 inches wide prohibited. This includes all backpacks, duffel bags, and purses that exceed the size limit. All bags that are brought into the arena will be subject to a search upon arrival, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early to allow for extra time to get through security.
It is important to note that the bag policy applies to all events held at the Capital One Arena, including concerts, sporting events, and other performances. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and leave large bags at home or in their vehicles to avoid any delays in entering the arena. If a bag is deemed too large or prohibited by the policy, there are no storage facilities available at the arena, so attendees will be asked to dispose of the bag or return it to their vehicle.
Overall, the Capital One Arena bag policy is an important part of the venue’s security measures and is designed to ensure the safety of all attendees. It is important to review the policy before attending an event at the arena to avoid any issues or delays at the entrance. For more information on the Capital One Arena bag policy, please visit their official website.
The arena has ADA seating available for guests with disabilities. These seats are located in various sections throughout the arena and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the Capital One Arena box office.
Guests who require ADA seating are encouraged to contact the box office in advance to ensure availability and make arrangements for their visit.
Tickets for a box or suite at Capital One Arena can be purchased through various sources, including the arena’s official website, Ticketmaster, or through a third-party vendor such as Box Office Ticket Sales or SeatGeek.
Additionally, guests can contact the Capital One Arena Premium Seating department directly at (202) 661-5080 to inquire about available box or suite options and pricing. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability and make arrangements for your visit.
The best seats at Capital One Arena depend on personal preference and the type of event you are attending.
For concerts, floor seats are widely considered to be the best seats as they offer the closest views of the stage.
For basketball games, the center court second tier seating is often better and cheaper than the back rows of the 100 level. However, the birds-eye view from the 400 level is nice for reading the plays and still close enough to the action.
For hockey games, seats behind the goal offer a great view of the action.
Keep in mind that premium seating options such as suites and club seats are also available for an elevated experience.
James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.