The Washington Capitals, often called the Caps, are an NHL team based in Washington, D.C., owned by Ted Leonsis. Established in 1974, they began play in the 1974-75 season. However, the season concluded with them only registering eight wins for a combined total of 21 points and an shocking 67 defeats across their inaugral campaign. This period of mediocrity followed before general manager David Poile showed up in 1982. Under him, the team improved significantly with players like Mike Gartner and Rod Langway, becoming playoff contenders for fourteen seasons.
Leonsis, who bought the team in 1999, drafted stars like Alexander Ovechkin, leading to successes like winning the Presidents' Trophy in 2009–10, 2015–16, and 2016–17. They've won 12 division titles and reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice, winning in 2018. Notably, the Caps have retired four numbers and have strong ties to Hockey Hall of Fame inductees. Moreover, they're affiliated with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League and with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL.
What is the name of the Washington Capitals Arena?
The Arena where the Washington Capitals play is called the Capital One Arena. It is located at 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 and opened its doors in 1997. Since its inauguration, the Capital One Arena has been the heart of thrilling hockey action in Washington, D.C., witnessing the rise of the Capitals to success, especially highlighted by their victory in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. Apart from hosting hockey games, the arena serves as the home venue for the Washington Wizards and Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball teams.
The arena also offers a diverse range of food and beverage options to cater to every fan's palate, including classics like Papa John’s pizza and cheeseburgers, along with unique choices like tacos and donuts. However, prices tend to be on the expensive side, with meals and beverages costing over $20 and alcoholic drinks also carrying a hefty price tag.
Washington Capitals Arena History/Washington Capitals Arena Construction and Cost
The history of the Capital One Arena, formerly known as the MCI Center and Verizon Center, is a tale of urban revitalization, private investment, and continuous evolution. Situated on the block between 6th and 7th and F and G Streets in Washington, D.C., the arena's location was once marked by urban decay in the 1960s. However, in 1973, the District government acquired the land with hopes of redevelopment, leading to various proposals for mixed-use complexes over the years.
The journey to the creation of the Capital One Arena began when Abe Pollin, owner of the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards (then known as the Washington Bullets), sought a new home for his teams due to subpar attendance and inadequate facilities at the USAir Arena in Landover, Maryland. After exploring multiple options, including public financing and private partnerships, Pollin struck a deal with the District government to construct the arena at the Gallery Place site. Initially envisioned as a mixed-use complex with public financing, the project faced scrutiny amidst the District's budget crisis. Ultimately, Pollin agreed to privately fund the construction, with the District covering additional costs such as land acquisition and Metro station expansion. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in October 1995, and the arena opened its doors on December 2, 1997, hosting its first event with a game between the Wizards and the Seattle SuperSonics.
Over the years, the arena underwent several name changes due to naming rights deals, transitioning from the MCI Center to the Verizon Center and finally to the Capital One Arena. Monumental Sports & Entertainment, led by Ted Leonsis, acquired full ownership of the arena and the Wizards in 2010. Subsequent renovations in 2019 and 2020, totaling $30 million, included upgrades to seating, concourses, dining options, and the addition of new video boards. In July 2020, the arena made history by opening the first brick-and-mortar sportsbook at a professional sports venue in the United States, in partnership with bookmaker William Hill. Despite discussions of relocating the Capitals and Wizards to a new arena in Northern Virginia, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a deal in March 2024 to keep both teams in the District until at least 2050, ensuring the Capital One Arena remains a cornerstone of sports and entertainment in Washington, D.C.
Washington Capitals Arena Capacity
The seating capacity of the Capital One Arena stands at 20,356 for basketball games and 18,573 for ice hockey games. Notably, the Arena has an Banquet capacity of 1,000 people while the reception can hold 2,500 individuals. Interesingly, the Arena has hosted more than 4,500 events till date and has accommodated more than 47 million people till now.
What is the parking cost at Washington Capitals Arena?
The average gameday parking cost at Capital One Arena is typically between $25 to $30. However, prices may vary depending on the parking facility and the specific event.
Washington Capitals Arena Notable Events
The Capital One Arena has witnessed significant moments in Washinton Capital's history, including hosting games three and four of the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals, where the Capitals ultimately lost to the Detroit Red Wings. Notably, the Capitals won both games three and four of the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals at the arena, leading to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory.
The arena is also home to the Washington Wizards NBA team and has hosted games for the Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball team. It has been the site of numerous NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament games, including regional finals. Notable basketball events at the arena include hosting the ACC and Big Ten men's basketball tournaments. In the realm of professional fighting, the arena has hosted WWE events and UFC fights, including Mike Tyson's final non-exhibition fight in 2005. It also hosted the first televised professional wrestling event by All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019. As a major entertainment venue, the arena has welcomed a diverse array of artists and cultural figures for concerts and events. Performers include icons like Madonna, U2, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift, among many others. It has also been the venue for events like the Washington International Horse Show.
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