Washington Capitals Arena

The Washington Capitals, owned by Ted Leonsis, are based in Washington, D.C., and play in the NHL. They were founded in 1974 and moved from the Capital Centre to Capital One Arena in 1997. The team improved under GM David Poile in the 1980s, becoming regular playoff contenders.

Leonsis took over in 1999 and built a strong core around Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals won the Presidents’ Trophy three times and secured their first Stanley Cup in 2018. They have 12 division titles, four retired numbers, and affiliations with the Hershey Bears (AHL) and South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL).

What is the name of the Washington Capitals' Stadium?

Capital One Arena is home to the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, and Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball, located at 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004. It opened its doors in 1997 and has a seating capacity of 18,573. Apart from hosting hockey games, the arena serves as the home venue for the Washington Wizards and Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball teams.

Read More: Washington Capitals Owner

Washington Capitals Stadium History/Washington Capitals Stadium Construction and Cost

The Washington Capitals play at Capital One Arena, located in downtown Washington, D.C., between Sixth and Seventh and F and G Streets. The land originally held residences and small businesses but fell into urban decay by the 1960s. After failed redevelopment attempts, Abe Pollin, owner of the Capitals and Wizards, privately financed the arena’s construction. The total cost was $200 million, with the District covering $79 million in related costs. Groundbreaking was in October 1995, and the arena opened on December 2, 1997, originally named MCI Center.

It was renamed Verizon Center in 2006 and became Capital One Arena in 2017. Ted Leonsis and Monumental Sports & Entertainment took full ownership in 2010. The arena underwent a $30 million renovation in 2019–2020 and is undergoing an $850 million renovation project (expected completion by 2027), partly funded by the city, as per FOX News. This renovation secured a deal to keep the Capitals and Wizards in the arena through at least 2050.

Washington Capitals Stadium Capacity

The seating capacity of the Capital One Arena, where the Washington Capitals play, is 20,356 for basketball games and 18,573 for ice hockey.

Washington Capitals Stadium Seating Chart

The seating at Capital One Arena, where the Washington Capitals play, varies depending on the event. For hockey games, the Capitals shoot twice on the side with sections 102 to 109 and 202 to 213, as well as 401 to 415. The Capitals' bench is in front of sections 100 and 121, while the visitor bench is in front of sections 100 and 101. The penalty box is in front of section 111.

What is the parking cost at Washington Capitals Stadium? /Parking Map

The parking costs near Capital One Arena vary depending on the type of parking. For commuter parking, you can expect to pay between $19 and $35. Weekend parking generally ranges from $18 to $40, while event parking typically costs between $20 and $45, as per Spot Hero. If you need overnight parking, the rates are between $33 and $60.

Several garages around the arena offer parking, such as the Gallery Place Garage at 732 6th St. NW, starting at $15.86, and the 701 8th St. NW Garage, which starts at $26.44. The 600 Massachusetts Ave. NW Garage offers parking starting at $16.92, while the Techworld Garage at 801 I St. NW starts at $13.75. The City Center Garage also offers parking starting at $20.09. These rates can vary depending on demand and time of day.

Washington Capitals Stadium Notable Events

Notable events include the 1998 and 2018 Stanley Cup Finals, the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, the 2002 and 2007 WNBA All-Star Games, the 2003 World Figure Skating Championship, multiple NCAA tournament rounds, and ACC, Big Ten, and A10 basketball tournaments.

It also hosted concerts by artists like U2, Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Elton John. The Harlem Globetrotters (since 1973) and the Washington International Horse Show (1975–2019) have been recurring events. Amenities include Monumental VIP Club, Ultra Club, Caesars Sportsbook Lounge, and Guy Fieri’s DC Kitchen + Bar.