Capital One Arena Seating Capacity and Layout

Capital One Arena holds 20,356 people for basketball and 20,278 for hockey

Capital One Arena, located in Washington, D.C., has a maximum seating capacity of 20,356 for Washington Wizards basketball games. For Washington Capitals hockey games, the capacity is slightly lower at 20,278 because the ice rink takes up floor space that would otherwise hold seats. The exact number of available seats can shift depending on what event is happening and whether standing room or temporary seating is added for concerts or other performances.

The arena opened in 1997 as the MCI Center and was renamed Capital One Arena in 2011 after the financial services company purchased the naming rights. It sits in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and serves as the home venue for both the Wizards and the Capitals, as well as the Georgetown University Hoyas basketball team.

Key Takeaways

• Capital One Arena seats 20,356 for Wizards basketball games and 20,278 for Capitals hockey games due to ice rink placement.
• The arena also hosts concerts, conventions, and other events where seating arrangements may differ from standard sports configurations.
• Seating capacity can temporarily increase with standing room or decrease with stage setups for non-sports events.
• The building has been in operation since 1997 and is located in Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown district.

How seating changes for different event types

The 20,356-seat count is the standard configuration for Wizards games, but Capital One Arena regularly hosts events beyond basketball and hockey. When concerts or other performances take place, the floor layout changes significantly. A stage or performance setup may reduce the total number of available seats, or the arena may configure the space to include standing room sections that allow more people inside.

For conventions, trade shows, and other non-sports events, organizers can remove seats entirely and use the floor as open space. This means the same physical building can accommodate different crowd sizes depending on what is being held there. If you are planning to attend a specific event, the ticket seller or event listing will show how many seats are available for that particular show.

Seating sections and viewing angles

The arena is divided into lower bowl, club level, and upper bowl sections that wrap around the court or ice. Lower bowl seats are closest to the action and typically cost more. Club level seats offer premium amenities like better food options and climate control. Upper bowl seats are the most affordable but farther from the playing surface.

The arena's design means that sightlines vary depending on which section you sit in. Corner seats and baseline seats (for basketball) or behind-the-goal seats (for hockey) offer different viewing angles. Some upper-level seats in the corners may have obstructed views, so checking a seating chart before buying tickets can help you understand what you will see from a particular seat.

Standing room and accessible seating

Beyond the 20,356 standard seats, Capital One Arena offers standing room only (SRO) sections for some events, which can increase the total occupancy. Standing room is typically less expensive than seated tickets and is often available when regular seats sell out. The number of standing room spots varies by event and is controlled by fire code regulations.

The arena also has accessible seating for people with mobility challenges, including wheelchair spaces and companion seats. These spaces are distributed throughout the building in different price tiers so that accessible seating is available in lower bowl, club, and upper bowl areas. When buying tickets, you can filter for accessible seating options on most ticket platforms.

How capacity compares to other NBA and NHL arenas

At 20,356 seats, Capital One Arena is mid-sized compared to other NBA and NHL venues. The largest NBA arenas, like American Airlines Center in Dallas and FedExForum in Memphis, hold around 22,000 people. The smallest NBA arenas seat around 17,000 to 18,000. Capital One Arena falls in the middle range, making it neither the largest nor the smallest venue in either league.

The slight difference between basketball capacity (20,356) and hockey capacity (20,278) is common across arenas that host both sports. Hockey requires an ice rink that occupies floor space, which reduces the number of seats that can be installed around it compared to a basketball court setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the arena hold more than 20,356 people?

Yes, if standing room sections are added for certain events, the total occupancy can exceed the standard seated capacity. The exact number depends on the event type and fire code limits. For most regular Wizards and Capitals games, the seated capacity of 20,356 is the standard.

Are all seats at Capital One Arena the same price?

No. Ticket prices vary based on seat location, event, and demand. Lower bowl and club level seats typically cost more than upper bowl seats. Premium games (like playoffs or matchups against popular teams) also command higher prices than regular season games.

Is there a difference in capacity between Wizards and Capitals games?

Yes. Wizards basketball games use 20,356 seats, while Capitals hockey games use 20,278 seats. The difference is because the hockey ice rink occupies floor space that would otherwise hold additional seats around the boards.

Where is Capital One Arena located?

Capital One Arena is in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The address is 601 F Street NW. It is accessible by Metro, with the Gallery Place-Chinatown station serving the arena.

What events besides basketball and hockey are held at Capital One Arena?

The arena hosts concerts, comedy shows, conventions, trade shows, and other entertainment events. Georgetown University basketball games are also played there. Event seating and capacity may differ from standard sports configurations depending on the type of show.