Teams and Events at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Who plays at Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. is home to three major professional sports teams: the Washington Wizards (NBA basketball), the Washington Capitals (NHL hockey), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA basketball). The arena also hosts concerts, wrestling events, college sports, and other live entertainment throughout the year. The schedule changes seasonally, with basketball and hockey seasons running roughly from October through April, and concerts and other events filling dates year-round.

The arena opened in 1997 as the MCI Center and has been called Capital One Arena since 2011. It seats approximately 20,000 people for basketball and hockey, though capacity varies depending on the event setup.

Key Takeaways

• The Washington Wizards play 41 home NBA games per season at Capital One Arena, typically from October through April.
• The Washington Capitals play 41 home NHL games per season, with their schedule overlapping the basketball season from October through April.
• The Washington Mystics play WNBA home games from May through September, filling the arena during months when the other teams are not in season.
• The arena hosts major concerts, professional wrestling events, college basketball tournaments, and other entertainment on dates when sports teams are not playing.
• You can find the full schedule for any team or event on the Capital One Arena website or through each team's official website.

Washington Wizards basketball schedule

The Washington Wizards play 41 home games each NBA season. Games typically run from late October through mid-April, with the regular season followed by playoff games if the team advances. Most games are played on weeknights or weekends, with occasional afternoon games.

The Wizards' schedule is published each summer before the season begins. You can view the full schedule on the NBA's official website or the Wizards' team website, which shows dates, times, and ticket information for each home game.

Washington Capitals hockey schedule

The Washington Capitals play 41 home games each NHL season, running from October through mid-April. Like the Wizards, the Capitals' schedule includes regular season games followed by playoff games if the team qualifies. Hockey games are typically played in the evening, with some afternoon games on weekends.

The Capitals' full schedule is available on the NHL's official website and the Capitals' team website. Both sites show game times, opponent information, and links to purchase tickets.

Washington Mystics WNBA basketball

The Washington Mystics play home games from May through September, filling the arena during the WNBA season. The Mystics play roughly 12 to 14 home games per season, fewer than the men's teams because the WNBA season is shorter. Games are typically played on weekends or weekday evenings.

The Mystics' schedule is published in the spring before each season. You can find game dates and times on the WNBA's official website or the Mystics' team website.

Concerts and entertainment events

Capital One Arena hosts major concerts and touring acts throughout the year. Artists and promoters announce tour dates on their official websites and through ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster. The arena's event calendar on its official website shows upcoming concerts, wrestling events, and other entertainment.

Concert dates often fill gaps in the sports schedule, though some events may overlap with games. Ticket prices and availability vary widely depending on the artist or event.

College sports and special events

Capital One Arena occasionally hosts college basketball games, including tournaments and conference matchups. The arena has also hosted NCAA tournament games and other college sports events. Special events like professional wrestling, ice shows, and family entertainment also take place at the venue.

These events are announced by the colleges, event promoters, or the arena itself. The Capital One Arena website maintains a full calendar of all upcoming events, which is the most reliable way to see what is scheduled on any given date.

How to find the current schedule

The Capital One Arena official website displays a complete calendar of all upcoming events, including sports games, concerts, and other entertainment. You can filter by team or event type to see only what interests you.

Each team also maintains its own schedule on its official website: the NBA Wizards site, the NHL Capitals site, and the WNBA Mystics site. These team pages often include additional details like ticket prices, parking information, and game previews.

Ticketmaster and other ticket resellers also display Capital One Arena events and allow you to search by date or team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Wizards and Capitals play on the same nights?

Sometimes, but not always. Both teams play home games from October through April, so their schedules overlap. The arena coordinates the schedule to avoid back-to-back games on the same night when possible, but occasional conflicts do occur. Check the specific dates on each team's website to confirm.

What is the seating capacity at Capital One Arena?

The arena seats approximately 20,000 people for basketball and hockey games. Capacity can vary slightly depending on the event setup and whether standing room or special configurations are used.

Can I see the schedule for multiple teams in one place?

Yes. The Capital One Arena official website shows all events scheduled at the venue, including games for the Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics, plus concerts and other entertainment. This is the easiest way to see everything happening on a specific date.

When do the Mystics play compared to the Wizards and Capitals?

The Mystics play from May through September, while the Wizards and Capitals play from October through April. This means the arena hosts basketball or hockey almost year-round, with the Mystics filling the spring and summer months.

Where can I buy tickets for games or events?

Tickets are sold through each team's official website, Ticketmaster, and other authorized resellers. Prices vary by event, team, and seat location. The Capital One Arena website links to ticket vendors for each event.