What you'll find at Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena, located at 601 F Street NW in Washington, D.C., is the home of the Washington Wizards. The arena opened in 1997 as the MCI Center and has been the Wizards' home court since the team's relocation from Baltimore. The building sits in the Gallery Place neighborhood of downtown D.C., near the Verizon Center (now Capital One Arena's official name as of 2017 when Capital One purchased the naming rights).

The arena holds approximately 20,356 people for basketball games. Beyond the Wizards, Capital One Arena also hosts the Washington Capitals (NHL), the Georgetown University basketball team, concerts, and other sporting events throughout the year. The venue is accessible by the Metro system, with the Gallery Place-Chinatown station serving as the main public transit connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Capital One Arena is located at 601 F Street NW in downtown Washington, D.C., and has been home to the Wizards since 1997.
  • The arena seats approximately 20,356 for basketball games and is also home to the Washington Capitals hockey team.
  • Public parking is available in nearby garages and lots, though prices vary by location and event date.
  • The Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station provides direct public transit access to the arena.
  • Game-day amenities include concessions, merchandise shops, and seating options ranging from upper deck to premium club sections.

Getting to Capital One Arena by car

If you drive to Capital One Arena, several parking options exist within walking distance. The arena itself operates a parking garage, though spaces fill quickly on game days. Additional public parking garages surround the Gallery Place neighborhood, including the Gallery Place Parking Garage and lots operated by private companies. Parking rates vary depending on the garage and the event; expect to pay more during high-demand games or concerts.

Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods, though finding a spot near the arena on game day is difficult. The D.C. Department of Transportation manages street parking, and rates vary by zone. If you plan to drive, arriving at least two hours before tip-off increases your chances of finding parking within reasonable walking distance.

Public transit and the Metro

The Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station is the closest public transit stop to Capital One Arena, located about a five-minute walk from the main entrance. The Red, Green, and Yellow lines all serve this station, making it accessible from multiple parts of the D.C. area. The station is on the north side of the arena, and directional signage from the platform leads toward the building.

The Metro operates extended hours on game nights to accommodate crowds leaving the arena after events. Service runs until midnight or later depending on the day of the week and event schedule. If you use the Metro, check the WMATA website for any service changes or delays before your trip.

Seating sections and ticket information

Capital One Arena has seating divided into sections numbered 100 through 200 for most events. Lower-bowl sections (100–115 and 200–215) sit closest to the court and command higher ticket prices. Upper-deck sections (300–315) offer a full view of the game at a lower cost. Club-level seating with premium amenities is available in select sections and includes access to exclusive lounges and food options.

Ticket prices vary widely based on opponent, day of the week, and seat location. Weekend games against popular teams cost significantly more than weekday games against less-attended opponents. The Wizards' official website and authorized resellers like StubHub and Ticketmaster list available seats and current prices for each game.

Food, drinks, and arena amenities

Capital One Arena offers a range of concession options throughout the building. Standard arena fare includes hot dogs, nachos, pizza, and popcorn at multiple concession stands. Several restaurants and bars operate within the arena, including options that serve alcohol. Prices for food and beverages are typical for NBA arenas — expect to pay a premium compared to outside restaurants.

The arena has merchandise shops where you can buy Wizards apparel, hats, and other team gear. Restrooms are located throughout the building, and the arena is fully accessible for people with mobility challenges. Wi-Fi is available in most areas of the arena, though connection quality varies depending on crowd size and location.

What to know before you go

Capital One Arena has a clear bag policy for security purposes. Bags larger than 14 inches by 14 inches are not permitted, though small clutches and wallets are allowed. Security lines can be long on popular game nights, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the game starts to allow time for entry screening.

The arena prohibits outside food and beverages, though empty water bottles can be brought in and filled at water fountains. Cameras with detachable lenses are not permitted for most games, though standard smartphones and small cameras are allowed. Check the Wizards' official website for the most current policies, as rules can change based on event type or security requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Capital One Arena?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the arena. Empty water bottles can be brought in and refilled at water fountains throughout the building. All food and drinks must be purchased from arena concessions.

What is the best way to get to Capital One Arena if I don't have a car?

The Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station is the most direct public transit option, located about a five-minute walk from the arena. The Red, Green, and Yellow lines serve this station. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area, though surge pricing is common on game nights.

How early should I arrive before a Wizards game?

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before tip-off to allow time for parking, transit, and security screening. For popular games or events, arriving 45 minutes to an hour early is recommended to avoid long lines at entry gates.

Are there accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities?

Yes, Capital One Arena has accessible parking spaces in its garage and nearby lots. You will need a valid disability parking permit to use these spaces. Contact the arena directly or check the Wizards' website for specific information about accessible parking locations and how to reserve a space.

Can I bring a camera to photograph the game?

Standard smartphones and small cameras are permitted. Cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed for most games. Check the Wizards' official website before your visit, as camera policies can vary depending on the event type.