Where the Washington Capitals Play

The Washington Capitals play their home games at Capital One Arena, located at 601 F Street NW in downtown Washington, D.C. The arena opened in 1997 and has been the Capitals' home since the team moved from the USAir Arena in Landover, Maryland. Capital One Arena sits in the Chinatown neighborhood, a few blocks from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines.

The arena holds roughly 20,000 people for hockey games. It is also home to the Washington Wizards (NBA) and the Washington Mystics (WNBA), and hosts concerts, wrestling events, and other sports throughout the year. The building underwent major renovations between 2010 and 2011 that added new seating, improved sightlines, and upgraded the scoreboard and video displays.

Key Takeaways

  • Capital One Arena is in downtown D.C. near the Gallery Place Metro station, making it accessible by public transit without needing to drive or pay for parking.
  • The arena has multiple entrances, and your ticket will specify which gate to use; arriving 30 to 45 minutes early gives you time to find your section without rushing.
  • You can bring a small bag (roughly the size of a purse or small backpack) but not a large backpack, and all bags are subject to a security search at the gate.
  • Food and drinks inside the arena cost significantly more than outside; many fans eat before arriving or bring in outside food if the arena's bag policy allows it.
  • Parking near the arena is limited and expensive; using the Metro or a rideshare service is usually faster and cheaper than driving.

Getting to Capital One Arena by Metro

The easiest way to reach Capital One Arena is the Washington Metro system. The Gallery Place/Chinatown station (Red, Green, and Yellow lines) is about a five-minute walk from the arena's main entrance. If you are coming from outside D.C., you can park at a Metro station in the suburbs and take the train downtown, which avoids the cost and hassle of downtown parking.

On game nights, the Metro runs extended service to accommodate crowds leaving the arena after the game ends. Check the WMATA website for the specific schedule on the night you plan to attend. Trains are usually crowded when ready after the final buzzer, so if you are not in a rush, waiting 15 to 20 minutes in the arena or a nearby restaurant can mean a less packed ride home.

Parking and Driving to the Arena

If you drive, several parking garages and lots operate near Capital One Arena, but spaces fill quickly on game nights and rates typically range from $15 to $25 depending on the lot and how far in advance you book. The arena itself does not operate a dedicated parking facility. Many fans use parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a spot ahead of time, which can save money and may provide you a space.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are another option, though surge pricing often applies during peak arrival and departure times. If you use rideshare, ask the driver to drop you at the F Street entrance or another specific gate so you do not end up on the wrong side of the building. After the game, rideshare demand spikes, so you may wait longer or pay more for a ride home than you would have for parking.

What You Can Bring Into the Arena

Capital One Arena allows small bags such as purses, small backpacks, and clutches, but prohibits large backpacks, suitcases, and hard-sided bags. All bags are subject to a security search at the gate, so arrive early enough to pass through security without feeling rushed. The arena also bans outside food and beverages, though the specific rules can change; check the Capital One Arena website or your ticket confirmation for the current policy before you arrive.

You are allowed to bring an empty water bottle and fill it at water fountains inside the arena. Cameras and phones are permitted. Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, are strictly prohibited. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, contact the arena directly rather than risk being turned away at the gate.

Seating Sections and Sightlines

Capital One Arena has 300-level, 200-level, and 100-level seating. The 100 level is closest to the ice and offers the best view but is the most expensive. The 200 level provides a good view from a mid-height angle. The 300 level is the highest and farthest from the action but is usually the most affordable option. Corner seats tend to offer better sightlines than seats directly behind the goals, where the net and boards can block your view of play on the far end of the ice.

Your ticket will show your section, row, and seat number. Ushers at each section entrance can point you to your row. If you arrive early, you have time to walk around and get your bearings before the game starts. The arena's website includes a seating chart that shows which sections have obstructed views or other limitations, so you can make an informed choice when buying tickets.

Food, Drinks, and Concessions

Food and beverage prices at Capital One Arena are typical for a major sports venue — significantly higher than restaurants or stores outside the building. A hot dog, soda, and popcorn can easily cost $40 to $50 combined. The arena offers standard stadium fare: hot dogs, nachos, pizza, chicken tenders, and soft drinks. Some concession stands also sell beer and wine for guests 21 and older.

Many fans eat dinner before arriving at the arena or grab food in the surrounding neighborhood. The Chinatown area has restaurants within walking distance. If you plan to eat inside, budget accordingly and consider bringing cash in addition to cards, as some concession stands move slowly during peak times and lines can be long between periods.

Game Day Logistics and Timing

Most Capitals games start at 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., though some afternoon games start at 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before puck drop gives you time to find your seat, use the restroom, and grab food without feeling rushed. The arena opens its gates roughly one hour before game time.

Games typically last two and a half to three hours, including two intermissions of 15 to 20 minutes each. Plan for extra time to exit the building and reach your car or the Metro station afterward. On busy nights, it can take 20 to 30 minutes just to leave the parking garage or wait for a train.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted, though policies can change. You can bring an empty water bottle and refill it at water fountains inside the arena. Check the arena's website or your ticket confirmation for the current rules before you arrive.

What is the best way to get to Capital One Arena without a car?

The Metro is the fastest and most reliable option. The Gallery Place/Chinatown station is a five-minute walk from the arena and serves the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. On game nights, the Metro runs extended service to handle crowds leaving after the game.

How early should I arrive before a Capitals game?

Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before puck drop is usually enough time to pass through security, find your seat, and grab food or drinks. The arena opens its gates roughly one hour before game time, so you have flexibility depending on how much you want to explore or eat.

Are there obstructed view seats at Capital One Arena?

Some seats, particularly those directly behind the goals, have limited sightlines. The arena's website includes a seating chart that identifies sections with obstructed views. You can check this chart before buying tickets to avoid seats with poor angles.

What happens if I bring a prohibited item to the arena?

Security staff will ask you to leave the item outside the building or discard it. You will not be refunded for items you cannot bring in. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, contact Capital One Arena directly before you arrive.