Verizon Center

Lore & Background

The arena was built on a block between 6th and 7th and F and G Streets, a site that had suffered urban decay since the 1960s. The District government bought the land in 1973, but development languished until owner Abe Pollin agreed to privately fund the $200 million construction. The arena opened on December 2, 1997, with a Rolling Stones concert, which President Bill Clinton attended; later that day, a Washington Wizards game was played without the President. It was originally named MCI Center, then renamed Verizon Center in 2006 after Verizon acquired MCI, and finally Capital One Arena in 2017 when Capital One purchased naming rights. The arena contributed to the gentrification of the area, displacing most of the local Chinese-American population.

In Their Own Story

The lights dimmed over F Street, casting a glow on the red jerseys filling the lower bowl. A hush fell over the concourse as the national anthem began, echoing off the high ceiling. On the ice, players skated in warm-up circles, sticks tapping rhythmically against the boards. The air smelled of fresh popcorn and cold steel. Suddenly, the scoreboard flashed to life, and the roar returned, shaking the glass as the home team took their positions for faceoff.

Reader's Guide

Capital One Arena is located atop the Gallery Place rapid transit station of the Washington Metro. It is owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment. The arena features a high-definition LED scoreboard installed in 2007, and underwent a $30 million renovation in 2019–2020 that replaced seating, improved the concourse, and added a new overhead video board and SkyRing video screen. A William Hill sportsbook opened at the arena in July 2020.

Did You Know?

• The arena was originally named MCI Center when it opened in 1997.
• It was renamed Verizon Center in 2006 after Verizon Communications purchased MCI.
• Capital One bank, headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, purchased naming rights in 2017, renaming it Capital One Arena.
• The arena hosted the Washington Mystics of the WNBA from 1998 to 2018.
• A block of F Street NW outside the arena was declared Fun Street and later renamed Abe Pollin Way in 2007.

Architectural Innovation and Fan Experience

Opened in December 1997 as the MCI Center, this venue revolutionized arena design by prioritizing vertical seating over horizontal expansion. This unique structural choice ensured that nearly every spectator enjoyed superior sightlines of the court or ice, though it occasionally resulted in tighter legroom within the upper tiers. Beyond the stands, the facility was a pioneer in integrating advanced technology into the fan experience. The concourse featured multimedia stations known as ArenaNet, allowing attendees to check live scores, view game highlights, and even send digital postcards via email. This system relied on proprietary virtual LAN software from Cabletron Systems, replacing an earlier, abandoned concept of installing televisions directly into seats due to technical hurdles. Additionally, the arena boasted spacious quarters for players and coaches equipped with cutting-edge competitive research technology, setting a new standard for professional sports facilities in Washington, D.C.