MCI Center

Lore & Background

The arena was built on a block between 6th and 7th and F and G Streets, historically a mix of residences and small businesses that suffered urban decay by the 1960s. The District government bought the land in 1973 during Metro development. After a failed development plan by Capital Landmark Associates (selected 1979, canceled 1992), owner Abe Pollin agreed to privately fund the $200 million construction, with the District contributing $79 million for land, site preparation, and Metro expansion. The groundbreaking was in October 1995. The first event was a Wizards vs. Seattle SuperSonics game on December 2, 1997, with President Bill Clinton attending. A block of F Street NW was declared Fun Street, later renamed Abe Pollin Way in 2007. The arena featured a Discovery Channel Store (1998–2001), the MCI National Sports Gallery (1998–2000 or 2001), and ArenaNET technology. In 1999, Ted Leonsis led a group buying a 36% stake in Pollin's holdings, increasing to 44% in 2000. After Pollin's death in November 2009, Leonsis's Monumental Sports & Entertainment bought full ownership in June 2010. The arena underwent a $30 million renovation in 2019–2020, and a William Hill sportsbook opened in July 2020. In 2023–2024, plans to move the Capitals and Wizards to Virginia were scrapped, and a deal was signed to keep them in Washington, D.C., at least until 2050, with a $1 billion renovation underway.

Reader's Guide

Capital One Arena is located at 601 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., atop the Gallery Place Metro station. It hosts Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), and Georgetown University men's basketball games. The arena has undergone multiple renovations, including a $30 million upgrade in 2019–2020 and a current $1 billion renovation expected to complete by 2028. The venue features a sportsbook (William Hill) and various dining options.

Did You Know?

• The arena was the first professional sports venue in the U.S. to open a brick-and-mortar sportsbook, in July 2020.
• The Washington Mystics played at the arena from 1998 to 2018 before moving to CareFirst Arena.