Capital Centre Opening Night (1973)

Lore & Background

The arena hosted its first NBA game on December 2, 1973, as the Capital Bullets fell to the New York Knicks, 91–88, in front of a sellout crowd. During October and November 1973, the Bullets held their home games at nearby Cole Field House.

Reader's Guide

The Capital Centre was the primary home of the Washington Bullets (later Wizards), Washington Capitals, and Georgetown University men's basketball. All three teams departed for the MCI Center (now Capital One Arena) when it opened in December 1997.

Did You Know?

• The first concert at the Capital Centre was the Allman Brothers Band on December 4, 1973.
• The arena hosted the 1980 NBA All-Star Game and the 1982 NHL All-Star Game.
• The final Bullets/Wizards game at the Capital Centre was on November 28, 1997, a loss to the Chicago Bulls.