Capital Centre Opening Night (1973)

Lore & Background

The arena hosted its first NBA game on December 2, 1973, as the Capital Bullets defeated the Seattle SuperSonics, 98–96, in front of a sellout crowd. During October and November 1973, the Bullets held their home games at nearby Cole Field House.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Capital Centre hummed with a distinct vibration, a mix of nervous anticipation and the heavy scent of fresh popcorn. Thousands of fans, many wearing their old Baltimore jerseys alongside new Washington gear, filled the circular bowl, creating a sea of red, white, and blue that seemed to press against the glass. As Elvin Hayes stepped onto the pristine hardwood for his warm-up routine, the crowd roared, a sound that echoed off the unique architecture, signaling that despite the change in location, the heart of the Bullets beat just as strong.

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 29, 1997, a loss to the Chicago Bulls.