Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., is home to the NHL’s Washington Capitals. After approximately two years of construction at a cost of $260 million, the arena opened on December 2, 1997. Prior to opening, the Capitals and the Washington Wizards played outside the District in Landover, Maryland. Bringing the teams downtown gave fans much greater access to games and helped revitalize the surrounding Chinatown and Penn Quarter neighborhoods.
The Capitals joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1974 and captured their first Stanley Cup in the 2017-18 season. They share Capital One Arena with the NBA’s Washington Wizards and Georgetown University men’s basketball.
How many seats are in Capital One Arena?
Capital One Arena seats 18,573 fans for Capitals games. The building also includes suites and several club and premium seating areas.
For current concession maps and food policies, see the Capital One Arena food guide.
Directions – How to get to Capital One Arena
Capital One Arena is at 601 F Street NW in downtown Washington. Gallery Place-Chinatown station serves the Red, Green, and Yellow Metro lines beside the arena. Judiciary Square, Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter, and Metro Center are also within walking distance.
Where to Park near Capital One Arena?
The venue’s Lexus Garage has limited event parking, and several independent garages are within walking distance. Driving and parking conditions can change during downtown events, so reserve a space when possible and check the arena’s directions page before leaving.
Capital One Arena transformation
Capital One Arena is in a six-phase renovation scheduled for completion before the 2027-28 NBA and NHL seasons. As of August 2026, work includes major exterior updates, the Gallery Place atrium, concessions, and suites. The arena remains open during the hockey and basketball seasons, with the heaviest work planned for summer closures. Check the venue’s event information for arrival instructions while construction continues.
Other Capital One Arena FAQs
What is the bag policy at Capital One Arena?
Backpacks, purses, luggage, and hard-sided bags are prohibited. Wallet-size clutches no larger than 5 by 7 inches are permitted. Medical and parenting bags may be as large as 14 by 14 by 6 inches and should enter at 6th and F streets for screening.
Is Capital One Arena cashless?
Yes. Concessions, retail, parking, and the box office accept major credit and debit cards. Reverse ATMs beside Guest Services on the 100 and 400 levels convert cash to a prepaid card.
When do doors open?
Doors generally open one hour before an event. Check the individual event listing because opening times can differ.
What hockey team plays at Capital One Arena?
The Washington Capitals of the NHL’s Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division play at Capital One Arena.
Who owns Capital One Arena?
Monumental Sports & Entertainment owns and operates Capital One Arena.
Sources
Fact-checked August 13, 2026.