Capital One Arena
A premier Washington D.C. venue hosting top concerts, NBA, NHL, and WNBA games with ongoing renovations.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the buzz
Capital One Arena
Best Time
Experience the buzz

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier Washington D.C. venue hosting top concerts, NBA, NHL, and WNBA games with ongoing renovations.
"There is not a bad seat in the house and the concessions have a nice variety of foods to choose from."
🚗 Park Smarter, Not Harder
Consider parking outside the city and taking the Metro to save money and avoid traffic headaches.
💸 Save on Food & Drinks
Lines can be long and prices high. Eat before you go or explore nearby restaurants.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Washington Capitals Hockey
Ice Rink
Experience the electric atmosphere of an NHL game with passionate fans and thrilling plays.

Washington Wizards Basketball
Basketball Court
Catch an NBA game and witness the fast-paced action and star players of the Wizards.

Major Concerts & Shows
Main Arena Floor
See world-renowned artists and performers live in this premier entertainment venue.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Costs
Capital One Cardholder Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smarter, Not Harder
Consider parking outside the city and taking the Metro to save money and avoid traffic headaches.
💸 Save on Food & Drinks
Lines can be long and prices high. Eat before you go or explore nearby restaurants.
💳 Capital One Perks
Cardholders get early entry, discounts on food/merch, and special entrances.
📱 Check the Schedule
See upcoming concerts, games, and shows at capitalonearena.com.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smarter, Not Harder
Consider parking outside the city and taking the Metro to save money and avoid traffic headaches.
💸 Save on Food & Drinks
Lines can be long and prices high. Eat before you go or explore nearby restaurants.
💳 Capital One Perks
Cardholders get early entry, discounts on food/merch, and special entrances.
📱 Check the Schedule
See upcoming concerts, games, and shows at capitalonearena.com.
💺 Seat View Check
Many seats offer great views, but check online for your specific section.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Capital One Arena for its energetic atmosphere during events and the good sightlines from most seats, making it a great venue for both sports and concerts. However, many note that food and drink prices are high, and lines can be long, with exiting the venue after a major event also taking time.
"Went to see Romeo Santos at Capital One Arena and it was an unforgettable night! The energy in the arena was crazy from start to finish. the crowd was singing every word, and Romeo knows how to put on a show. His voice live is just as smooth as on the albums, and he really connected with the audience.
The only downside was that lines for drinks and food were super long, and getting out of the arena after the show took a while, but that’s kind of expected with such a big event. Overall though, the concert itself was amazing and totally worth it."
Anthony Torres
"Saw the Caps play CBJ here last night. Plenty of parking nearby, I'd recommend using Spot Hero and walking. You should be able to get relatively cheap parking for a maybe a 1 or 2 block walk. You can also take the metro, if that is what's best for you. I got there as soon as the doors opened, and the security and lines to get in were easy to get through. Once more people flooded in though, the concourse did get pretty cramped it was pretty hard to navigate the arena closer to the game starting. I didn't try any of the food, it looked like pretty standard arena food. Probably best to go to the many places nearby before the game. I did get a beer, which was $15. This is pretty standard for a beer at a sports game even if it is ridiculous. As for the game itself, my view was good, and the seats were surprisingly comfortable and cushioned. The visuals and sound for the game were great, I loved every second of actually watching the game. I had to walk about 2 blocks to get to my parking spot, but by the time I got to my car traffic was minimal.
Also, if you are a Capital One cardholder this arena gives many discounts on food, merch and even a special entrance that allows you entry 15 minutes early. This is a very unique perk I haven't seen at most stadiums."
Alan Holder
"It’s a nice arena. I came to watch a hockey game. There are places around to grab a drink before / after the game (which I didn’t do so ). The area is generally safe, even though there are homeless people around. For food my son purchased a hamburger at Pat Stuggs and it was delicious. However he said that the line was about 30 minutes long. Restrooms were clean. I am not sure if they have enough of them as a I had to walk a while to find one. Sound quality is not great, not crisp. The screens are small and someone outdated (comparing to other NHL arenas like AAC in Dallas) None of the things I explained above have affected me, I was having fun and enjoying the game. Ovechkin scored and it was all that mattered to me. :-) DC Caps fans are friendly (not so in every city , some fans can be aggressive). People are generally friendly in DC. Security check points were pretty efficient and easy. All in all 5 star experience for me."
Aleksandra Morel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Capital One Arena is easily accessible by public transportation. The Metro's Gallery Place-Chinatown station is directly connected to the arena. Many visitors also opt to park outside the city and take the Metro in to avoid traffic and high parking fees.
There are numerous parking garages near the arena. For potentially cheaper options and to avoid game-day traffic, consider using services like SpotHero to find parking a few blocks away. Some recommend parking further out and using the Metro.
Yes, the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station (Green, Yellow, and Red lines) is directly connected to the Capital One Arena, making it a very convenient option.
Capital One Arena is located in downtown Washington D.C. at 601 F St NW. Major routes like I-395 and I-95 will lead you into the city, but be prepared for city traffic, especially on event nights.
Arriving when doors open can help you navigate security and concourses more easily before they get crowded. For major events, arriving at least an hour to 90 minutes prior is advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased through the official Capital One Arena website, Ticketmaster, or at the Capital One Arena box office. It's always best to buy from authorized sellers to avoid scams.
Yes, Capital One cardholders often receive special perks, including early entry, discounts on food and merchandise, and access to exclusive entrances. Check the arena's website for current offers.
The arena has a strict bag policy. Generally, only small clutch purses are allowed. Larger bags, backpacks, and oversized items are prohibited. Check the official website for the most up-to-date policy before your visit.
Depending on the event's popularity, tickets may be available at the box office on the day of the event, but it's highly recommended to purchase in advance, especially for sold-out shows or games.
The box office hours can vary, especially on event days. It's best to check the Capital One Arena's official website or call ahead to confirm their operating hours before visiting.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The arena offers a variety of standard arena fare, including burgers, hot dogs, and pizza, along with some local DC favorites. Be prepared for higher prices and potentially long lines, especially during peak times.
While there are food vendors, many visitors suggest eating at the numerous restaurants in the surrounding Chinatown area before or after an event for better quality and prices.
Some reviews mention that the sound quality might not be as crisp as in newer arenas, but it's generally considered adequate for concerts and sporting events.
Many attendees find the seats to be surprisingly comfortable and cushioned, offering a good viewing experience for games and shows.
Generally, there are no bad seats in the house, with most offering good sightlines to the action. However, checking seat view previews online is always a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal cameras with no flash are allowed for most events. However, professional cameras with detachable lenses are usually prohibited. Always check the specific event's policy.
The main concourse offers views of the arena floor, and the exterior architecture can be photogenic. During events, focus on capturing the atmosphere and action.
Concert photography policies can vary by artist. Some artists prohibit any photography or videography, while others allow non-professional cameras. It's best to check the specific concert details.
The arena lighting is designed for the game itself, which can be challenging for photography. However, the overall ambiance can make for dramatic shots.
While renovations are ongoing, capturing the transformation might be interesting. However, be mindful of safety zones and any restrictions during construction phases.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Capital One Arena: Getting Around & Amenities
When it comes to amenities, the arena offers a range of food and beverage options, though prices are typical for large venues. Many attendees recommend exploring the surrounding Chinatown area for pre- or post-event dining to find more variety and potentially better value. Restrooms are available throughout the concourses, but finding one during peak times might require a short walk. For those with accessibility needs, the arena is equipped with accessible seating and facilities.
Capital One cardholders enjoy unique benefits, including early entry, discounts on concessions and merchandise, and dedicated entrances, which can streamline the arrival process. The arena's location in the heart of D.C. makes it easily accessible via the Metro, with the Gallery Place-Chinatown station offering direct access. Parking is available in nearby garages, but using ride-sharing services or public transport is often recommended to avoid traffic congestion and high parking fees.
Experiencing Events: From Concerts to Capitals Games
For hockey and basketball games, the energy is palpable. Fans are known for their passion, creating a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the game-day experience. The arena's sound system and large video boards contribute to the spectacle, keeping attendees engaged throughout the event. Concert-goers can expect top-tier performances, with artists like J Balvin and Shakira having graced the stage. The acoustics are generally considered good, though some reviews suggest they might not be as refined as in dedicated concert halls.
When planning your visit, it's wise to check the specific event's schedule and any unique policies, such as photography restrictions for concerts. The arena's ongoing renovations are intended to further elevate the fan experience, promising even more modern amenities and improved facilities in the coming years.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit