Capitals reveal plans for $800 million ‘transformation’ of Capital One Arena
The plans are in place for a significant facelift to the Washington Capitals’ home arena.
On Monday, Monument Sports & Entertainment, the Capitals’ governing body, and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowswer shared the details of legislation of plans to “recreate” Capital One Arena. The construction is expected to cost around $800 million and is expected to be completed prior to the 2027-28 season.
Washington Capitals #allcaps and @MSE share details on legislation for $800 million transformation of @CapitalOneArena – designed to be completed before 2027-28 season.
Legislation: https://t.co/ecVImgf8Ph pic.twitter.com/ohcM5UMWFM
“The delivery of a brand-new arena marks the next significant investment Monumental Sports is making in the revitalization of Downtown D.C.,” MSE founder and CEO Ted Leonsis said in a release. “We will build a best-in-class experience for fans, a world-class destination facility for athletes and continue to serve as a downtown anchor for economic vitality.
Our vision for a wholly reimagined sports and entertainment destination will be ambitious, reflective of our community, and designed to ‘wow’ our most ardent supporters as well as casual fans.”
According to the legislation, the arena will be revamped, featuring new high-tech amenities and other aspects to make it fit in with the new class of arenas that have opened around North America in the past decade.
There were allegedly plans in place to see the Capitals, along with MSE-owned Washington Wizards of the NBA, move to Alexandria, Virginia. However, those plans were eventually swept away as MSE and the city began to make plans to renovate the nearly 27-year-old arena in downtown D.C.
“We’re keeping Washington’s teams where they belong – here in the Sports Capital,” Mayor Bowser said. “We’re doubling down on having a world-class destination and entertainment district in the center of D.C. We know that when our Downtown does well, our city does well. This catalytic investment is an investment in our residents and businesses in all eight wards.”
The public-private partnership will feature a $515 million investment over the next three years, which the D.C. Council unanimously voted in favor of this past April.
Part of the improvements in the arena include a better experience fans, featuring wider concourses, an expanded main entrance and more concession stands and restrooms for patrons. The facilities for the athletes in the arena will also be expanded substantially, along with the addition of the “District of Play,” a safe space for kids to play sports in the downtown area.