MCI Center
The downtown fortress where the Capitals' modern dynasty was forged.
The MCI Center, now known as the Capital One Arena, stands as the historic home of the Washington Capitals since its opening in 1997. Located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., this state-of-the-art facility replaced the aging Capitol Centre and quickly became a fortress for the team during their rise to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. For over two decades, it has been the stage where legends like Alexander Ovechkin have etched their names into NHL history.
- opened
- October 1997
- location
- Downtown Washington, D.C.
- previous_venue
- Capitol Centre
- primary_tenant
- Washington Capitals (NHL)
- naming_rights_evolution
- MCI Center -> Verizon Center -> Capital One Arena
Lore & Background
The arena is steeped in memories of overtime heartbreaks and miraculous victories, most notably serving as the backdrop for the 2018 Stanley Cup run. The atmosphere inside is legendary, characterized by a deafening roar that often shakes the glass during power plays. It has hosted countless record-breaking moments, including Ovechkin surpassing Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record, cementing its place not just as a building, but as a living monument to Capitals history.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the MCI Center is thick with anticipation as the lights dim over the ice. The familiar hum of the crowd rises to a crescendo when the team captain steps onto the blue line for the faceoff. In this moment, surrounded by flashing lights and flying confetti, history is made right in front of your eyes.
Reader's Guide
The MCI Center era represents a pivotal shift in Capitals culture, moving the franchise from a struggling expansion team to a consistent playoff contender. Fans participate in this tradition by gathering early for tailgating near the arena or visiting the iconic 'Ovi' statue outside before entering. Inside, the energy is palpable as fans don red jerseys and engage in the pre-game rituals that have become standard since the late 90s. The proximity of the seating to the ice allows spectators to feel every hit and hear every stick check, creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams. Participation peaks during special moments like goal celebrations or playoff games, where the entire arena unites in a singular voice. Whether it is chanting along with the fight song or celebrating a record-breaking goal, being at this venue means sharing in the collective heartbeat of Washington hockey.
Did You Know?
- The arena hosted its first NHL game on October 23, 1997, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- It was renamed Verizon Center in 2006 before becoming Capital One Arena in 2017.
- Alexander Ovechkin scored his 850th career goal here, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's record.
- The facility is one of the few arenas to host both an NHL and NBA championship-winning team.