Verizon Center
The modern fortress where the Capitals' golden era continues.
Now known as Capital One Arena, this venue has served as the Washington Capitals' primary home arena since 1997, when it opened as the MCI Center. Located in downtown Washington, D.C., this modern facility replaced the aging U.S. Airways Arena and became synonymous with the franchise's resurgence during the Alex Ovechkin era. Physically situated above the Gallery Place–Chinatown Metro station, the arena marked a new chapter for the team, transitioning them from an expansion-era identity to a powerhouse contender in the Eastern Conference.
- Original Opening
- December 2, 1997
Lore & Background
Before the Capital One name adorned the marquee, this concrete bowl was known as the MCI Center and later the Verizon Center. Its opening in 1997 signaled a departure from the old Capital Centre days, bringing professional hockey back to the heart of downtown D.C. The architecture was designed for multi-purpose use, but the ice surface quickly became the focal point for a city rediscovering its love for the sport. The Verizon era specifically coincided with the arrival of franchise icon Alex Ovechkin. While he debuted just before the name change, his rookie season and early MVP campaigns unfolded under the Verizon banner. This period saw the crowd grow louder and more demanding, transforming from a polite audience into a passionate force that could intimidate visiting teams. The venue was renamed Capital One Arena in 2017 and continues to serve as the Capitals' home through the present day. The history written between these walls includes pivotal playoff runs and record-breaking goal totals, cementing this venue's place in Capitals lore regardless of the sponsor logo above the door.
In Their Own Story
The lights dimmed over F Street, casting a glow on the red jerseys filling the lower bowl. A hush fell over the concourse as the national anthem began, echoing off the high ceiling. On the ice, players skated in warm-up circles, sticks tapping rhythmically against the boards. The air smelled of fresh popcorn and cold steel. Suddenly, the scoreboard flashed to life, and the roar returned, shaking the glass as the home team took their positions for faceoff.
Reader's Guide
Game nights at this downtown venue transformed the franchise culture, moving away from the quiet professionalism of the old Capital Centre era into a raucous modern spectacle. Fans arrive via Metro Center station, flooding F Street with red jerseys before the doors open. The concourse buzzes with anticipation, smelling faintly of popcorn and cold beer, while the ice below gleams under bright arena lights. Unique traditions flourished here during the Verizon years, most notably the early development of the Ovi chants that would later define the team's identity. The crowd noise is legendary, particularly when the home team pulls the goalie for an extra attacker; the roar often shakes the glass. Season ticket holders gather in specific sections to sing battle hymns, creating a wall of sound that intimidates visiting players and officials alike. Physically, the arena evolved with the times, adding video boards and upgrading seating configurations over its tenure. While the name eventually changed to Capital One Arena in 2017, the structure remains the same physical home where the Capitals rebuilt their legacy from the ground up after a long playoff drought. The red paint on the walls serves as a constant reminder of the team's colors and pride throughout every shift played upon its ice.
Did You Know?
- The venue opened as the MCI Center before adopting the Verizon name in 2006, then was renamed Capital One Arena in 2017.
- It is located directly above the Gallery Place–Chinatown subway station for easy fan access.
- It hosted the Capitals' first playoff series win since 1998 during the 2009 playoffs (defeating the New York Rangers).
Architectural Innovation and Fan Experience
Opened in December 1997 as the MCI Center, this venue revolutionized arena design by prioritizing vertical seating over horizontal expansion. This unique structural choice ensured that nearly every spectator enjoyed superior sightlines of the court or ice, though it occasionally resulted in tighter legroom within the upper tiers. Beyond the stands, the facility was a pioneer in integrating advanced technology into the fan experience. The concourse featured multimedia stations known as ArenaNet, allowing attendees to check live scores, view game highlights, and even send digital postcards via email. This system relied on proprietary virtual LAN software from Cabletron Systems, replacing an earlier, abandoned concept of installing televisions directly into seats due to technical hurdles. Additionally, the arena boasted spacious quarters for players and coaches equipped with cutting-edge competitive research technology, setting a new standard for professional sports facilities in Washington, D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the name of this arena before it became Verizon Center?
Before adopting the Verizon name in 2006, this downtown facility opened in September 1997 under the title MCI Center. It maintained that identity for nearly a decade before the rebranding occurred during the team's early rebuild phase.
Why is this building considered significant to Capitals history?
This arena represents the launchpad for the franchise's modern dynasty, hosting Alex Ovechkin’s rookie season and subsequent scoring records. It marked a critical transition from an expansion-era identity into a consistent Eastern Conference contender.
When did the team stop playing under the Verizon Center name?
The Capitals played their home games at this location from 2006 until 2017, when naming rights shifted again to become the Capital One Arena. Over eleven seasons, it served as the primary fortress for the team before they moved into a new branding era.