SUMMARY
- Capital One Arena renovation includes exterior shell replacement and expanded public spaces.
- Project backed by $800 million investment, including District funding approved in 2024.
- Arena expected to host about 250 events annually after upgrades are completed.
WASHINGTON — The $800 million Capital One Arena renovation has entered a visible construction phase in downtown Washington, with exterior scaffolding, sidewalk closures and Metro station adjustments now underway as part of a multiyear modernization scheduled for completion in fall 2027.
Construction crews this month installed overhead protection near the Gallery Place Chinatown Metro entrance at 7th and F Streets, signaling a transition from interior upgrades to public facing work.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment officials said the changes aim to improve crowd flow and modernize a venue that anchors Washington’s sports and entertainment district.
Opened in 1997, Capital One Arena is home to the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals. In 2024, Muriel Bowser announced an agreement to retain both franchises in the District, tying public funding to a sweeping modernization plan.
Initial renovations focused on event level suites and back-of-house infrastructure. Exterior demolition, including removal of LED boards and façade panels, began in late 2025.
Jim Van Stone, president of business operations for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, said the Capital One Arena renovation will widen concourses by six to eight feet and increase concessions and restrooms to ease congestion.
Jeff King, vice president at Clark Construction, said most disruptive work is scheduled during overnight hours to limit impact on events.
Howard University urban planning professor Derek Hyra said large venue reinvestments often aim to stabilize downtown economies facing remote work shifts.
“Modern arenas increasingly function as mixed use anchors rather than single purpose facilities,” Hyra said, noting proximity to transit as a competitive advantage.
| Category | Current | Post-Renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Concourse width | Baseline | +6–8 feet |
| Team store size | Approx. 5,000 sq. ft. | 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Restroom capacity | Baseline | +40% |
| Annual events | Approx. 220 | Approx. 250 |
Van Stone said a new main entrance planned for fall 2026 will sit closer to Metro access, reducing bottlenecks. King said coordinated work along F and 7th Streets aims to maintain pedestrian safety during event nights.
Local business owner Maria Torres, who operates a restaurant nearby, said construction detours have slowed weekday foot traffic but expects long term gains. “If they bring more events and smoother access, that helps everyone,” she said.
The arena will close for two upcoming summers to accelerate work. Officials said the project remains on schedule for fall 2027 completion.
As exterior changes reshape the streetscape, the Capital One Arena renovation represents one of Washington’s largest sports infrastructure investments, linking public funding, transit access and downtown economic strategy in a single redevelopment effort.
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