Washington’s Capital One Arena is being upgraded, as Monumental Sports and Entertainment is implementing a batch of improvements that includes new technology.
In recent years, MSE—which owns the arena, along with the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals, and other franchises—has steadily upgraded Capital One Arena. A round of $40 million in improvements completed prior to the 2018-19 NBA and NHL seasons included upgrades to concessions, seating, technology, and the concourses. Building off of those enhancements, the $15 million round of renovations coming to the arena ahead of this fall places a heavy emphasis on the venue’s video technology.
At the center of those renovations will be a new 360-degree continuous videoboard. Billed as one of the largest in sports, the center-hung screen features eight distinct display areas and includes more than 7,000 total square feet of SMART LED display.
Curved DualTV boards will be installed in each corner of the venue and, in another touch that should boost Capital One Arena’s video technology, a SkyRing display will be added to the roofline of the arena bowl. New ribbon boards and LED lighting are also on tap, while the 200-level concourse is set for several updates. Following similar work that was done on the arena’s 100 and 400 level concourses, the 200-level concourse will receive new lighting, flooring and decor. Upgraded concessions are also part of the mix, with The Exchange—a walk-in market and TLC (Tenders, Love & Chicken)—among some of the options planned for the area.
This fall will also see substantial changes to clubs and gathering spaces within Capital One Arena. The existing PwC Club is set for upgrades, including new lower rows of seating designed to put fans closer to the action. On the 400-level, the Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company Outpost will feature a variety of beers from the Virginia-based Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company in a lounge-style setting.
Capital One Arena is also set to receive a notable change that directly affects the NBA gameday experience with the addition of the The District, a new courtside patio. Available during Wizards home games, the new Courtside Patio will be located in the east endzone and is slated to be open to all VIP ticketholders. At over 1,000 square feet, the Courtside Patio will include a full-service bar and distinct food options, while providing direct access to both the MGM National Harbor VIP Lounge and the Etihad Airways Lounge.
Such spaces are rare in the NBA, though the State Farm Arena—home of the Atlanta Hawks—features a similar concept in the Courtside Club. It was added as part of the multiphase renovation completed prior to the 2018-19 season.
Overall, the Capital One Arena upgrades accomplish a few objectives. In tandem with last year’s improvements, they continue MSE’s push to upgrade the venue’s technology offerings, while freshening its food and beverage options. In addition, tweaks to social and club spaces allow for a refined gathering experience. At $55 million, the renovations completed ahead of last year and slated to conclude before this season are notable and should allow the soon-to-be 22-year-old arena to offer a more modern guest experience going forward.
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