Capital One Arena welcomes fans back to its ongoing renovation
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The exterior of Capital One Arena, seen from 7th street on Sept. 25. Photo: Mark Selig/Axios
"Pardon our dust."
- That's the message from Capital One Arena as Capitals and Wizards fans return to a still-under-construction venue this season.
Why it matters: After closing for construction over the summer, the Chinatown arena is back in regular use. But much of its $1 billion-plus transformation is still a year away.
State of play: With the Capitals beginning their home slate Wednesday and the Wizards following later this month, expect to basically walk into a construction site — though there are a few new perks, too.
What you'll notice: There's scaffolding outside, and much of the building is wrapped in white tarp.
- But there's a more efficient main entrance on F Street, closer to the Metro station.
- Once inside, you probably won't notice drastic differences from years past. Temporary walls stand where an immersive video wall will debut next year.
- Some restrooms have been renovated. By next year, all of them will be.
If you're wealthier than me: Much of what's new this year is in the arena's premium spaces.
- The LG Collective — available to season ticket holders with annual membership plans — is a swanky new place to eat and drink.
- There are revamped suites, and the new all-inclusive Lexus Vaults open directly to up-close seats.
Monumental wouldn't say what the Vaults cost. They're exclusively sold through multiyear commitments.
For the rest of us: The experience will mostly feel the same as in years past.
- Don't have Vault money? You can still cosplay as a 1-percenter with a $33 premium cocktail on the concourse.
- Alongside the standard Aramark arena fare, new dining options include Luke's Lobster, Joia Burger and Prime 850.
- I taste-tested all three and was partial to the buttery lobster roll. If you're really hungry, Prime 850's cheesesteak is the move.
What they're saying: "We think this will be the best arena in the country," said Jim Van Stone, Monumental's president of business operations and chief commercial officer.
By the numbers: Monumental says "several hundred construction workers per day" worked over the summer, compressing what normally would have been six months of construction into three so the arena could reopen this fall.
What's next: Much of the fun arrives around this time next year:
- A futuristic facade
- Twice as many arena entrances
- A "reimagined" F Street entrance
- Wider concourses and twice as many elevators and escalators
- An immersive video wall designed to keep fans connected to the action from the concourse
- A new 400-level food hall
The bottom line: The arena is open again. Just don't expect to be wowed yet — unless you're in a suite.