Capital One Arena
Capital One Arena is a hockey rink in Washington, Washington, D.C., home of the Washington Capitals (NHL, Metropolitan Division). It opened in 1997, making it 29 years old in 2026 and seats 18,573 for hockey. That makes it the 12th-largest rink in NHL.
Its record crowd is 17,228 for a PWHL game, January 18, 2026 – then US women's hockey record.
Rink facts
- Location
- Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Home of
- Washington Capitals
- League
- NHL · Metropolitan Division
- Opened
- 1997
- Capacity
- 18,573
- Former names
- MCI Center (1997–2006)
Verizon Center (2006–2017) - Record crowd
- 17,228 for a PWHL game, January 18, 2026 – then US women's hockey record
- Also home to
- Washington Wizards (NBA)
Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball - Size rank in NHL
- 12th of 32
Famous moments at Capital One Arena
- Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in the arena, 1998 Final (1998)
- Opening event, Wizards vs. SuperSonics with President Clinton (1997)
- Ovechkin scored goals 893 and 894 to tie Gretzky's record (2025)
- The Capitals won Games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup Final at home on the way to the Cup (2018)
- Ovechkin and Crosby each scored hat tricks in a playoff game (2009)
- Hosted the NCAA Frozen Four; Boston University won in overtime (2009)
- PWHL record U.S. crowd of 17,228 (2026)
Game night
Getting there. Washington Metro Gallery Place station (directly beneath)
Seating & views at Capital One Arena
The seats were stacked vertically rather than spread outward, which gives good views but limited legroom in the upper levels. All seats were replaced in a 2019–2020 renovation. Hockey capacity is 18,573.
Parking & tailgating
The arena sits on top of the Gallery Place–Chinatown Metro station (Red, Green and Yellow lines). Judiciary Square, Metro Center and Archives stations are within walking distance, and the arena works with SpotHero for nearby garage parking.
Sources: Wikipedia, capitalonearena.com
Plan your trip to Capital One Arena
Rinks near Capital One Arena10
- 1USHL/NAHLPiney Orchard Ice Arena — Maryland Black Bears 21 mi
- 2AHLGiant Center — Hershey Bears 96 mi
- 3ECHLSantander Arena — Reading Royals 115 mi
- 4USHL/NAHLHollydell Ice Arena — Philadelphia Rebels 119 mi
- 5NHLXfinity Mobile Arena — Philadelphia Flyers 126 mi
- 6NCAAPegula Ice Arena — Penn State Nittany Lions 139 mi
- 7USHL/NAHLCambria County War Memorial Arena — Johnstown Tomahawks 141 mi
- 8AHLPPL Center — Lehigh Valley Phantoms 143 mi
- 9ECHLNorfolk Scope — Norfolk Admirals 145 mi
- 10ECHLCURE Insurance Arena — Trenton Ironhawks 154 mi
Questions about Capital One Arena
Where do the Washington Capitals play home games?
The Washington Capitals play at Capital One Arena in Washington, Washington, D.C..
How many people does Capital One Arena hold?
Capital One Arena seats 18,573 for hockey.
When did Capital One Arena open?
Capital One Arena opened in 1997.
What is the attendance record at Capital One Arena?
The record crowd at Capital One Arena is 17,228 for a PWHL game, January 18, 2026 – then US women's hockey record.
What other rinks are near Capital One Arena?
Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton is about 21 miles away. See the full list of nearby rinks on this page.
Where do you park at Capital One Arena?
The arena sits on top of the Gallery Place–Chinatown Metro station (Red, Green and Yellow lines). Judiciary Square, Metro Center and Archives stations are within walking distance, and the arena works with SpotHero for nearby garage parking.
What is the seating like at Capital One Arena?
The seats were stacked vertically rather than spread outward, which gives good views but limited legroom in the upper levels. All seats were replaced in a 2019–2020 renovation. Hockey capacity is 18,573.
Facts are for the 2026–27 season. Distances are straight-line miles between city centers. Capacity figures vary by source. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your rink? Get the “Listed on RinkGuide.com” badge for your website.