The D.C. Council voted Nov. 26 to proceed with the city’s purchase and renovation of Capital One Arena, the home arena of the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards and Georgetown University men’s basketball team.
In October, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser proposed the District buy Capital One Arena for $87.5 million, lease it back to current owner Monumental Sports & Entertainment and pledge $515 million towards renovating the stadium over the next three years, with Monumental, which also owns the Wizards and Capitals, contributing $285 million towards the project. The vote allows the project to move forward, which would cement the two professional teams’ presence in D.C. until at least 2045; the D.C. Council is expected to finalize the legislation in December, with construction starting this summer.
The vote came more than six months after Bowser and Monumental Sports CEO Ted Leonsis (CAS ’77) agreed to keep Capitals and Wizards games in D.C. through 2050.
Bowser said in an Oct. 21 press release about the original proposal that the purchase would allow the two teams to stay in the capital while boosting businesses downtown and around the city.
“We’re keeping Washington’s teams where they belong — here in the Sports Capital, and we’re doubling down on having a world-class destination and entertainment district in the center of D.C.,” Bowser wrote. “We know that when our downtown does well, our city does well. This catalytic investment is an investment in our residents and businesses in all eight wards.”
Capital One Arena has served as the home venue for the Georgetown University men’s basketball team since its construction in 1997. The renovation includes adding 200,000 square feet, more seats and restrooms, concessions, a new lounge for players’ families, a film room for the Capitals and upgrades to the facade.
Thomas Le Gall (Sciences Po Strasbourg), an exchange student and Georgetown basketball season ticket holder, said he is glad the Wizards will stay in D.C.
“It’s a good thing that this helps keep the Wizards downtown, because if they were moved elsewhere, I would attend their games less often,” Le Gall told The Hoya.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said that once the renovation is complete, it will attract more patrons to downtown businesses.
“There’s no question that the amount of foot traffic will increase and there’s no question with all the folks that come to that area and with the arena modernizing that we’ll see even more activity, and that’s good for downtown,” Mendelson said in a Facebook video. “I think in the short term we may be struggling — with the federal workforce not having returned to work full time, it has put a strain on restaurants and some retailers. But over the next couple of years, I expect that will change and there will be increasing numbers of people coming to the redeveloped arena so business will pick up.”
Juncal Faus Figuerido (Universidad Pontificia Comillas), an exchange student and Georgetown basketball fan, said renovating the arena will be an attraction that may foster a stronger sense of community.
“One thing I do love about D.C. is going to basketball and hockey games — the atmosphere is incredible, and the excitement from the crowd brings a sense of life that feels rare here,” Faus Figuerido told The Hoya. “Renovating the arena could be a game-changer, attracting lively audiences and creating a stronger sense of community.”
Maea Applegarth (University of Sydney), another exchange student and Georgetown basketball fan, said he believes the renovation is necessary.
“The facilities aren’t too bad, a little old, and it makes sense they’re renovating,” Applegarth told The Hoya.
Sandra Anne Kenny (CAS ’25), a Georgetown women’s club basketball team member, said the renovation will not affect her attendance at the basketball games.
“I don’t think this renovation will change my habit of attending the games, as I go primarily to watch the men’s basketball team play,” Kenny told The Hoya.
Le Gall said he is worried noise from the renovations may disrupt the games.
“I hope this renovation won’t cause any disruptive noise during the games,” Le Gall said. “Honestly, I don’t think there’s any need for renovations. I find the arena already modern enough.”
Faus Figuerido said the arena may be a way to improve the city’s professional reputation.
“It could turn downtown into a destination not just for events but for connection, a space that celebrates D.C.’s unique character beyond its professional reputation,” Faus Figuerido said.