# Washington Wizards: Capital One Arena Game Day Guide

> Prices, parking, seating and transit for NBA games at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. This guide covers the 2026-27 NBA Season, last updated 2026-09-01. See Provenance for which figures were independently verified.

Source: https://visityourteam.com/nba/wizards
League: NBA | Division: Southeast
Data source: Visit Your Team research, Capital One Arena official site, WashingtonWizards.com

## Venue

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Name | Capital One Arena |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Capacity | 20,356 |
| Surface | Hardwood (Maple) |
| Roof | Indoor |
| Opened | 1997 |
| Coordinates | 38.8981, -77.0209 |
| Official site | https://www.capitalonearena.com |

## Game Day Cost

Cheapest realistic single-person game day at Capital One Arena: **$48.48** ($15 ticket + $20 parking + $7.49 food + $5.99 drink).

| Category | Lowest price |
| --- | --- |
| Ticket | $15 |
| Parking | $20 |
| Food item | $7.49 |
| Drink | $5.99 |

### Ticket tiers

| Tier | Price | Basis | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Upper Level (400-Level) | $15 | secondary-market median | Nosebleed seats with full-court view in the top bowl |
| Mezzanine (300-Level) | $55 | secondary-market median | Mid-level seats with a solid elevated perspective |
| Lower Level Baseline (100-Level) | $85 | secondary-market median |  |
| Lower Level Sideline (100-Level) | $165 | secondary-market median |  |
| Courtside / Floor Seats | $750 | secondary-market median | Floor-level seats steps from the court, DC's VIP experience with politicians and lobbyists |

### Concession prices

| Item | Category | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Smoked Barbecue | Regional | not published |
| Cheesesteaks | Regional | not published |
| Hot Dogs | Classic | not published |
| Chicken Tenders | Classic | $13 |
| Fuku Fried Chicken Sandwich | Classic | not published |
| Tacos | Regional | not published |
| Grilled Sandwiches | Classic | not published |
| Ballpark Classics | Classic | not published |
| Provisions Counter | Classic | not published |
| Grab-and-Go Fare | Classic | not published |
| Market Fare | Classic | not published |
| Italian Ice | Snacks | not published |
| Gourmet Popcorn | Snacks | not published |
| Frozen Daiquiris | Cocktail | not published |
| Cocktails | Cocktail | not published |
| Patron Tequila Cocktails | Cocktail | not published |
| Jack Daniel's Whiskey Drinks | Cocktail | not published |
| 1800 Tequila Cocktails | Cocktail | not published |
| Jose Cuervo Margaritas | Cocktail | not published |
| Bud Light | Beer | not published |
| Stella Artois | Beer | not published |
| Draft Beer | Beer | not published |
| Fountain Soda | Non-Alcoholic | not published |
| Wine | Wine | not published |
| Stella Artois Draught | Beer | not published |
| Chef-Led Bar Menu | Regional | not published |

## Parking

Capital One Arena is in DC's Penn Quarter/Chinatown neighborhood. Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station is directly at the arena (Red/Green/Yellow lines). One of the best Metro-connected arenas. Downtown garages $15-30.

| Lot | Price | Distance | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Capital One Arena Garage | $35 | Adjacent | Official garage at Capital One Arena in the Penn Quarter/Chinatown area of downtown DC. |
| Downtown DC Garages | $20 | 0.2-0.5 miles | Multiple garages in downtown DC. SpotHero recommended for booking. |

### Getting here without a car

Not parking. These are transit fares, walks and drop-off points.

| Option | Cost | Distance | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Metro (Gallery Place-Chinatown) | $3 | 0.0 miles | Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station is directly at Capital One Arena. Red, Green, and Yellow lines. $2-6 fare. |

### Parking tips

- Metro is the overwhelming best option, the station is literally below the arena.
- DC driving is stressful and parking is expensive. Take Metro if at all possible.
- Pre-purchase garage parking for popular games, Gallery Place fills up fast.
- Rideshare drop-off is on F Street NW. Expect 5-10 minute surge wait post-game.
- If driving, approach from the north via New York Avenue for easiest garage access.


## Seating

Capital One Arena's premium tier is built around clubs that both tenants share. The United Globe Club is open to Wizards and Capitals VIP seat holders alike, holds over 800 people and is 30% larger than any VIP space the building had before. The Michelob Ultra Club on the 200 level is all-inclusive and private; the Players Club on the Suite Level is more restricted still. Below all of it, the ordinary bowl runs 100, 300 and 400 for basketball.

| Section | Price range | View | Pros | Cons |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Courtside / Floor Seats | $600 - $2,000+ |  | The closest seats in the building to the action; VIP rows B-H sit right at the glass | From this low you lose the shape of the play |
| United Globe Club | $400 - $1,200+ | A VIP hospitality space spanning multiple levels, exclusive to Wizards and Capitals VIP seat holders. | Holds 800-plus guests and is 30% larger than any previous VIP space in the arena; Spans multiple levels rather than sitting on one | Restricted to VIP seat holders for both tenants; Sold as a membership rather than a seat |
| Players Club (Suite Level) | $500 - $1,500+ | The arena's most exclusive members-only club, on the Suite Level. | All-inclusive fine dining in a private setting; The most restricted room in the building | Members only, and the smallest guest list here; Suite Level height, so the action is well below |
| Michelob Ultra Club (200 Level) | $220 - $600+ | A private members-only club on the 200 level, overlooking both the ice and the court. | Complimentary all-inclusive food, and unlimited soft drinks, beer and wine; Recently refreshed with 120 additional premium seats; Sightlines over the bowl rather than a windowless lounge | Members only; The food and drink are much of what the price buys |
| Loge Boxes | $300 - $900+ | Boxes for six or eight, set into the lower level with views of the ice and court. | The privacy of a suite at lower-level height; Fixed parties of six or eight, so the space is genuinely yours | Sold in fixed party sizes |
| Lower Level Baseline (100-Level) | $60 - $160 | The lower ring at the ends and corners. | The best angle on play developing in the near end | The far end is a long way off; End-on positions foreshorten the play |
| Lower Level Sideline | $120 - $300 |  | The best ordinary sightline in the arena; Close to the benches and the noise | The front rows lose the near edge of the play |
| Mezzanine (300-Level) | $40 - $110 |  | High enough to read the play as a shape | A deck removed from the noise below |
| Upper Level (400-Level) | $12 - $45 | The top ring, high above with the whole bowl below you. | The cheapest ticket in the arena; The clearest view of how a possession is organised | Steep, and a long way up |

Official seat map: https://www.capitalonearena.com/events/seating-charts

## Getting There

Capital One Arena sits on top of Gallery Place/Chinatown, where the Red, Green and Yellow lines meet, with two more stations within walking distance either side of it. The arena publishes Metro's closing times by day, which matters here: on a Sunday the system shuts at 11pm, earlier than any other night of the week.

**Driving.** The arena is at 601 F Street NW. From the major highways, follow signs toward downtown Washington and then to the arena itself; the destination is the corner of F Street and 7th Street NW, or F and 6th Street NW depending on your approach. There is an arena garage, and SpotHero covers nearby lots and garages.

**Public transit.** Gallery Place/Chinatown is the arena's Metro stop, on the Red, Green and Yellow lines, with Judiciary Square and Metro Center also within walking distance. Metro runs 5am to 11:30pm Monday to Thursday, 5am to 1am Friday, 7am to 1am Saturday and 8am to 11pm Sunday. From Ronald Reagan National Airport, the Yellow Line runs direct from the airport station to Gallery Place/Chinatown.

**Rideshare.** Uber/Lyft drop-off is on F Street NW, east of the arena. Post-game pickup is in the same area. Walk a block east toward the Archives for faster pickup and lower surge.

### Transit options

| Option | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Metro (Gallery Place-Chinatown Station) | $2.25 | Red, Yellow, and Green lines stop directly below the arena. Exit and you're there |
| Rideshare (from Reagan National Airport) | $18 | Uber/Lyft, ~15 min from DCA airport |
| Rideshare (from Georgetown/Dupont Circle) | $12 | Uber/Lyft, ~10 min from the northwest neighborhoods |

## Tailgating

Capital One Arena publishes no tailgating policy, and its own parking is the Lexus Garage rather than a surface lot — so the hour before a Wizards game is spent in downtown Washington rather than beside a car. Two things shape the arrival more than anything else. The bag rule is among the strictest in the league: a strict no-bag policy with an exception only for wallet-size clutches up to 4 by 6 inches, plus medical and parenting bags up to 14 by 14 by 6, which enter by the corner of 6th and F Street. And every vehicle going into the Lexus Garage is searched on the way in, visually and with bag and metal detection. Doors generally open an hour before tip-off.

### Rules

- Capital One Arena operates a strict no bag policy. Bags, backpacks and purses are not permitted inside the arena.
- Wallet-size clutches no larger than 4" x 6", and medical or parenting bags no larger than 14" x 14" x 6", are permitted subject to security screening.
- Guests bringing a medical or parenting bag should use the entrance on the corner of 6th and F Street.
- All vehicles parking within the Lexus Parking Garage are subject to search prior to entry, including visual, bag and metal detection inspections.
- Doors generally open one hour prior to the event start time, though this varies by event.
- The arena publishes no tailgating policy, and its own parking is a garage rather than a surface lot.


### Best areas

| Area | Description |
| --- | --- |
| The Lexus Parking Garage | The arena's own garage. Every vehicle parking inside is subject to search before entry, with staff conducting visual, bag and metal-detection inspections for prohibited items. |
| The 6th and F Street entrance | The corner entrance to use if you are carrying a medical or parenting bag, which are the only bags over wallet size the arena admits. |
| Nearby lots and garages via SpotHero | The arena partners with SpotHero for guaranteed parking at lots and garages within easy walking distance, with the pass emailed straight through. |

## Food & Drink

Capital One Arena offers a solid mix of classic arena food and DC-specific options. The half-smoke sausage, DC's signature food, is available at multiple stands. Chesapeake Bay crab cakes and local craft beer from DC Brau and Atlas Brew Works round out the regional offerings. Outside the arena, the Penn Quarter/Chinatown neighborhood has one of the densest restaurant concentrations in DC. The arena publishes concession maps rather than menus, and the stands they name are worth knowing: Federalist Pig barbecue at section 107, Soko Cheesesteaks at 105, District Dog at 119, Fuku Chicken at 117, the 6th St Taqueria at 106, Tenders Love & Chicken at 112 and 229, Rita's Italian Ice at 107 and 116, and Chef Spike Mendelsohn's Arena Bar & Eats on the 7th Street side. The maps do not list what each stand sells, so expect more at the counter than is published.

### Nearby restaurants

| Name | Cuisine | Price range | Rating |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| maman | Coffee Shop | $ | 4.8 |
| Unconventional Diner | Restaurant | $$ | 4.7 |
| Old Ebbitt Grill | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.6 |
| InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C. by IHG | Hotel | $$ | 4.6 |
| Zaytinya | Mediterranean Restaurant | $$$ | 4.5 |
| The Hamilton | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.5 |
| SUCCOTASH | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.5 |
| L'Ardente | Italian Restaurant | $$$ | 4.5 |

## Game Day Timeline

Capital One Arena sits in the Penn Quarter/Chinatown neighborhood of downtown Washington, DC, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and the National Mall attractions. The arena is directly above the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station, one of the most transit-accessible venues in pro sports. The pregame scene centers on the Chinatown/Penn Quarter restaurant corridor along 7th Street. DC's professional crowd means a more subdued but knowledgeable fan atmosphere. Plan to arrive 60-90 minutes early to explore the neighborhood and watch warm-ups.

| Time | What happens | Detail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 hours before tip-off | Arrive in Penn Quarter | Take Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown or park in a nearby garage. Explore the restaurants and bars along 7th Street and H Street NW. |
| 2 hours before tip-off | Pregame dining | Grab dinner at Clyde's Gallery Place, Daikaya, or one of the many Chinatown/Penn Quarter restaurants. DC's food scene is world-class. |
| 1 hour before tip-off | Doors open | Enter the arena and explore the concourse. Check out the team store and grab a half-smoke, DC's signature sausage. |
| 30 minutes before tip-off | Find your seat | Settle in for player introductions. Look for politicians, journalists, and lobbyists in the lower bowl. It's DC's court. |
| Tip-off | Game time | Wizards games have a professional, knowledgeable crowd. The arena fills well for marquee opponents. Total game time is about 2-2.5 hours. |
| Halftime | Halftime break | Hit the concourse for a half-smoke or crab cake sandwich. The 100-level has the best food variety. |
| Post-game | Post-game scene | Walk to the Penn Quarter bars or take Metro to Dupont Circle or Adams Morgan for late-night options. DC's bar scene stretches across multiple neighborhoods. |

## Lodging

| Hotel | Per night | Distance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Grand Hyatt Washington | $180 | 0.3 miles |
| The Westin DC Downtown | $180 | 0.3 miles |
| Marriott Marquis Washington, DC | $180 | 0.5 miles |
| Waldorf Astoria Washington DC | $180 | 0.5 miles |
| JW Marriott Washington, DC | $180 | 0.6 miles |

## Typical Weather

| Month | High (F) | Low (F) | Precipitation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| October | 70 | 49 | 4.2 inches |
| December | 49 | 32 | 3.7 inches |
| January | 45 | 28 | 3.0 inches |
| March | 56 | 37 | 4.0 inches |
| April | 68 | 46 | 3.4 inches |

## Verified Venue Policies

### Accessible entry

Wheelchair escorts can be requested from any arena team member at every entry point.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- Guests with medical or parenting bags should use the Capital One Cardholder Entrance at Sixth and F Streets.

Source: [Capital One Arena Accessibility](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Accessible seating

Accessible seating is integrated on every arena level and can be purchased through Ticketmaster, by phone at 202-661-5065, or at the box office.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- All individual suites and the suite level are wheelchair accessible.

Source: [Capital One Arena Accessibility](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Alcohol sales cutoff

All concession stands stop serving alcohol at the start of the fourth quarter for Wizards games.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Assistive listening

Complimentary assistive listening receivers are available at Guest Services near Section 102.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- A valid government-issued ID is held until the receiver is returned; scoreboard captions are available during sporting events.

Source: [Capital One Arena Accessibility](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Bag policy

Most bags are prohibited; wallet-size clutches up to 4 x 6 inches and medical or parenting bags up to 14 x 14 x 6 inches are permitted after screening.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- Medical and parenting bags should enter at the Capital One Cardholder Entrance at Sixth and F Streets.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Bag storage

Capital One Arena does not check or store prohibited bags or other prohibited items.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Tickets for children

Children age 3 and older must have a ticket for Wizards games.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

Source: [Capital One Arena Box Office](https://www.capitalonearena.com/box-office)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Family restrooms

Family restrooms are across from Sections 113, 214, and 432.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- Baby-changing stations are available in all men's, women's, and family restrooms.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### First aid

First Aid stations with on-site medical professionals are at Sections 109 and 409.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- For an emergency, notify the nearest arena staff member.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Gate opening

Doors generally open one hour before the event start time.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- Check the event calendar for the game-specific time.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Guest services

Guest Services is across from Sections 102 and 402.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- During events, text `MSE`, a space, the issue, and location to 240-262-4357.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Mobile tickets

Capital One Arena uses mobile entry; print-at-home PDFs are not accepted.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- Display the live Ticketmaster barcode for scanning; a printed ticket issued directly by the box office is accepted.

Source: [Capital One Arena Digital Ticketing](https://www.capitalonearena.com/events/mobile-entry)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Nursing and lactation

Two Mamava lactation pods are at the F Street elevator landings across from Sections 200 and 400.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- The pod on the 200 Level is ADA accessible.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Outside food and drink

Outside food and beverages are prohibited, but each guest may bring one empty plastic water bottle.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- Guests with special dietary restrictions should contact Guest Relations before the game.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Parking payments

The Capital One Arena parking garage accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit or debit cards.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Prohibited items

The arena prohibits weapons, knives, tasers, pepper spray, projectiles, balloons, cans, bottles, coolers, outside food and drink, illegal drugs, lasers, luggage, backpacks, hard-sided bags, tripods, selfie sticks, noisemakers, poles, wrapped gifts, identity-concealing masks, and recording devices.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- Event pages may add restrictions; review the current official list before leaving home.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Re-entry

Wizards guests may exit and re-enter through the F Street entrance after the event begins.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Sensory services

Capital One Arena is a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Venue and provides a Sensory Room and sensory bags.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- Sensory bags can be borrowed at no cost with an ID from Guest Services near Sections 102 and 402.

Source: [Capital One Arena Accessibility](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Service animals

Individually task-trained service dogs and service dogs in training are permitted; comfort animals are not.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- The guest is responsible for the animal's care and supervision.

Source: [Capital One Arena Accessibility](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Smoking and vaping

Capital One Arena is smoke-free and vape-free; smoking is permitted at least 25 feet from the building.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- After the game begins, use the F Street entrance for the permitted exit and re-entry process.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Venue payments

Concessions, retail, and in-arena vendors are cashless and accept credit cards, debit cards, and smartphone contactless payments.

Applies to: Washington Wizards games

- Reverse ATMs next to Guest Services on the 100 and 400 Levels convert cash to a debit card.

Source: [Capital One Arena FAQs](https://www.capitalonearena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-faqs)
Checked: 2026-08-30

## Provenance

- Season: 2026-27 NBA Season
- Last updated: 2026-09-01
- Independently verified: concession menu, drink prices, food prices, game day timeline, getting there, lodging, nearby restaurants, parking guidance, pregame, seating, transit, value menu, venue facts, venue policies, weather
- Recorded but not independently verified: parking prices, ticket prices
- Canonical page: https://visityourteam.com/nba/wizards
- Prices are researched per venue and represent typical published rates, not live market pricing.