The Capital One Arena, previously known as the Verizon Center, has been a cornerstone of Washington D.C.'s sports and entertainment scene since its inauguration in 1997. Located in the Chinatown district of downtown Washington D.C., the arena has played host to numerous high-profile events, including NBA and NHL games, concerts, and mixed martial arts events. In this article, we will delve into 12 fascinating facts about the Capital One Arena's inauguration, highlighting its history, design, and impact on the local community.
Introduction to the Capital One Arena
The Capital One Arena was inaugurated on December 2, 1997, with a concert by the rock band, Barry Manilow. The arena was built as a replacement for the Capital Centre, which was the previous home of the Washington Bullets (now known as the Washington Wizards) and the Washington Capitals. The new arena was designed to provide a state-of-the-art facility for sports and entertainment events, with a seating capacity of over 20,000 for basketball games and over 18,000 for hockey games. The arena’s design was led by the architectural firm, Ellerbe Becket, which incorporated a unique combination of modern and traditional elements into the building’s structure.
Design and Construction
The construction of the Capital One Arena began in October 1995 and took approximately two years to complete, with a total cost of around $260 million. The arena’s design features a distinctive glass and steel façade, with a large atrium that provides natural light and offers stunning views of the city. The arena’s seating configuration is highly flexible, allowing for a variety of events to be hosted, from concerts and basketball games to hockey games and mixed martial arts events. The arena’s state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems were designed to provide an immersive experience for spectators, with over 500 speakers and 200 lighting fixtures installed throughout the venue.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity (Basketball) | 20,356 |
| Seating Capacity (Hockey) | 18,506 |
| Construction Cost | $260 million |
| Architectural Firm | Ellerbe Becket |
Impact on the Local Community
The Capital One Arena has had a significant impact on the local community, with millions of visitors attending events at the venue each year. The arena has also generated significant revenue for the local economy, with estimates suggesting that it contributes over $100 million annually to the local economy. The arena has also been involved in various community outreach programs, including the Washington Wizards’ community relations program, which provides support for local charities and organizations. Additionally, the arena has hosted numerous charity events, including fundraisers for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the American Red Cross.
Economic Benefits
A study conducted by the Washington D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission found that the Capital One Arena generates over $100 million in economic impact each year, supporting over 1,000 jobs in the local community. The arena’s economic benefits are not limited to the events themselves, but also extend to the surrounding businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. The arena’s presence has also helped to revitalize the Chinatown district, with new businesses and developments emerging in the area. For example, the arena has attracted several new restaurants and bars to the area, including a sports bar and grill that offers live music and entertainment.
- Economic impact: over $100 million annually
- Jobs supported: over 1,000
- Surrounding businesses: restaurants, hotels, retail stores
12 Capital One Arena Inauguration Facts Revealed
Here are 12 fascinating facts about the Capital One Arena’s inauguration:
- The Capital One Arena was inaugurated on December 2, 1997, with a concert by Barry Manilow.
- The arena's original name was the MCI Center, which was later changed to the Verizon Center in 2006.
- The arena's design was influenced by the need to create a versatile and sustainable venue that could host a wide range of events.
- The arena's construction took approximately two years to complete, with a total cost of around $260 million.
- The arena's seating capacity for basketball games is over 20,000, while the seating capacity for hockey games is over 18,000.
- The arena's state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems were designed to provide an immersive experience for spectators.
- The arena has hosted numerous high-profile events, including NBA and NHL games, concerts, and mixed martial arts events.
- The arena is home to the Washington Wizards (NBA) and the Washington Capitals (NHL).
- The arena has a unique glass and steel façade, with a large atrium that provides natural light and offers stunning views of the city.
- The arena's economic benefits are significant, with estimates suggesting that it contributes over $100 million annually to the local economy.
- The arena has been involved in various community outreach programs, including the Washington Wizards' community relations program.
- The arena has hosted numerous charity events, including fundraisers for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the American Red Cross.
What is the seating capacity of the Capital One Arena for basketball games?
+The seating capacity of the Capital One Arena for basketball games is over 20,000.
What is the economic impact of the Capital One Arena on the local community?
+The Capital One Arena generates over $100 million in economic impact each year, supporting over 1,000 jobs in the local community.
What types of events has the Capital One Arena hosted?
+The Capital One Arena has hosted numerous high-profile events, including NBA and NHL games, concerts, and mixed martial arts events.
