Capital One Arena

Overview

Opportunity

Solution

Impact

Team

Capital One Arena reimagines an iconic civic landmark, transforming a beloved sports venue into a catalyst for downtown revitalization, culture, and unforgettable fan experiences.

Location

Washington, DC

Client

Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Expertise

Sports Hospitality [FPO] Interior Design

Opportunity

A nearly 30-year-old arena needed to evolve, reinforcing Monumental Sports & Entertainment's commitment to downtown Washington while meeting the expectations of modern audiences.

As the heart of Washington's sports and entertainment district, Capital One Arena plays an essential role in the city's identity and economy. Rather than replace the venue, Monumental Sports & Entertainment sought to reinvest in an established civic asset that connects neighborhoods, drives year-round activity, and supports the continued revitalization of downtown. The challenge was to modernize every aspect of the experience while respecting the arena's legacy, strengthening its urban presence, and creating an inclusive destination for fans, athletes, visitors, and the surrounding community.

Why This Matters

01
Downtown Revitalization
Capital One Arena anchors one of Washington's busiest districts. Its transformation strengthens economic activity, increases year-round visitation, and reinforces downtown as a vibrant destination.
02
Civic Identity
The arena serves as more than an event venue. Reimagining its public spaces and architecture strengthens its role as a welcoming civic landmark for residents and visitors.
03
Future Fan Expectations
Today's fans expect seamless technology, flexible hospitality, and memorable experiences. Modernizing the arena ensures it remains competitive while welcoming every generation of guests.

Gensler and CAA ICON are industry leaders with a wealth of local and national experience and proven track records in planning and executing complex projects. Together, we’re laying the foundation for an entertainment district that will serve as a vibrant destination for generations to come.

Solution

Inspired by Washington's civic fabric, the renovation transforms the arena inside and out, creating a destination where architecture, hospitality, and community come together.

The design reimagines Capital One Arena as an active participant in downtown life. A new façade inspired by the neighboring National Portrait Gallery blends architecture, lighting, media, and public art to create an engaging civic presence. Inside, expanded concourses, premium hospitality environments, social gathering spaces, enhanced technology, upgraded seating, and state-of-the-art player facilities elevate every aspect of the experience. Together, these interventions create a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready arena while preserving an iconic piece of Washington's identity.

From brief to build: how every design decision balanced preservation with innovation, transforming an established arena into a more connected civic destination without losing its identity.

The design team approached the renovation as both an architectural and urban design challenge. Drawing inspiration from the neighboring National Portrait Gallery, the new façade creates a dialogue between the arena and its surroundings while reinforcing Washington's civic character. Inside, circulation, hospitality, player spaces, and technology were reimagined to improve every stage of the guest journey. Rather than treating the arena as an isolated building, the design strengthens its relationship to downtown and creates meaningful experiences before, during, and after every event.

Impact

The transformation positions Capital One Arena for its next generation, strengthening downtown Washington while delivering elevated experiences for fans, athletes, and the broader community.

The renewed arena enhances civic life, elevates the fan journey, supports athlete performance, and reinforces downtown Washington as a premier entertainment destination.

What Changed Because of This

01
Urban Experience
A redesigned façade and new public gathering spaces create stronger connections between the arena, surrounding neighborhoods, and Washington's evolving entertainment district.
02
Fan Experience
Expanded hospitality, enhanced technology, improved amenities, and flexible seating create a more welcoming, inclusive, and memorable experience for every visitor.
03
Player Performance
Modern locker rooms, recovery spaces, and advanced training environments provide the Capitals and Wizards with facilities designed to support peak performance.

We’re bringing a new level to Capital One Arena – rethinking everything from the overall ambiance to the smallest touchpoints, including the finishes, furnishings, and even the small-wares to elevate the guest experience and set a new standard of the hospitality expectations within this world-class venue.

Recognition

01

The Sports Business Journal

The Sports Business Journal celebrated the Gensler-designed Lexus Vaults at Capital One Arena as one of the most impressive VIP experiences in the country, with a private entry and elevator, exclusive tasting room, spacious bunker suites, and a dedicated mixologist.

02

The Washington Business journal

The Washington Business Journal explored the exterior renovation of Capital One Arena, highlighting its new dynamic lighting and a reflective veil, made of durable polymer, which Gensler’s Andrew Jacobs says “will animate the streetscape.”

03

CoStar

CoStar covered the groundbreaking of the redevelopment of Capital One Arena by Gensler, quoting Mayor Muriel Bowser, “It’s good for our teams, it’s good for our fans, it’s good for our residents... it's good for our entire region.”

Team

Project Leadership

[FPO] Andrew Jacobs

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Ryan Sickman

Sports Leader, Principal

[FPO] Shelly Mrstik

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FAQ

01

Where is Capital One Arena located?

Capital One Arena is located in downtown Washington, D.C., along 7th Street NW between the National Mall and the Shaw neighborhood.

02

Who designed the renovation of Capital One Arena?

Gensler designed the arena renovation in partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment to modernize the venue while reinforcing its civic identity.

03

Why was the arena renovated instead of replaced?

Renovating the existing arena preserves an important civic landmark, reduces environmental impact through reuse, and supports continued investment in downtown Washington.

04

How does the project improve the fan experience?

The renovation introduces expanded hospitality spaces, upgraded seating, improved technology, additional restrooms, enhanced food and beverage offerings, and new social gathering spaces.

05

How does the project benefit downtown Washington?

The project strengthens connections between surrounding neighborhoods, activates public space year-round, and reinforces Capital One Arena as a catalyst for economic activity and civic life.

06

How does the renovation support professional athletes?

The project provides larger locker rooms, dedicated recovery facilities, upgraded training environments, and advanced analytics spaces for the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards.

Related Work

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