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Capital One Arena

Verified

Stadium & Arena · Washington, DC · Washington Wizards (NBA) / Washington Capitals (NHL)

Also known as Wizards arena, Capitals arena, Verizon Center, MCI Center.

Official venue site ↗
Category
Status
Bags & Carried Items
Bags & Backpacks
Conditional

Bags, backpacks, and purses are not permitted, with narrow exceptions for small clutches and medical/parenting bags.

MAX SIZE
Wallet-size clutches up to 4" x 6"; medical/parenting bags up to 14" x 14" x 6"

Exceptions: Clutches and medical/parenting bags only, subject to security screening; no backpacks, luggage, roller bags, or hard-sided bags/briefcases regardless of size

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Strollers & Wagons
Conditional

Strollers are permitted on the concourse and in Executive Suites but not in the seating bowl, and must be checked at Guest Services.

Exceptions: Not allowed in seating bowl; check at Guest Services, Section 102 or 402

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Umbrellas
Conditional

Collapsible umbrellas are allowed inside; long or golf umbrellas are not.

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Parking & Arrival
Parking
Conditional

Capital One Arena doesn't operate its own lot — it partners with SpotHero for prepaid parking at nearby downtown D.C. garages. Secondary sources put typical rates around $20-40 depending on the garage and event, with advance booking said to save up to 50% versus drive-up rates.

Sourced partly to secondary aggregators for the rate figures, since exact pricing depends on the specific garage and event — re-verify against the SpotHero booking flow linked from the arena's own site when needed.

FEE
$20-40, varies by garage (per secondary sources)
Source: Capital One Arena official arena FAQs (mechanism); rate per ticketmaster.com blog and parkwhiz.com 2026 guides ↗
Food & Drink
Water Bottles
Conditional

One empty plastic water bottle per person is allowed in; it can be filled at fountains inside.

MAX QTY
1 per person

Exceptions: Must be empty upon entry

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Outside Food
Not Allowed

Outside food is not allowed into the arena for games, concerts, or other events.

Exceptions: Special dietary needs can be arranged in advance through Guest Relations

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Alcohol / BYOB
Not Allowed

No outside alcohol may be brought in or removed from the arena; alcohol is sold inside with ID checks and a 2-drink max, and service cuts off in the 4th quarter (Wizards) or 3rd period (Capitals).

Exceptions: ID required if guest appears under 40; visibly intoxicated guests denied entry

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Coolers
Not Allowed

Coolers, cans, and bottles are prohibited items.

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Accessibility & Medical
Medical Supplies & Equipment
Allowed

Medical bags up to 14" x 14" x 6" are permitted, subject to security screening.

MAX SIZE
14" x 14" x 6"
Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Breast Pumps & Nursing Supplies
Allowed

Two Mamava lactation pods (one ADA accessible) are available near the F-Street elevator, and parenting bags up to 14" x 14" x 6" are permitted.

MAX SIZE
14" x 14" x 6" for parenting bags
Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Wheelchairs & ECVs
Allowed

Wheelchairs and mobility devices are accommodated; guests can request a wheelchair or escort to their seats upon arrival from any team member.

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Pets & Service Animals
Conditional

Pets of any kind are prohibited except trained service animals, which must remain on a leash or harness at all times.

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Electronics & Gear
Cameras & Photo Gear
Conditional

Point-and-shoot and SLR cameras are allowed for Capitals, Wizards, and Georgetown games, but concert policies vary by event and video recording is strictly prohibited.

Exceptions: No monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, selfie lights, camcorders, GoPros, or Contour cameras; SLR/detachable-lens/professional cameras and video cameras generally barred at concerts

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Other Restrictions
Noisemakers, Flags & Banners
Conditional

Small event-related signs, posters, and flags are welcome, but noisemakers (air horns, sirens, kazoos, whistles) and banners are prohibited.

Exceptions: Signs/flags must be paper, fabric, or poster board, no sticks, can't obstruct views or sponsor signage, no offensive content; Birdie personal safety alarms exempted from the noisemaker ban

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Re-Entry
Conditional

Exit/re-entry is allowed during Capitals, Wizards, and Georgetown games at the F Street entrance only once the event has begun; concert attendees cannot re-enter after exiting.

Exceptions: Not permitted for concerts; concert guests must purchase a new ticket to re-enter

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Weapons
Not Allowed

Weapons of any kind are prohibited, including guns, knives, chains, spikes, projectiles, tasers, and mace/pepper spray.

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Vapes & Smoking
Not Allowed

Capital One Arena is a smoke-free and vape-free facility; e-cigarettes are not permitted at any time, and smoking is only allowed 25 feet from the building.

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Costumes & Masks
Not Allowed

Ski masks, non-medical face coverings, or similar items that conceal identity are strictly prohibited.

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗
Other
Not Allowed

Also prohibited: balloons, illegal drugs/paraphernalia, gambling paraphernalia, laser pointers, wrapped gifts, and unauthorized flyers/handouts.

Source: Capital One Arena Official FAQs ↗

Only 19 item types have been independently verified for Capital One Arena so far.

Not yet verified for Capital One Arena: Bag Storage & Lockers, Cannabis / Marijuana, E-Bikes, Scooters & Hoverboards, Drones, Chairs & Blankets, Power Banks & Batteries — this doesn't mean it's unrestricted, just not researched yet.

Frequently asked questions about Capital One Arena

What is the bag policy and size limit at Capital One Arena?

Conditional. Bags, backpacks, and purses are not permitted, with narrow exceptions for small clutches and medical/parenting bags. Max size: Wallet-size clutches up to 4" x 6"; medical/parenting bags up to 14" x 14" x 6". Exceptions: Clutches and medical/parenting bags only, subject to security screening; no backpacks, luggage, roller bags, or hard-sided bags/briefcases regardless of size

What are the parking options and cost at Capital One Arena?

Conditional. Capital One Arena doesn't operate its own lot — it partners with SpotHero for prepaid parking at nearby downtown D.C. garages. Secondary sources put typical rates around $20-40 depending on the garage and event, with advance booking said to save up to 50% versus drive-up rates. Sourced partly to secondary aggregators for the rate figures, since exact pricing depends on the specific garage and event — re-verify against the SpotHero booking flow linked from the arena's own site when needed. Fee: $20-40, varies by garage (per secondary sources).

What is the water bottle policy at Capital One Arena?

Conditional. One empty plastic water bottle per person is allowed in; it can be filled at fountains inside. Max quantity: 1 per person. Exceptions: Must be empty upon entry

What is the outside food policy at Capital One Arena?

Not Allowed. Outside food is not allowed into the arena for games, concerts, or other events. Exceptions: Special dietary needs can be arranged in advance through Guest Relations

Can I bring medical supplies or equipment into Capital One Arena?

Allowed. Medical bags up to 14" x 14" x 6" are permitted, subject to security screening. Max size: 14" x 14" x 6".

Can you bring your own alcohol (BYOB) into Capital One Arena?

Not Allowed. No outside alcohol may be brought in or removed from the arena; alcohol is sold inside with ID checks and a 2-drink max, and service cuts off in the 4th quarter (Wizards) or 3rd period (Capitals). Exceptions: ID required if guest appears under 40; visibly intoxicated guests denied entry

Are coolers allowed at Capital One Arena?

Not Allowed. Coolers, cans, and bottles are prohibited items.

Are strollers and wagons allowed at Capital One Arena?

Conditional. Strollers are permitted on the concourse and in Executive Suites but not in the seating bowl, and must be checked at Guest Services. Exceptions: Not allowed in seating bowl; check at Guest Services, Section 102 or 402

Can I bring a breast pump or nursing supplies into Capital One Arena?

Allowed. Two Mamava lactation pods (one ADA accessible) are available near the F-Street elevator, and parenting bags up to 14" x 14" x 6" are permitted. Max size: 14" x 14" x 6" for parenting bags.

Are wheelchairs and ECVs allowed at Capital One Arena?

Allowed. Wheelchairs and mobility devices are accommodated; guests can request a wheelchair or escort to their seats upon arrival from any team member.

What is the camera policy at Capital One Arena, and what equipment is allowed?

Conditional. Point-and-shoot and SLR cameras are allowed for Capitals, Wizards, and Georgetown games, but concert policies vary by event and video recording is strictly prohibited. Exceptions: No monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, selfie lights, camcorders, GoPros, or Contour cameras; SLR/detachable-lens/professional cameras and video cameras generally barred at concerts

Are umbrellas allowed at Capital One Arena?

Conditional. Collapsible umbrellas are allowed inside; long or golf umbrellas are not.

Are noisemakers, flags, or banners allowed at Capital One Arena?

Conditional. Small event-related signs, posters, and flags are welcome, but noisemakers (air horns, sirens, kazoos, whistles) and banners are prohibited. Exceptions: Signs/flags must be paper, fabric, or poster board, no sticks, can't obstruct views or sponsor signage, no offensive content; Birdie personal safety alarms exempted from the noisemaker ban

What is the weapons policy at Capital One Arena?

Not Allowed. Weapons of any kind are prohibited, including guns, knives, chains, spikes, projectiles, tasers, and mace/pepper spray.

Is smoking or vaping allowed at Capital One Arena, and is there a designated area?

Not Allowed. Capital One Arena is a smoke-free and vape-free facility; e-cigarettes are not permitted at any time, and smoking is only allowed 25 feet from the building.

Are costumes and masks allowed at Capital One Arena?

Not Allowed. Ski masks, non-medical face coverings, or similar items that conceal identity are strictly prohibited.

Are pets or service animals allowed at Capital One Arena?

Conditional. Pets of any kind are prohibited except trained service animals, which must remain on a leash or harness at all times.

Does Capital One Arena allow re-entry?

Conditional. Exit/re-entry is allowed during Capitals, Wizards, and Georgetown games at the F Street entrance only once the event has begun; concert attendees cannot re-enter after exiting. Exceptions: Not permitted for concerts; concert guests must purchase a new ticket to re-enter

What else should I know about Capital One Arena's policies?

Not Allowed. Also prohibited: balloons, illegal drugs/paraphernalia, gambling paraphernalia, laser pointers, wrapped gifts, and unauthorized flyers/handouts.

Is Wizards arena the same place as Capital One Arena?

Yes — Wizards arena is a former or alternate name for Capital One Arena. All of the entry policies on this page apply the same way.

Is Capitals arena the same place as Capital One Arena?

Yes — Capitals arena is a former or alternate name for Capital One Arena. All of the entry policies on this page apply the same way.

Is Verizon Center the same place as Capital One Arena?

Yes — Verizon Center is a former or alternate name for Capital One Arena. All of the entry policies on this page apply the same way.

Is MCI Center the same place as Capital One Arena?

Yes — MCI Center is a former or alternate name for Capital One Arena. All of the entry policies on this page apply the same way.

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