Capital One Arena getting $40 million in renovations

Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., is getting a $40 million facelift. According to the arena’s owner, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the renovation will be privately funded.

“Capital One Arena is part of the heartbeat of Washington, D.C.,” Ted Leonsis, Monumental’s chairman said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud to be making this investment in a building that has played a key role in shaping our city, and that has been home to so many great memories for people … These upgrades will ensure that the fan experience at Capital One Arena remains second to none.”

The renovations will begin at the end of the 2017-18 NBA and NHL seasons and are expected to be completed by this fall. They include new padded seats, a new sound system, modernized concourses including new flooring, new lighting and new décor, two destination lounges, including a new premium club for floor and glass row-seat members, and new designed concessions.

The updated concessions, lounges and clubs will offer culinary talent from the D.C. area that Monumental says will bring locally sourced upgrades to traditional arena fare. The renovation also will include the updating of the flagship retail store at Capital One Arena, which will be open to fans year-round. 

Capital One Arena is one of the few privately owned arenas in the country. Throughout its ownership, Monumental Sports & Entertainment said it has made more than $100 million in investments to ensure the arena remains a top facility. With a capacity of more than 15,000, Capital One Arena is ranked 9th in the nation and 22nd worldwide among top-grossing venues.