Capital One Arena Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Washington.
Last updated: 3/4/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Capital One Arena has a strict no bag policy. Wallet-size clutches no larger than 5” x 7” and medical bags and parenting bags no larger than 14” x 14” x 6” are permitted and subject to security screening. |
|---|---|
| Doors open | Generally, doors open one hour prior to the event start time, but can vary from 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on the event. Capital One cardholders may access a designated entrance on 6th and F Street 15 minutes earlier. |
| Cashless? | Capital One Arena is a cashless venue. |
| Rideshare zone | Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zones are located along 6th Street NW and F Street NW, and near 7th Street NW. Specific areas include 7th and H Street, 7th and F Street, 6th and F Street, 6th and G Street, and 6th and H Street. |
| Re-entry | Exit and re-entry is allowed during Capitals, Wizards, and Georgetown games at the F Street entrance, requiring a hand stamp and ticket for re-entry. Re-entry for concerts is generally not permitted. |
| Transit | Capital One Arena is accessible via Metro at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines, and is within walking distance of the Judiciary Square, Metro Center, and Archives-Navy Memorial Penn Quarter stations. Several Metrobus routes, including 70, P6, X2, 74, and D6, also stop near the arena. |
Parking
Pre-booking parking online via apps like SpotHero is recommended. Metro parking lots are free on weekends.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: Strollers are permitted on the concourse but not in the seating bowl, and can be checked at guest services locations at Sections 102 or 402.
- Family perks: Children under age 3 typically do not require a ticket for hockey and basketball games. The arena offers two Mamava lactation pods for nursing mothers near elevator landings across Sections 200 and 400. Baby changing stations are in all restrooms, and family restrooms are near Sections 113, 214, and 432. Sensory bags are also available for checkout.
Culture layer
- Signature food: The 'Mumbo Lumbo Jumbo crab' developed by Chef Spike Mendelsohn is described as a signature item for the arena, available at his 'Arena Bar & Eats' which debuted in the 2025-26 season.
- Local tradition: Washington Capitals fans are known to bang on the glass during games.
Verified places nearby
- Clyde's of Gallery Place707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 · Gallery Place/ChinatownWhat to order: Chili, Buffalo wings, burgers, full raw bar.
- The Dubliner Restaurant & Pub4 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 · Capitol HillWhat to order: Guinness, Harp, whiskey, pot pies, corned beef sandwiches.
- Old Ebbitt Grill675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 · DowntownWhat to order: Oysters and raw bar, especially during happy hour.
- District ChopHouse and Brewery509 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 · Penn QuarterWhat to order: Signature steaks, burgers, fresh seafood, and a wide selection of flavorful beers brewed on-site.
- Penn Quarter Sports Tavern639 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 · Penn QuarterWhat to order: Beer, pub fare.
- Yard House812 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 · Penn Quarter/ChinatownWhat to order: Half yard of brew.