Yes, the Washington Wizards NBA basketball team plays its home games at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Wizards have played at Capital One Arena since 1997, when it was known as the MCI Center. Prior to that, the team played at the Capital Centre in Landover, MD from 1973 to 1997.
History of the Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards were originally known as the Chicago Packers when they joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1961. After one season, they changed their name to the Chicago Zephyrs and played at the Chicago Coliseum. In 1963, the team moved to Baltimore and became the Baltimore Bullets. They played home games at the Baltimore Civic Center. In 1973, the team changed its name to the Capital Bullets and began playing at the Capital Centre arena in Landover, MD, just outside of Washington, D.C. In 1974, the team name was simplified to just the Washington Bullets.
In 1997, the Bullets moved back inside the District of Columbia to play at the newly opened MCI Center, which is now known as Capital One Arena. In 1997, team owner Abe Pollin decided to change the team’s name from Bullets to Wizards to disassociate the team’s name from any gun violence connotations. The Washington Wizards have remained at Capital One Arena ever since.
Some key moments in Wizards history at Capital One Arena:
- 1997 – First game at new MCI Center (Wizards defeat Seattle SuperSonics)
- 1997 – Chris Webber wins Rookie of the Year
- 2005 – Gilbert Arenas signed as free agent
- 2006 – Arenas sets franchise record for points in a game with 60
- 2008 – Wizards clinch first playoff series win since 1982
- 2017 – John Wall becomes fastest player to reach 500 assists
About Capital One Arena
Capital One Arena is located in downtown Washington, D.C. at 601 F Street NW. It opened in 1997 as the MCI Center. The naming rights were purchased by Capital One in 2006.
The arena has a seating capacity of 20,173 for NBA games. It has hosted over 1000 events since opening, including NCAA tournament games, concerts, WWE events, the NBA Draft, the WNBA Washington Mystics, and the Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball team.
The arena went through major renovations in 2007 and 2017. Upgrades included new video screens, additional luxury suites, new restaurants, and other amenities. Total costs for the renovations exceeded $50 million.
Notable Events
Some other notable non-Wizards events held at Capital One Arena include:
- 1998 – NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional
- 2003 – Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising Tour
- 2009 – NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four
- 2011 – NBA Lockout – “secret” Kobe Bryant workout
- 2014 – Paul McCartney Out There Tour
- 2015 – 2018 – Washington Capsitals playoff games
- 2018 – Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour
Wizards at Capital One Arena
Since opening at the MCI Center in 1997, the Wizards have played over 1000 home games at the arena now known as Capital One Arena.
Some key facts and figures about the Wizards’ tenure include:
- First game: Loss to Seattle SuperSonics on 12/2/1997
- All-time regular season record: 582-437 (.571 win %)
- Highest average attendance: 20,674 (2007-08 season)
- Lowest average attendance: 13,219 (2000-01 season)
- Longest win streak: 18 games (2014-15 season)
Notable Players
Many great players have suited up for the Washington Wizards during their time at Capital One Arena:
Player | Position | Seasons |
---|---|---|
Gilbert Arenas | G | 2003-2010 |
Caron Butler | F | 2005-2010 |
John Wall | G | 2010-present |
Bradley Beal | G | 2012-present |
John Wall holds the Wizards franchise record with 9,972 assists and 821 steals all-time. Bradley Beal is the Wizards’ all-time leading scorer at Capital One Arena with 8,071 points.
Recent Seasons
In recent seasons at Capital One Arena, the Wizards have compiled the following records:
- 2018-19: 32-49
- 2019-20: 25-47
- 2020-21: 34-38
- 2021-22: 35-47
The Wizards have qualified for the playoffs in 5 of the last 8 seasons. Their best recent finish was reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2017.
2022-23 Wizards Outlook
For the 2022-23 NBA season, the Wizards outlook at Capital One Arena includes:
- Bradley Beal returns as the star after signing a 5-year max contract extension in the offseason
- Kristaps Porzingis was acquired last season and will be the second scoring option
- Kyle Kuzma established himself as a key third scorer and rebounder
- The Wizards added guard Monte Morris, Delon Wright, and Will Barton for backcourt depth
- Rui Hachimura continues to develop as a young forward
With a balanced roster and some continuity, the Wizards will look to return to the playoffs and make noise in the wide-open Eastern Conference. Capital One Arena should see an improved product on the court this upcoming season.
Conclusion
In summary, the Washington Wizards have played their home games at Capital One Arena since 1997. The downtown arena has hosted over 1000 events and gone through major renovations in 2007 and 2017.
Key Wizards players like Gilbert Arenas, John Wall, Caron Butler, and Bradley Beal have created many memorable moments for the franchise at Capital One Arena over the past 25+ years. The team has qualified for the playoffs regularly during its tenure in the building.
After a few down seasons, the Wizards appear poised to contend again in 2022-23 led by Bradley Beal. Fans can expect competitive basketball and exciting atmospheres when attending Wizards games at Capital One Arena this upcoming season.