Capital One Arena renovations: What’s planned plus a look inside

D.C.’s Capital One Arena is closed for the summer. An $800 million upgrade project partially funded by taxpayer dollars is underway as part of the deal to keep the Capitals and Wizards in D.C.

The upgrades are intended to cut down wait times for entering and leaving the arena, minimizing delays for fans. They’re going to double the number of escalators and elevators, add more concession stands and bathrooms, and expand walkways so it won’t be as crowded.

News4 got a look inside.

This is the second summer out of three total that Capital One Arena is shutting down for construction. Last summer, they worked on upgrading some behind-the-scenes areas, like team locker rooms and training facilities. Now, the work will focus more on the fans’ experience.

The upgrades include moving the main entrance to a different part of F Street and expanding it.

Beyond the construction, Capital One Arena is giving back to the community by donating all of its old furniture to Wider Circle in Silver Spring, a nonprofit that provides furnishings to families that otherwise couldn’t afford them, including those who were previously unhoused or fleeing domestic violence.

“It’s unacceptable that people are living in homes without beds, without the furniture they need, the basic essentials you need to set up a home. And so we offer that opportunity at no charge,” Janet Dailey of Wider Circle said.

“It’s one of the better days for us in terms of feeling like you’re really making an impact on the community, which is what we strive to do,” Darius Dunn, the general manager at Capital One Arena, said.

All the construction is scheduled to be finished by the fall of 2027.

Capital One Arena says they plan to offer more concerts this fall and winter to make up for the lack of concerts in the summer.