Agencies join Capital One Arena revamp



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New renderings published for Capital One Arena renovation Image: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) has picked a trio of agencies to help lead the execution of a brand-new, completely modernized Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

MSE said Klutch Sports Group and United Talent Agency will help guide its commercial partnership strategy, while global premium experiences company Legends will support MSE’s premium sales efforts.

Full-service strategy, design, and execution agency Elevate Creative will offer expertise on brand messaging, team activation, and sponsorship integration.

MSE has just kicked off construction on the new Capital One Arena, having received unanimous approval on the development and finance agreements from the D.C. Council last month for the three-year, $800+ million arena transformation.

New renderings published for Capital One Arena renovationImage: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

MSE is taking a 360-degree approach to planning a high-tech, high-touch building that will serve millions of annual visitors for the next 25 years and set a new standard for fan experience and technological innovation.

The 20,356-capacity Capital One Arena is an indoor arena in Washington, D.C. (US). Located in the Chinatown section of the larger Penn Quarter neighborhood, the arena sits atop the Gallery Place Rapid Transit Station of the Washington Metro.

It serves as the home arena of the National Hockey League’s (NHL’s) Washington Capitals and the National Basketball Association’s (NBA’s) Washington Wizards.

Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE, said, “As we embark on the creation of a brand-new Capital One Arena, we are proud to partner with Klutch Sports Group, Legends, and Elevate—three of the most respected and innovative agencies in the industry.

New renderings published for Capital One Arena renovationImage: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

“Their expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of our arena, ensuring we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our fans, partners, and community. With their support, we are poised to create a world-class venue that will redefine the fan experience for years to come and set a new standard for sports and entertainment in the D.C. region and across the country.”
 

Construction phases

The six phases of construction will span three years and will be delivered in time for the 2027-28 NBA and NHL seasons.

MSE has partnered with CAA ICON to serve as the overall project manager, Gensler on the design, and Clark Construction on the building construction.

The construction schedule for Capital One Arena is beginning now and will continue through the start of the 2027-28 NBA and NHL seasons to ensure minimal disruption to fans and the league’s schedules.

New renderings published for Capital One Arena renovationImage: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

The arena will remain dark in the summers between the Wizards and Capitals seasons, when the bulk of the work will be completed.

Phase 1 (now – the conclusion of the 2024-25 season): Preparatory work begins with structural enabling tasks such as escalator pit installations and hydrotherapy slab construction. Fans will notice minimal disruptions as foundational work is largely behind the scenes.

Phase 2 (summer 2025): Focus shifts to enhancing athlete spaces, including new locker rooms, a family lounge, and new media facilities. Additional upgrades include new escalators and initial modifications to fan seating areas. Premium fan experiences including the United Globe Club and Lounge and the Vault Suites will also be completed in this phase and available to fans in the 2025-26 season.

Phase 3 (during the 2025-26 season): Work will begin on preparing for extensive exterior upgrades to include the new entrance on F street, adding new restrooms, and improving concession spaces.

New renderings published for Capital One Arena renovationImage: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Phase 4 (summer 2026): Major exterior updates will begin, including a new façade and enhancements to the Grand Pavilion. Interior renovations expand with revamped concession stands and upgraded suites.

Phase 5 (during the 2026-27 season): Club-level upgrades and further interior remodeling will be completed, including enhanced corridors and additional seating modifications. Fans can expect more premium amenities and improved navigation throughout the arena.

Phase 6 (summer 2027): With most major elements in place, construction addresses final interior improvements, including concessions, loge boxes, and bathrooms. The Grand Pavilion will also be completed.
 

Sustaining Success

MSE said reusing and reinvigorating the existing arena showcases a commitment to sustainability by minimizing environmental impact and preserving a cherished civic asset.

This breathes new life into the building, ensuring its continued relevance will sustain investments in infrastructure and the public space around the building and ensuring that this remains a gathering place for future generations.

The design incorporates elements inspired by the nearby Smithsonian Galleries, creating a rich cultural layer on the façade and public-facing areas. In essence, the building serves as a performer of the arts.

The aim is to create new and exciting experiences for all people that use the building. From improved seating options to state-of-the-art amenities, the design prioritizes inclusivity and superior fan experience.

From social decks with views of the arena floor on multiple levels, larger concourses, more dwell space with new food and beverage options, new seating opportunities for all levels of guests, and enhanced technology throughout the venue.
 

Premium Experiences

Fans of the Capitals and Wizards will be able to access the most premium new spaces as early as the 2025-26 season, as these will be completed during the first phase of construction.

The creation of The Vault marks the landmark first step in Capital One Arena’s transformation process, which will not only offer the pinnacle of premium fan experiences at the modernized arena but will set a new standard for premier hospitality within the DMV region.

With space for more than 800 guests, the United Globe Club will be the most expansive of the new hospitality spaces at the transformed Capital One Arena, offering more than 16 square feet of space per guest at full capacity.

The club will feature exclusive space for guests across two levels and will provide access to a dynamic new dining experience as well as complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks for all Capitals and Wizards VIP seat holders. The United Globe Club will be 30% larger than any existing hospitality space at the current arena.

Exclusive to Wizards Courtside Row AAA seat holders and Capitals Row A seats on the glass, the United Globe Lounge will only be available to 150 guests per event, providing one of the most spacious, luxurious premium hospitality experiences in any arena nationwide.

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