Where Do the Washington Mystics Play: Why Fans are Heading to Different Cities in 2025

Honestly, if you're trying to figure out where do the Washington Mystics play right now, you aren't alone. It’s gotten a little complicated lately. For years, the answer was simple: Southeast D.C. But as the WNBA explodes in popularity and stadium renovations shake things up, the "home court" is starting to look like a tour of the DMV area.

The short answer? They mostly play at CareFirst Arena (formerly known as the Entertainment and Sports Arena or ESA) in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

But—and this is a big "but"—if you are looking for tickets to see them take on big-name stars like Caitlin Clark or A'ja Wilson in 2025, you might actually find yourself driving to Fairfax, Virginia, or even Baltimore, Maryland.

The Main Stage: CareFirst Arena in Congress Heights

For the bulk of their schedule, the Mystics call CareFirst Arena home. It’s located at 1100 Oak Drive SE. This place is intimate. We're talking 4,200 seats.

When the team moved here from the massive Capital One Arena in 2019, some people thought it was a step backward. It wasn't. The energy in a small, sold-out gym is electric. It’s loud. You’re practically on top of the court. Fans usually take the Green Line to the Congress Heights Metro station—it's just a five-minute walk from there.

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What to Expect at the Arena

• Cashless everything: Don't bring paper money. They only take cards or mobile pay. If you only have cash, there’s a "reverse ATM" that spits out a debit card.
• The Food: You’ve gotta try MLK Deli. It’s a Ward 8 staple right there on the concourse.
• The Bag Policy: This catches everyone off guard. They are strict. No backpacks. No purses. Basically, if it’s bigger than a tiny clutch (5” x 7”), leave it in the car or use the Binbox lockers outside for about 12 bucks.

Why the Mystics are Playing in Baltimore and Virginia in 2025

The 2024 season changed everything. The "Caitlin Clark Effect" and the general rise of the WNBA meant the Mystics sold out every single home game. That 4,200-seat capacity? It’s just too small for the massive crowds wanting to get in.

In 2025, the team is moving four big games to larger venues. Normally, they’d just move these to Capital One Arena (where the Wizards play), but that building is undergoing a massive $500 million renovation during the summer months.

So, here is the 2025 "Road Home" schedule:

1. CFG Bank Arena (Baltimore, MD): They’re playing the Indiana Fever here on May 28 and September 7. This place holds over 11,000 people. It’s a huge deal for Baltimore fans who usually have to trek into D.C.
2. EagleBank Arena (Fairfax, VA): Located on George Mason’s campus, this will host the Chicago Sky on July 8 and the Las Vegas Aces on July 10. It fits about 10,000 fans.

It’s kinda weird for a D.C. team to play home games in Maryland and Virginia, but honestly, it’s the only way to meet the demand. Last year, when they moved a game to Capital One Arena, they set a WNBA attendance record with over 20,700 fans. They literally can't afford not to move these games.

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Where Do the Washington Mystics Play Their Practice Rounds?

Even though they play games in Congress Heights, the Mystics share a world-class facility with the Wizards. The MedStar Health Performance Center is attached to the CareFirst Arena.

It’s an 80,000-square-foot space where the players spend most of their time. It’s got everything: hydrotherapy pools, massive weight rooms, and chef-prepared meals. Most fans never see the inside of it, but it’s a big reason why D.C. has become a destination for top-tier free agents.

The Venue History

The Mystics haven't always been in Southeast.

• 1998–2018: They played at Capital One Arena (then MCI Center/Verizon Center).
• 2019–Present: Moved to the Entertainment and Sports Arena (now CareFirst Arena).
• 2024–2025: High-demand games shifted to larger venues due to the "WNBA Boom."

Pro Tips for Attending a Game

If you're heading to a game at the main arena in D.C., you should probably know that parking is a nightmare. There's a "Kiss & Ride" lot and some street parking, but it fills up fast. Take the Metro.

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Also, keep an eye on the schedule for "Camp Day." This is usually a morning game (around 11:30 AM) where the arena is filled with thousands of screaming kids from local summer camps. It is incredibly loud and high-energy, but maybe not the vibe you want if you're looking for a quiet afternoon of basketball.

For the relocated games in Baltimore or Fairfax, check the specific arena policies. CFG Bank Arena and EagleBank Arena have different bag rules than the D.C. stadium.

Actionable Steps for Fans

If you're planning to catch a game this season, here is what you need to do:

1. Verify the Venue: Always double-check your ticket. Don't assume the game is in D.C. If it's against the Fever or the Sky, there's a good chance it's in Baltimore or Virginia.
2. Download the App: Use the Monumental+ app. It’s where your digital tickets live, and it’s the easiest way to see if a game has been moved due to high demand.
3. Check the "No Bag" Line: If you can go bagless, do it. The security lines at CareFirst Arena move way faster if you aren't carrying anything.
4. Watch from Home: If you can't get to the arena, most games are broadcast on Monumental Sports Network. They actually aired 40 games in 2025, including preseason.

The "home" of the Mystics is wherever the fans are, and right now, that's all over the DMV. Whether you're at the intimate gym in Congress Heights or the big arena in Baltimore, the atmosphere is unlike anything else in pro sports right now.

Go check your schedule, grab your red and blue gear, and make sure you're heading to the right city.