If you've ever found yourself in the middle of Penn Quarter on a Tuesday night, you already know the vibe. There’s a specific kind of energy that pulses through 7th and F Street—a mix of half-eaten pizza from the vendors outside and the low roar of a crowd echoing through the concrete. It’s loud. It’s crowded. And honestly, it’s the heartbeat of D.C. sports.
But if you’re trying to keep track of who plays in Capital One Arena, things have changed a bit recently. Between massive renovation talks that almost moved the teams to Virginia and the ongoing 2026 season schedule, the lineup at the arena is as packed as a Metro car after a playoff win.
Basically, the arena is the full-time home to three major local institutions, but the 2025-2026 season has brought in some pretty wild guest appearances that most people didn't see coming.
The Big Three: The Permanent Tenants
You can’t talk about this place without the "Big Three." These are the teams that define the arena's identity.
Washington Capitals (NHL)
The Caps are the soul of the building. Even in 2026, Alex Ovechkin remains the name on everyone’s lips as he continues his legendary chase of the all-time goal record. When the ice is down, the temperature in the bowl drops, the red jerseys come out in force, and "Rock the Red" becomes more than just a marketing slogan.
Just this week, the Caps faced the Montreal Canadiens at home—a game that saw them battling through a nasty injury list including Tom Wilson and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Watching them play here is a rite of passage for anyone in the District.
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Washington Wizards (NBA)
The hardwood replaces the ice about 41 times a year for the Wizards. While the team has been in a building phase, the atmosphere for "Marquee Matchups" is still top-tier. In early 2026, the schedule is stacked with home stands against teams like the Indiana Pacers (who they’re playing in a back-to-back this February) and the Miami Heat.
There’s also a big night coming up on January 29, 2026, where the team is celebrating five-time All-Star John Wall. If you want to see the arena at its loudest for basketball, that’s the night to be there.
Georgetown Hoyas Men’s Basketball (NCAA)
The Hoyas bring the "Hoya Saxa" spirit to Chinatown. Under Head Coach Ed Cooley, the 2025-26 season has seen some serious battles, like the recent January 10th clash with Seton Hall. Unlike the pro games, the college crowd brings a different, more frantic energy.
It’s worth noting that while the men play here, the Georgetown women’s team usually sticks to the smaller, more intimate McDonough Arena on campus.
The New Faces and Guest Stars in 2026
It’s not just about the regulars anymore. One of the coolest things about who plays in Capital One Arena this year is the variety of "visiting" residents.
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For starters, the PWHL Takeover Tour hit the arena on January 18, 2026, bringing a professional women’s hockey matchup between Montreal and New York. This is a big deal because D.C. has a massive hockey fan base, and the turnout for women’s pro sports in the District has been skyrocketing.
Then you have the "special" residents. On February 21, 2026, the arena is hosting the Duel in the District, featuring a massive college hoops showdown between Duke and Michigan. It’s one of those neutral-site games that turns the whole neighborhood into a sea of blue (of two different shades).
2026 Entertainment Lineup
If you aren't there for a whistle and a scoreboard, you're probably there for a microphone. The 2026 concert slate is particularly heavy on legends and massive pop acts:
- Nine Inch Nails: Bringing their "Peel It Back Tour" on February 11.
- TWICE: The K-pop icons are taking over for two nights, February 13 and 14.
- Lady Gaga: The "Mayhem Ball Tour" lands in late March for a two-night residency.
- Nate Bargatze: If you need a laugh, the "Big Dumb Eyes" tour stops by in April.
The $800 Million Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about the fact that for a minute there, we weren't sure who would be playing in Capital One Arena long-term.
Last year, there was a massive drama involving a proposed move to Alexandria, Virginia. It felt like every sports fan in D.C. was holding their breath. But after some serious negotiations and a massive $800 million renovation deal with the city, the Capitals and Wizards are staying put until at least 2050.
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The first phase of those renovations just finished, which is why the arena feels a bit "fresher" this season. Better lighting, updated concessions, and a faster entry process are all part of the deal. They’re trying to make it more of a "destination" and less of just a building where you watch a game and leave.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
Honestly, if you're heading to a game or a show, there are a few things that will save your life.
First, the bag policy is brutal. Don't bring a backpack. They will make you walk all the way back to a locker or your car. Only tiny clutches (5" x 7") are allowed, though they make exceptions for medical or parenting bags if you go through the 6th and F Street entrance.
Second, use the Metro. The Gallery Place-Chinatown station is literally underneath the building. You can take the Red, Green, or Yellow lines and walk up the stairs directly into the chaos. If you try to park in the 6th and G Street garage, expect to pay around $35 and spend 40 minutes just trying to exit after the buzzer.
What to Watch for Next
If you're looking to catch a game soon, the late February schedule is the sweet spot. You've got "Sneaker Night" with the Wizards on February 20 and "Star Wars Night" with the Capitals on February 5. There’s also "Hoops and Hounds" on February 22, which is exactly as chaotic and adorable as it sounds.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the official Monumental Sports app for real-time ticket upgrades; sometimes lower-bowl seats drop in price 15 minutes before puck drop.
- If you’re a Georgetown fan, make sure to double-check the venue, as a few select games occasionally move back to campus.
- Download your tickets to your Apple or Google Wallet before you get to the 7th Street entrance—the cell service gets notoriously spotty when 20,000 people are all trying to load a QR code at once.