Capital One Arena shows off new offerings ahead of NHL, NBA seasons

Fans returning to Capital One Arena this weekend to cheer on the hometown teams — the Wizards’ preseason home opener is Friday, while the Capitals are on the ice the following night — will get more than just their first taste of the new NBA and NHL season. There will be a mouthwatering array of new culinary offerings available in the spruced-up Chinatown building.

The arena has added a slew of new concession partners, including the Beeliner Diner, Pho Wheels, Little Hot Chicken and Astro Doughnuts. 

Monumental Sports and Entertainment, which owns the teams and Capital One Arena, said it’s their largest group of culinary partners ever. 

“We are really proud of the cuisine we offer here, which appeals to all tastes and all regions and, importantly, features food and restaurants from right here in D.C.,” said Jordan Silberman, the president of venues for Monumental.

The revamped food stands are scattered throughout the stadium, from Jerk at Nite’s nachos in section 103 to Fuku’s fried chicken in section 422.

Fan-favorite concessions aren’t going anywhere either. Celebrity chef Jose Andres’ cuisine remains in the arena’s signature club. Tonari’s pizza awaits in section 214. 

“We want the everyday fan to experience the food and beverage of Washington, D.C., and with that, come here and have an elevated experience,” Steven Haughie, the arena’s executive chef, said. “Have something that you’re not going to get at another venue, another stadium. This is unique to Capital One.” 

The revamped cuisine won’t be the only change to catch fans’ eyes this season. 

The Capitals are going all out to celebrate their 50th NHL season with a historic display on the main concourse. Before watching the action on the ice, fans can learn about the team’s history with a timeline, trophies, jerseys and other memorabilia. 

The Wizards don’t have an anniversary to celebrate, but hoops fans will have their own upgrades to look forward to when they make the trek to Chinatown. Capital One Arena will feature a new VIP section during Wizards games this year. 

In the east endzone’s new Michelob Ultra courtside lounge, fans willing to splurge can enjoy complimentary food, beer and wine in their own oversized seats. 

The glitzy new food and seating options are part of a broader effort to revamp the 27-year-old building. This time last year, Monumental Sports owner Ted Leonsis was looking for a way out of the District, culminating in an agreement with Virginia lawmakers to build a brand-new home in Alexandria. 

But bills to support the $2 billion arena died in the state legislature, and Leonsis reached a deal with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to keep the Washington franchises in the city. 

With a $500 million investment deal from the D.C. government, Capital One Arena has moved full speed ahead with plans for the future. Earlier this month, officials announced plans to host the Frozen Four — college hockey’s national semifinals —  in 2027 and the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds of the women’s March Madness tournament in 2028. 

“That’s why we do this,” Derius Dunn, the venue’s general manager, said of the upgrades and upcoming events. “To add new offerings to new events coming in, impressing new visitors to hopefully make them return visitors.”

Fans looking to keep it simple don’t have to worry though.

“If you want a hot dog, sure, we have hot dogs,” Haughie said. 

Those hot dogs will cost $7.49 this season. A bottle of water will run $5.99, while a 24-ounce domestic beer will cost $14.49. 

While those prices may sound steep to some fans, stadium officials noted that they’re in line with other sports venues in the area. Several items, including the pretzel ($6.49) saw prices drop over the offseason. 

Capitals fans can get a look at the new offerings during Saturday’s season opener against the New Jersey Devils.

Wizards fans can test the new bites during Friday’s preseason game against the Toronto Raptors, though most of the fanfare will begin with the regular season opener against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 24.