Back in February, Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced that Capital One Arena would be undergoing a series of major renovations as part of the new naming rights with Capital One. Included in the renovations are new seats, a facelift to the 100 and 400 levels, and upgraded concessions.
With the Capitals and Wizards now in the off-season, the renovations have now begun. On Wednesday, Monumental revealed even more details on what fans can expect to see when they come to a game at Capital One Arena next season.
Fans can expect to see a new DJ stage on display for both Caps and Wizards games. Pre-game openings will also look different. The arena will be installing a permanent 3D on-ice projection system. The team experimented a lot with on-ice projection during the Caps’ 2018 playoff run, particularly during the Stanley Cup Finals.
“We are committed to putting on the best show possible for every fan who comes to a game at Capital One Arena,” said MSE President of Business Operations Jim Van Stone. “So, as we upgrade the facilities at the Arena this summer, we are also upgrading all of our in-game entertainment to keep the experience fresh and on the cutting edge.”
Even the ice resurfacers will look different. An Olympia ice resurfacer bus will now be able to take groups of people on the ice before games and during intermissions.
A new in-game spirit squad will also be seen during Caps games. The squad, which will be co-ed, will help energize the crowd. No word on whether this new group will be replacing the Red Rockers.
In addition, the Capital One Arena team store closed on July 2 to make way for upgrades. After the renovations are complete, it will stay open year-round.
The Team Shop is now closed for renovations.
Please visit us at https://t.co/CMTQ4WbeCL to get your Caps, Wiz, Mystics & Valor gear!
Thanks for shopping with us and we look forward to upgrading our store to better your shopping experience!
— Team Shop at Capital One Arena (@TeamShopAtCOA) July 2, 2018
More from Moumental:
Today, Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced an entirely overhauled in-game entertainment experience for the 2018-19 Wizards and Capitals seasons. The overhaul includes a new sound system, new DJ stage, new permanent 3D on ice/on court projection system, new Wizards and Capitals entertainment squads and more. The in-game entertainment overhaul comes as Capital One Arena is undergoing $40 million in renovations to ensure the very best fan experience for every person who comes through the door.
“We are committed to putting on the best show possible for every fan who comes to a game at Capital One Arena,” said MSE President of Business Operations Jim Van Stone. “So, as we upgrade the facilities at the Arena this summer, we are also upgrading all of our in-game entertainment to keep the experience fresh and on the cutting edge.”
“We’re excited about these new changes to our game entertainment experience,” said Hunter Lochmann, MSE Senior Vice President of Marketing. “We work hard to create the best, most engaging entertainment experience in professional sports and we hope fans love this new, revamped energy.”
In addition to the new seats and new state-of-the-art sound system being installed as part of the Arena renovation, fans can expect to see these exciting changes:
- A new DJ stage for both Capitals and Wizards games
- A permanent 3D on ice/on court projection system that will create immersive video experiences, making fans feel as though they are in the middle of the pre-game action
- New entertainment squads for both the Capitals and Wizards:
- All-new, co-ed Wizards Dancers and Caps spirit teams, who will energize the crowd.
- Wizdom, a new Wizards seniors dance team
- Wizards Power Pack, an entertainment crew that will feature stunts, tumbling and more
- And the fan favorite Wizkids dancers and Secret Service Dunkers will return, as well
- Digital signage experience throughout the fully-renovated concourses that will pull fans into an exclusively all-Wizards or all-Capitals team experience each night highlighting player and team imagery on each concourse
- Sponsored quadrants in the Arena where fans will experience concourse takeovers and can expect special offers and giveaways from sponsors
- Olympia ice resurfacer bus: groups of fans will be able to take pre-game and intermission rides
- Award-winning, chef-inspired dining experience featuring options from premiere chefs David Chang, Cat Cora and Alex McCoy
- A transformed and modernized PwC Club offering some of the best sightlines in the Arena and new 100-level lounge, both featuring top-of-the-line comfort seating and exclusive food and beverage options so fans can gather in style during the games
- A new in-bowl broadcasting platform for NBC Sports Washington
Headline photo: @Capitals
