Capital One Arena announces $40 million upgrade to arena

[Calicaps]

What a load of crap! “Hey! We’re improving the experience with new, better seats!!” Wink wink. And you absolutely know the prices are gonna jump next year too.

 

[John Price]

Major upgrades inside Capital One Arena are almost finished | WTOP

Good to hear this because I'll be there next Tuesday for the Bruins game. Curious to see how everything plays out with the new sound system and all.

 

[John Price]

Construction still not finished. Still empty TVs and concession stands.

Biggest note is the stadium seating numbers have a picture of notable Capital One events. There was one of the Wizards but the ones I took a picture of were the Caps ("Snowvechkin" and "Capitals winning championship")

Team Store has a more open feel but really doesn't sell anything unique and it's still overpriced.

If you look you can see the new sound systems above the big screen. They're damn loud

 

[HunterSThompson]

Yes. They went with gray, white, and black tones on the concourse. Seats are obviously black and the rest of the arena concrete fixtures have Capital One blue as the paint, though the painting is not finished as it only goes down to the tops of the chairs, so there is still more work to be done.

About the seats, they may be a bit tighter but it isn't very noticeable. I thought forward legroom was hurt more. I still don't have a cupholder, but hopefully that is remedied when they pull the chairs off the back row and finish painting.

The entire Caps shoot twice side 1st floor concourse is not done. Though there does appear to be a lounge of sorts going in right next to the stairs down to the Etihad lounge in the NE corner. Sound was very crisp.

I was a bit underwhelmed, though it might be different when everything is finished and all the TVs are on. There are lots of big ones of those that better be on the game and not used exclusively for advertising.

 

[John Price]

Someone said that the lower bowl cupholders are still being shipped and were delayed because of the Hurricane. So come opening night everyone should have a cupholder.

 

[BiPolar Caps]

There's only one cupholder that we should be talking about and interested in.

 

[John Price]

I received an email earlier today about Phase II of the renovation. They intend to get the current screen out and replace it with a better one (which is overdue, have you seen Tampa's big screen they have at Amelie arena?) as well as add more celebrity chef options. The celebrity chef options are kind of disinteresting right now because I could always eat outside before the game with a bigger portion size. They give you a small Korean BBQ hoagie for like 15 dollars. It's nuts.

 

[John Price]

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is announcing Phase II of our Capital One Arena updates, investing an additional $15+ million to our initial $40 million dollar investment. In Phase II, to be completed in the summer of 2019, we’re completely transforming the in-bowl experience, adding more celebrity chef inspired concessions, expanding our luxury seating, and further updating our concourses. This entirely privately financed renovation continues our commitment to create an unrivaled experience for you, our fans. With one of North America’s largest continuous 360-degree centerhung scoreboard, we’re revolutionizing the fan experience, bringing you more live action, scores and stats. Together with our amazing new DualTV double-sided LED boards, and a first-of-its kind 360-degree HD SkyRing at the top of our Arena, you won’t miss a thing!

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

 

[Calicaps]

There's only one cupholder that we should be talking about and interested in.

Because of that commercial, BB will never hoist the Stanley Cup. Worst jinx ever.

 

[Skrudland2Lomakin]

Couldn't care less about arena food options. With all of the great food around that area you'd have to be a dunce to pay $20 for "gourmet" nachos and deal with gas for 2 periods of the game.

 

[Calicaps]

Sounds like a lot more video screen than I want in my in-game experience. Bought these a while back to reduce the impact of screens everywhere. Will be bringing them with me to games next year.

Screen-blocking glasses

 

[twabby]

Couldn't care less about arena food options. With all of the great food around that area you'd have to be a dunce to pay $20 for "gourmet" nachos and deal with gas for 2 periods of the game.

I'm with you but there are plenty of people who go to games straight from work and don't really have time to stop at a restaurant before the game.

 

[Skrudland2Lomakin]

Ironically the only thing I really want out of my game day experiences is not feeling like the guy next to me is sitting in my lap.

 

[John Price]

So I went to the arena today for their movie night. TV scoreboard is the exact same. Can't say I'm surprised they didn't change it out yet. The Valor still use the stadium.

 

[John Price]

 

[BKIslandersFan]

The configuration for Wizards game is interesting. One of the end will have bars where fans can hang out instead of seats.

 

[RandyHolt]

Cup holders in every seat!!!1! an inch deep and far too wide for the 32 ounce beer cans that are 8 inches tall, remains a monumental fail.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Cup holders in every seat!!!1! an inch deep and far too wide for the 32 ounce beer cans that are 8 inches tall, remains a monumental fail.

It’s like they want you to spill so you have to buy another. Total failboat.

 

[RandyHolt]

It’s like they want you to spill so you have to buy another. Total failboat.

it may be the worst cup holder of all time. The very first one that you clipped onto your car window 30 years ago were better. Until big gulps changed the world.These things wont even secure a big gulp.

I did email Ted.

 

[usiel]

#cupholdergate

 

[John Price]

 

[John Price]

 

[John Price]

 

[RVACapsFan]

Haven’t seen it in person yet, but based on photos I’m not particularly impressed with the new videoboard. The screen area for live feed and replays doesn’t seem much bigger than the old board. I am eager to see how the new “SkyRing” looks, I saw somewhere it wont be operational until the regular season.

 

[John Price]

Haven’t seen it in person yet, but based on photos I’m not particularly impressed with the new videoboard. The screen area for live feed and replays doesn’t seem much bigger than the old board. I am eager to see how the new “SkyRing” looks, I saw somewhere it wont be operational until the regular season.

I posted pics in the game thread, basically if you're in the 400's depending on how close you are to the ice you may be obstructed by the ribbons