Newly released time-lapse video shows arena’s versatility and logistical efficiency during conversion from hosting ice hockey to inaugural events in quick succession (Courtesy of Capital One Arena)
Capital One Arena – the premier sports and entertainment venue in the national capital region – played host to two momentous events this past weekend in celebration of the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the arena hosted then President-elect Trump’s “Make America Great Again” Victory Rally, followed by a viewing event for his swearing-in at the Capitol Rotunda and a modified parade yesterday.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), the parent company of Capital One Arena and four other venues throughout the D.C. area, made the arena available to President Trump and his team for inauguration-related events weeks ago – a practice the company exercises with every incoming administration, going back decades. However, planning for Monday’s event began early Friday, just more than 60 hours before the festivities, when severe weather forced many inaugural events indoors.
“Our arena sits between the White House and Capitol Hill and is embedded in the fabric of Washington, D.C.,” said Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman, Managing Partner, and CEO at MSE. “It was our honor to serve a role in our nation’s inaugural ceremonies to celebrate and honor the peaceful transition of power between administrations. We are grateful for the efforts of hundreds of Monumental staff, as well as to D.C. and federal law enforcement, the US Secret Service and everyone who ensured the event was safe and enjoyed by thousands.”
Capital One Arena serves as the home of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, and the NCAA’s Georgetown men’s basketball, in addition to hosting a wide range of chart-topping concerts, family shows, and globally significant events annually. Averaging 220 events per year, the arena has hosted over 50 million people and nearly 5,000 events since it opened in 1997, making Capital One Arena the economic heart of Downtown D.C.
The arena’s hosting capabilities were on full display this past weekend, beginning with a Georgetown men’s basketball game on Friday night, followed by a sold-out Capitals game against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night. Due to the quick turnaround needed, the arena’s 35-person changeover crew jumped into high gear as soon as the final buzzer sounded on the Capitals’ 4-1 victory and converted the arena within less than three hours for the beginning of the inaugural events. The victory rally welcomed thousands of supporters and fans beginning at 1:30 PM on Sunday and the arena conversion process reignited at 6:30 PM Sunday night to begin preparations for Monday. To cap the busy weekend, the changeover crew was called back into action after the parade in preparation for Monster Jam’s three-day residency next weekend.
All told, throughout Sunday and Monday’s events, Capital One Arena had:
- 1,000 MSE, Aramark Sports + Entertainment, and Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC) staff collaborating to create a memorable experience for all guests
- 2,000 manhours provided by local International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) to prep the arena throughout the weekend
- Four third-party vendors assisted the Capital One Arena event production staff for set up
- 20,000 square feet of red carpet adorning the arena floor
- Aramark, Capital One Arena’s exclusive food and beverage partner, served 5,000 chicken tenders, 4,000 hamburgers, 1,000 half smokes, 70,000 bottles of water, and 5,000 soft drinks.
On Tuesday, MSE released a time-lapse video showcasing the changeover from Saturday night’s Capitals-Penguins game to the rally on Sunday and viewing party and parade on Monday, concluding with load-in ahead of this week’s Monster Jam show. CLICK HERE to view the video.
This past weekend’s events took place as MSE formally begins construction on the new Capital One Arena, having received unanimous approval on the development and finance agreements from the D.C. Council last month for the three-year, $800+ million arena transformation. MSE is taking a 360-degree approach to planning a high-tech, high-touch building that will serve millions of annual visitors for the next 25 years, set a new standard for fan experience and technological innovation, and allow the building to host even more high-profile events in the nation’s capital.
Anyone interested is encouraged to visit monumentalsports.com and follow @CapitalOneArena on social media for the latest information on Capital One Arena.
