The Verizon Center in Washington, DC is home to the NHL’s Washington Capitals. The Verizon Center is a large multi-purpose facility with the ability to seat over 20,000 people for some events. When configured for hockey, it seats approximately 18,500. It was recently ranked by Billboard Magazine as the ninth highest grossing venue over the past decade.

The Verizon Center is located in the heart of Washington, DC’s Chinatown District. The street in front of the Arena is named after the late Abe Pollin. Mr. Pollin has been credited with leading the effort to revitalize the downtown Washington, DC area. The 7th Street corridor, or Abe Pollin Way, is sometimes referred to as Washington’s own Times Square.

Fans can get to the game in a multitude of ways. For those who choose to drive, the easiest means of accessing the stadium is to take the I-95 to the I-395. Exit to the US-1 and follow it to the 14th Street Bridge. Turn right onto Constitution Avenue, and then, take a left onto 7th Street NW. Unfortunately, the under stadium parking garage is only open when the Verizon Center plays hosts to large concerts. Those that drive will be forced to take advantage of the 10,000 parking spaces located within several blocks of the Arena.

Perhaps the best option for travel to the game is to take the Metro. There are four metro stations within walking distance of the Arena, and one of these stations is located directly below the Verizon Center itself.

The arena features 106 luxury suites and the Captain Morgan Party Pavilion that is capable of hosting up to 99 guests, but those who simply wish to watch a game will not be disappointed. The designers of the arena kept the average fan in mind during the design process. Every seat has an excellent line of sight to the ice. Four large screens are clearly visible from every angle and allow fans to view scores from around the league, as well as view instant replays and the action on the ice.

The concessions below the club level are the standard arena fare fans can expect to find at any arena in the country. The good food is reserved for those who have club level passes. On the club level, fans can indulge in such as Stromboli, Caesar salads, hot wings, and specialty sandwiches. Fans that arrive early can indulge in an adult beverage at the Dewar's Clubhouse. The Dewar's Clubhouse has multiple big-screen televisions broadcasting games from around the country.

Arena concession prices can be exorbitant. Many fans choose to fill up on outstanding food before entering the arena itself. There are many options within walking distance of the arena available to hungry hockey fans.

Tony Cheng’s Seafood Restaurant
When in Chinatown, it makes sense to indulge in Chinese food. Tony Cheng offers an affordable all you can eat buffet. Even the hungriest fan can fill up at Tony Cheng’s. They also offer dim sum, hot pots and made to order menu items.

Carmine’s
This Italian-American Eatery offers large portions at reasonable prices. Fans can stuff themselves with pasta and pizza before attending a game. As all Italian restaurants must, Carmine’s offers an extensive yet affordable selection of wines.

Matchbox
It began as a traditional brick-oven pizzeria but has since expanded to include bistro fare. The pizzas are excellent with just a hint of brick oven smoke. The bistro fare includes seared scallops, sliders, crab cakes, and steak among others dishes.

After the game, fans can find a variety of late-night spots either to celebrate or to drown their sorrows in downtown Washington. For those who favor the DJ and dancing, the Ultra Bar is the place to go. The party starts late and goes early. For those who just want an ice-cold beer and a laid-back atmosphere, they might consider heading over to Penn Quarter Sports Tavern. This laid-back tavern has plenty of TVs, tasty bar food and routinely runs drink specials throughout the night.

For those who arrive a few days early and want to take in the sights, it is Washington, DC. It is the nation’s capital. There is no better place in the country to see the sights. Make sure to take in the Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the National Mall, the Capital Building. There are literally too many to mention. Fans should just grab a map and go.

The Capitals are playing excellent hockey right now, and there is no better time to go see them on the ice. As an added bonus, fans will find themselves in one of the nation’s greatest cities where there is plenty to see and do.

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