A Close Up on DC’s New Center of Attention
Entertainment & Sports Arena may be the new kid on the block when it comes to venues in the District, but it’s already making history. The innovative and unique venue is transforming the community, bringing endless economic opportunities to residents and edge-of-your-seat experiences to guests.
eSports and Everything Else Entertaining: A History of Entertainment & Sports Arena
2018 - After two and a half years of construction, the Entertainment and Sports Arena holds its grand opening in Congress Heights, set to become the new practice space for the NBA’s Washington Wizards and a permanent home to the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.
2018 - The Arena hosts its Grand Opening Weekend Celebration with sold concerts featuring hometown hip-hop sensation Wale and friends, GRAMMY Award Winner Mary J. Blige, and electrifying rock bands Cage the Elephant and Judah the Lion.
2018 - The Arena hosts the first esports tournament with Red Bull Conquest National Finals.
2018 - DC’s 1st NBA G-League team, the Capital City Go-Go, begin playing home games at the Arena.
2019 - The Washington Mystics beat the Connecticut Sun in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, winning the 2019 WNBA championship in front of their home crowd.
2020 - The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Men’s Basketball Championship brings March Madness to Entertainment & Sports Arena, marking the first time the tournament takes place within the DC region since 1986. Events DC and CAA plan to bring the tournament back to the District through 2022.
2020 - The USA Basketball Men's National Team defeats Puerto Rico 95-73 in the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifying Round. The game marks the first appearance for Team USA played at the Arena and also set an all-time record attendance for any Team USA qualifying game.