Capital One Arena Bag Policy: The Ultimate Guide

For visitors heading to Washington, DC, and who want to see a live sports game, concert, family-oriented show, or comedy show, then Capital One Arena is the venue to visit. The arena box office is teeming with exciting options year-round, both in sports and other entertainment categories. While it's true that Washington, DC's main attractions are the historic monuments, museums, and government buildings, it's also fun to be part of the crowds and the action at Capital One Arena.

Capital One Arena is home to the NHL's Washington Capitals, the NBA's Washington Wizards, the Georgetown Hoyas (basketball team), and the WNBA's Washington Mystics. To say it's a multi-purpose venue is an understatement.

It's not just the lineup of sporting action and fun shows that make Capital One Arena a huge draw, it's also the fact it's located right downtown in the center of the action. It makes it easy to grab a bite to eat before or after your event, do some shopping, and sightseeing without having to travel too far from each point of interest.

Before you get too far ahead of yourself when it comes to the Capital One Arena events, we do want to make note of the building's strict bag policy. Here's your guide to everything you need to know about the bags permitted inside the arena.

Capital One Arena Bag Policy Details 

The Capital One Arena bag policy is strict and prohibits all bags larger than 5” x 7”. This includes backpacks, briefcases, and large purses. For those who are traveling with large bags and luggage, there isn't any on-site storage. You'll need to leave them behind, and Bounce can certainly help you with that issue.

Exceptions may be provided to a medical or parenting bag, which includes diaper bags. You'll need to speak to event management or security at the gate on the corner of F Street and 6th. The bags will still require security screening, and then the arena management can approve them.

Store Your Luggage with Bounce While at Captial One Arena

Before you start worrying about what you'll do with your luggage and oversized bags, Bounce is here to help. We offer a selection of locations where you can book temporary luggage storage with one of our partners. Our 24-hour flat rate fee means you don't have to watch the clock and worry about how many hours the game or event lasts. You'll have peace of mind knowing it won't change the cost.

Not only is our luggage storage affordable, it's incredibly convenient. Just use our app to find a nearby partner location and book your luggage storage. All storage locations are off-limits to the public and we also include $10,000 protection on all bookings. Our goal is to make luggage storage worry-free, affordable, convenient, safe, and secure so that you can focus on the fun stuff and know your belongings are safe with us.

Additional Policies at Capital One Arena

Knowing the bag policy is only half the battle before heading to the arena, you'll also want to familiarize yourself with the other policies and rules in effect for a hockey or basketball game, and any other type of event. Here are a few of the most important ones to know about.

Capital One Arena Transportation Options

Visitors and those unfamiliar with Washington, DC may be wondering what the best transportation option is. It is highly encouraged that you use public transportation, as game and event days get extremely busy around the arena.

The Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station is next to the arena and is served by the Yellow, Green, and Red lines. This is the best way to avoid the stress of driving and trying to find parking.

Another great option is rideshares like Lyft and Uber. They can drop you off at the designated ride-share pickup and drop-off points.

Capital One Arena Food Policy

You may be tempted to pack some snacks in your bag and bring them with you. Unfortunately, there is a strict no-outside food policy at the arena. All outside food and drink are prohibited items, you can however bring one empty plastic water bottle. You can use the water fountains throughout the arena to fill up your bottle once inside.

The stadium makes up for the strict food policy with a variety of food concession stands. There's an array of cuisines inside at different price points.

Like so many other arenas and stadiums across the country, Capital One Arena is cashless. You'll need to have a debit or credit card, or you can use the reverse ATM to purchase a prepaid card.

Capital One Arena Camera Policy 

For sporting events, the Capital One Arena allows SLR and point-and-shoot cameras. Video equipment, including camcorders, GoPros, and other equipment, aren't allowed. Professional equipment like monopods and tripods are also prohibited. Capital One Arena has also banned selfie sticks. 

The camera policy may vary based on the event and organizers, but most concerts will have the same policies in place. It’s best to check the promotion’s website regarding the camera policy.

Capital One Arena Signs and Flags Policy

Sporting events often draw "passionate" fans and the arena does allow small signs, flags, and posters. They can't be so large that they obstruct the views of others and they can't be on a pole or a stick.

Capital One Arena Is Sure to Deliver Action

There is no shortage of activities, sights, attractions, shopping, and dining options in Washington, DC but be sure to also leave time to catch an event at the Capital One Arena. It doesn't matter what kind of sporting event or show you're there to see, the crowds are sure to be lively and just as excited as you are.