Verizon Center, Washington DC

The Verizon Center offers a diverse schedule of special events, including professional sports, top-tier college events, and big-name concerts. Just minutes from downtown Washington DC, and easy to access from the Metro, the special events center is one of the most popular draws in the city once the sun has set. Fans of basketball, hockey, and pop music all enjoy the Verizon Center events that take place on most days of the year.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment took over ownership of the Verizon Center Washington DC in 2010. In addition to taking care of the event center, the company also manages the three professional sports teams that call it home—the Washington Wizards of the NBA, hockey's Capitals, and the Mystics of the the WNBA. The $200 million Verizon Center, which debuted in 1997, welcomes more than 2 million people for sporting events and concerts each year. Its opening sparked a revitalization of its home neighborhood, the Seventh Street District.

Growing more popular every year, the Verizon Center has hosted some of the top events in America, as diverse of the WNBA/NBA All-Star games, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the World Figure Skating Championships. Several different NCAA basketball tournaments have been held at this event center close to the White House. The Georgetown Hoyas play their home basketball games here, bringing top-tier college games in season from November through March. The schedule of Verizon Center events is planned far in advance, so you could check what's in town during your upcoming DC vacations. Tickets can be purchased in any number of ways, including right here on Destination360, for all of these events.

After the tip-off, the puck has dropped, or the first note has played, the Verizon Center springs to life with a full complement of visitor amenities Whether you're coming to enjoy a basketball game or any of the Verizon Center events, you'll enjoy a state-of-the-art facility jam-packed with dining options, executive suites, and an HD scoreboard. An hour before the events begin, you'll have the chance to enjoy a cocktail, appetizers, and dinner at Dewar's 12 Clubhouse. The restaurant is easy to find by F Street entrance of the Verizon Center Washington DC.

The Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grille was a Maryland-only option before it opened in 2007 at the Verizon Center Washington DC. This landmark restaurant, already a favorite along the shore in Ocean City, features great food served in a fun atmosphere. The family-friendly Turtle specializes in American food, especially hot wings, sliders, and burgers crafted from Angus beef. Many Verizon Center visitors make time for a bite to eat before and after the game.

Visitors to the Verizon Center also have the chance to do some shopping with the Team Store. Easy to access from F Street, the shop carries jerseys and souvenirs from all of the teams that call the VC home.

If your favorite team leaves you frustrated, you might want to make an appointment at the Vida Fitness and Bang Salon. Designed for wellness and relaxation, this space offers yoga, facials, and other ways to catch your breath and feel wonderful. You can make an appointment even if you don't plan on seeing one of the Verizon Center events. Other Vida spas can be found at the Renaissance Hotel and on 15th Street.