Report: D.C. Looking to Raise Attendance to Full Capacity at Sports Venues by June 11

Photo: NHL.com

During Monday’s situational update, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that on May 21, restrictions on public and commercial activity, including capacity limits, types of activities, and time restrictions, will be lifted. This excludes bars, nightclubs, and large sports and entertainment venues; however, capacity limits and restrictions will be lifted on June 11 on those venues that cannot fully reopen on May 21.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced also coinciding with the city, D.C. Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Management Agency, and D.C. Health that Capital One Arena will increase the capacity of fans per game in the arena, moving from 10 percent of capacity to 25 percent, which equates to approximately 5,000 fans per game.

The Wizards will play their first home game in front of a 25% fan capacity crowd on Friday, May 14, 2021, against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Capitals will play their home playoff games in front of these larger crowds.

“We are grateful to Mayor Bowser for allowing us to welcome more fans into Capital One Arena in time for the playoffs,” said Ted Leonsis, Founder & CEO of MSE. “Russell Westbrook is making all-time history in the NBA as Bradley Beal is chasing the NBA’s lead scoring record for the season. And the Caps are in the postseason for the seventh consecutive season. We are thrilled to have the best fans in sports together with us again to see these excellent teams chase championships!”

Currently, Capital One Arena is hosting fans at 10% capacity, or about 2,100 fans.

Large sports and entertainment venues will continue the waiver request process to host fans until June 11 when there will be no capacity restrictions.