Photo: SBC Americas
Prior to their exhibition opener against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena on Sunday (5 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington locally, NHL Network nationally), the Washington Capitals sent an email to season ticket holders regarding COVID-19 protocols for the 2021-22 season. Here are some highlights from it:
Face masks that cover both the nose and mouth are required to be worn once you exit your vehicle or public transportation and while inside Capital One Arena at all times. All people over the age of two must wear a face covering. Neck gaiters, face masks with valves or vents, costume masks, and bandanas are not acceptable face coverings. Face shields may not be worn in place of a face mask, though they may be worn in addition to a face mask.
Capital One Arena has implemented a strict no bag policy. Bags, backpacks and purses will not be permitted inside the Arena. Wallet-size clutches no larger than 5” x 7” and medical bags and parenting bags no larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″ will be permitted. All bags permitted are subject to security screening. Please note, there are no bag checks or bag storage locations available at Capital One Arena. If you are bringing a medical or parenting bag, please use the entrance on the corner of 6th and F Street. Click here to view a map.
Capital One Arena is now a cashless venue as part of a continued effort to improve the guest experience by increasing the speed of service. Credit cards, debit cards and contactless payment will be the only form of payment that will be accepted at concessions, retail locations and vendors/hawkers.
Use your Capital One card at concessions and receive a 10% discount on food and beverage at Capital One Arena. At all retail locations inside the arena, Capital One cardholders will receive a 20% discount when using their Capital One card. Click here for more information about cardholder benefits.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is following all Federal and DC health requirements, which require all fans to wear a mask for Washington Capitals games at Capital One Arena. MSE continues to monitor the latest regarding the COVID-19 virus and variants and remains in close contact with local and federal health officials. Fans are encouraged to visit monumentalsports.com and follow www.facebook.com/capitalonearena on Facebook and @CapitalOneArena on Twitter for any updated information on health and safety protocols for Capital One Arena events. The link to the health and safety page can be found here.
Cash is still legal tender. Allow it or I’m out.
It may be not for long.
Cashless venues (that do not also provide reverse ATMs) are classist. It presumes all people have access to banking systems, but 6.5% of the US adult population does not because of credit issues or the burden of fees applied to low-balance accounts. I certainly hope Capital One Arena also installs the reverse ATMs as some other cashless venues have (see Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium) so the transition can be equitable and smooth.
For me, it has nothing to do with credit or having bank cards. When I go out I prefer to use cash, going to a game is no different, and it’s still legal tender for all debts. I do use cards once in a while when I go out to dinner, but I always tip in cash. The bar on level 2 is no different.
What a weird/empty threat
According to USA Today from last September,
There is no federal law requiring businesses to take cash, according to the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve. However, some states and cities do require that businesses accept cash.
Mass got a lot of publicity when they issued their cash requirement and NYC joined the list last November.
Cash is fastee