Capital One Arena Bag Policy 2024 - Key Details

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 at Capital One Arena.

Located at 601 F St NW, Washington, DC, 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!

For those who aren't into sports, but love live music you'll want to look into the upcoming concert line-up to see what may be happening while you're in town. Capital One Arena has hosted such big-name acts as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Queen, U2, Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, and so many more.

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.

Bag Policy at Capital One Arena: What You Need to Know Before You Visit 

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 have another plan for your belongings, 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 Bags with Bounce and Make the Most of Your Visit to Capital One Arena

Because you may be heading to Capital One Arena after a day of sightseeing or even straight from the airport, you may have some added baggage with you that won't be allowed in the venue. We can make life easy by providing convenient and affordable temporary bag storage located near Capital One Arena. There's no need to go out of your way, simply drop off your items on your way to the venue.

Our bag storage starts at $4.10 per bag, per day. And with our 24-hour flat rate fee, you won't have to worry about the game or event running late since the price won't go up. To make a booking just download the Bounce app, pick the best location for you, and make a reservation. This guarantees you've got a safe and reliable place to drop off your items while you're exploring Washington D.C., and enjoy events at Capital One Arena. All bookings also include protection of $10,000 at no added cost to you.

The last thing you want to be concerned about as you make your way to Capital One Arena is whether your bags will be prohibited. We want to make things as smooth and enjoyable as possible by providing you with a convenient solution.

Policies to Keep In Mind When Going to 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 concert, hockey, or basketball game. Here are a few of the most important ones to know about.

Capital One Arena Has a Strict No Outside Food and Drink Policy

You may be tempted to pack some snacks in your bag and bring them with you. Unfortunately, outside food is strictly prohibited. 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.

Go Ahead and Bring Non-Professional Cameras to Capital One Arena 

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.

Some Signs and Banners Are Allowed at Capital One Arena

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.

Final Useful Tips When Going To Capital One Arena

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.

Drop Your Bags with Bounce and Ease Your Worries About the Bag Policy at Capital One Arena

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. Just don't forget to book your luggage storage with us so that the bag policy doesn't pose a problem when you arrive!