Passion for basketball has returned to the Washington D.C. era, and the Verizon Center is kicking off with energy for Wizards games these days. The young stars John Wall and Bradley Beal have brought playoff games to Washington D.C., and those likely aren’t going away anytime soon. Easily located in downtown D.C., there’s no reason you shouldn’t be attending a Wizards game, especially if one of the NBA’s best teams comes to visit.
Tickets & Seating Areas
The recent success of the Wizards has caused some ticket inventory to disappear from the primary market; however, there are still plenty of good seats available because the Wizards aren’t the most popular team in town. When tickets are available, you can purchase them online at Ticketmaster, via phone, or at the Verizon Center box office. Moreover, you may want to explore the secondary market for better seats or for tickets to sold-out games. Well-known options include Stubhub and NBA Tickets. Alternatively, using a ticket aggregator like SeatGeek and TiqIQ can also yield a reasonable amount of inventory from broker season tickets.
The Wizards dynamically price their single-game tickets in the 100 Level (aka Lower Level). This means the price per ticket is adjusted regularly by the team based on inventory, opponent, day of the week, and current success. If you’re seeking Club amenities with your tickets, you’ll have to acquire season tickets that include Club access, as this option is not available through Ticketmaster.
The Wizards offer two all-inclusive ticket options. The Budweiser Brew House package comes with a ticket in the Acela Club Level, a t-shirt, and an all-inclusive buffet with unlimited beer, wine, and soda until the end of the third quarter. Fans can select seats in the center, baseline, or corner areas depending on their budget. The second, less expensive package for the 400 Level Lounge includes the same amenities with a ticket in the Upper Level.
Getting There
Getting to the Verizon Center is incredibly easy due to its prime location in Washington, D.C. Numerous Metro lines service the area. The Green, Red, and Yellow lines all stop at Gallery Place-Chinatown, which is located directly beneath the Verizon Center. Additionally, they drop passengers off at Judiciary Square (Red) and Archives-Navy Memorial Penn Quarter (Green and Yellow), both within walking distance. The Orange and Blue lines take you to Metro Center, which is also conveniently close to the arena.
Parking Panda has partnered with the Verizon Center to assist fans in locating parking near the arena should they choose to drive. It’s straightforward to locate the Verizon Center in D.C.’s Chinatown neighborhood, but directions are available on the Verizon Center website. Alternatively, you can always opt for a taxi or Uber if you’re running late, or even walk if the weather permits.
Pregame & Postgame Fun
Numerous bars and restaurants surround the Verizon Center. Notably, the two busiest bars close to the venue are Redline and Rocket Bar. Redline is an upscale sports bar, known for its diverse menu, while Rocket Bar has a more casual atmosphere, offering pool and shuffleboard for entertainment. On the north side of the arena, Penn Commons provides an excellent food and beer selection, particularly famous for its Tuk Tuk wings and burgers. RFD is also highly regarded for having over 30 beers on tap and more than 300 types in bottles.
If you want to explore more options, a few blocks away you’ll find Fado, which offers a quintessential Irish bar experience. Irish Channel is another Irish venue that has a more dive-like atmosphere, complete with tasty buffalo wings. Penn Quarter Sports Tavern stands out as one of the best sports bars for watching games before and after your Verizon Center experience. Be sure to try the quesadillas or the buffalo chicken wrap to satisfy your appetite.
Hill Country Barbecue, acclaimed in New York City, has a similarly prestigious reputation in its D.C. location, serving brisket and ribs with mac ‘n cheese. For incredible burgers, head to Plan B Burger Bar, which offers unique twists, including versions inspired by Philadelphia and New England. Given our location in Chinatown, it’s essential we mention New Big Wong, celebrated for its Congee (Chinese rice porridge) and authentic American-Chinese dishes. For fantastic Italian food, particularly pizzas and meatballs, visit Graffiato, helmed by Top Chef alum Mike Isabella.
At the Game
The first thing to do when attending a Wizards game is to download the Verizon Center app for your mobile device. This interactive map will help you easily find concession stands and browse their menus. If you’re a fan of Chick-Fil-A, you’ll be pleased to know that the Verizon Center offers these popular chicken sandwiches. You can grab them outside of Sections 116 and 422 or from a vendor walking through the crowd. Another local favorite is Hard Times Cafe, known for its Frito pie—a delicious take on nachos using Fritos instead of chips, topped with chili and cheese. If barbecue is what you want, check out the BBQ Pit outside of Section 229 for some wildly popular nachos with either BBQ pork or chicken. The pulled pork sandwich is also a solid choice.
For a variety of sandwiches, visit Butcher Shop outside of Section 214, where they offer several options, including those served on pretzel buns. The DC Sliders stand outside of Section 111 features burgers, chicken parm, and meatball sliders. Unfortunately, for pizza lovers, you’ll have to settle for Papa John’s as Verizon Center has an exclusive contract to sell their pizzas.
There are also several spots in the arena where you can indulge in quality beer. Monumental Brews outside of Section 421 serves beer and wine, featuring unique options like Goose Island, Stella Cidre, and Landshark. Sausage and Brews near Section 107 has a broader selection, including Redhook Longer Hammer IPA, Spaten Lager, Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale, and Heritage IPA. You can also find Bulleit bourbon there for those who prefer a stronger beverage.
Where to Stay
If you’re traveling to the game from out of town, numerous hotels downtown make for convenient accommodations. While location is crucial, staying near Washington Circle or north/east of the White House is advisable. Well-known brands like Four Seasons, Hilton, Marriott, Ritz Carlton, and Westin are all available. If you prefer to stay within walking distance to the Verizon Center, consider the Grand Hyatt or the Courtyard. Alternatively, you can explore rental options through AirBNB, HomeAway, or VRBO.
