The Washington Wizards have long been a staple of the D.C.-area sports scene, as loyal supporters who still share memories of the team’s 1978 NBA championship will attest. Their 41 regular season games per year in the gleaming Verizon Center give both their longtime fans and visitors alike the chance to watch the world’s greatest athletes from October through April. Watching Wizards All-Stars Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison take on the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Garnet is certainly enough to cater to any sports fan, but the Wizards also offer a non-stop evening of family entertainment surrounding each game. Music, videos, high-flying and comical mascots, the Wizards Girls, contests and interactive games combine with the ultimate in athletic competition to provide a memorable (and surprisingly affordable) night out in the nation’s capital.
Owners Abe and Irene Pollin (who, at 45 years, are the longest-tenured owners in the NBA) opened Verizon Center in 1997 both as a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility for their Wizards and as a catalyst for the growth of downtown D.C. The building, easily accessed off of the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro stop, has succeeded on both fronts. The Wizards’ home court is one of the top venues in the NBA and Washington’s Gallery Place neighborhood has sprung to life with a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment options that have made the area a top tourist destination. The Pollins’ vision of a better, brighter Washington D.C. has historically been carried out by the Wizards’ players, coaches and staff as well. The organization strives to make a difference by connecting to the community on a year-round basis.
The Wizards also display their commitment to their fans and to family entertainment by offering some of the best values in the NBA. For instance, the Wizards’ average ticket price is the third-cheapest in the league (nearly $60 less than the average ticket for a Los Angeles Lakers home game). In addition, a family of four can attend a game at Verizon Center complete with concessions and souvenirs (four average-priced tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four hot dogs, parking, two game programs and two hats) for under $200—the second-lowest price in the NBA. With their All-Star trio of Arenas, Butler and Jamison leading the way, the Wizards are poised to make a return to the top of the NBA.
With the team’s exciting style of play, the energetic atmosphere of Verizon Center and the unwavering support of their dedicated fans, being a part of the ride will be an unforgettable experience.