Tsize>he Capitals will move to a new arena to be built in downtown Washington, D.C. by 1997, since fans never really liked the atmosphere at USAir Arena. It was called the Capital Centre for 19 years, and was not considered a very flashy place.

There was not enough lighting, fans sometimes got pretty quiet, and the Capitals themselves never seem to warrant much enthusiasm until later in the season. All of these reasons may be why owner Abe Pollin has invested heavily into arena improvements.

November 8, 1997 - JIM MATHESON, Edmonton Journal: There are only four games left in the U.S. Airways Arena before the Caps open their new MCI Centre on December 5, 1997. On November 26, 1997 the Canadiens play the last NHL game there. No-one will miss it. It's the darkest rink in the league and it is located in the middle of nowhere.

Getting there

From downtown, take New York Avenue to Route 50. Take the Beltway (I-95) south to exit 17A or 15A.

USAir Arena history

• First regular-season game: December 15, 1974, 1-1 tie with the L.A. Kings
• First goal: Yvon Labre, Capitals
• Last regular-season game: November 26, 1997, Montreal Canadiens

USAIRWAYS ARENA DESTINED FOR WRECKING BALL

May 27, 1999
Copyright 1999 MediaVentures

The owners of the USAirways Arena, former home of the Washington Wizards and Capitals, say the old venue is likely to be razed to make room for a retail and entertainment center. Cordish Co of Baltimore had purchased the arena from Abe Pollin, owner of the teams, and had hoped to renovate it into a retail and sports center. As the design progressed, it became clear the renovation would be too expensive and new construction would be the better alternative.

The new center will house a movie theater and retail shops, many of which have already been leased. The teams moved out of the arena in 1997 for the new MCI Center in downtown Washington.

Demolished: December 2002

Washington Capitals NHL 1917-Present MCI Center 1997-Present

Baltimore Bullets/Washington Bullets/Washington Wizards Amphitheater 1961-1962 Chicago Coliseum 1962-1963 Baltimore Arena 1963-1973 USAir Arena 1973-1997 NBA 1949-Present MCI Center 1997-Present