Washington Wizards home opener excites fans despite loss

WASHINGTON — Thousands of fans flocked to Capital One Arena as the Washington Wizards hosted their home opener against the defending NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics.

Although the Wizards fell short to the Celtics in a 122-102 loss, fans say this isn't end all be all. This rebuilding process of this team and the team's arena has fans and local businesses excited and looking forward to the future.

There’s hope and happiness from Washington Wizards fans ahead of Thursday's match up as they hosted their home opener against the Boston Celtics.

In reality, fans say they didn't have high expectations for this first regular season game.

“I know it’s a rebuilding time," longtime fan Jesse Jones said.

“We’re going to have some ups and downs that’s no problem we just want to get better every day," Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said.

The focus is on this young team building something and while that happens fans are eager for the plans to revitalize Captial One Arena.

“I think to have a modern arena is great," Jones said. "I mean compared to what now an arena that’s 30 years old is considered old.”

“It’s about time," fan Katherine Jurado said.

These renderings show the vision of changes from an overhaul of concourses and improved sight lines from concessions stands; more concessions, new locker rooms, film rooms, a players family lounge and training facilities.

“It’s going to help the community," Jurado said. "It’s going to bring everybody together. It’d be really cool to see that.”

“Eating, having options to eat and changing that up. I would love to see a Mercedes dome approach," Jones said.

“I’m guessing with the renovations it could only be better, and we always love having people in here," Cafe Riggs employee Luuk Ouderdorp said.

Businesses like Cafe Riggs, just two blocks away from the arena on F Street in Northwest, are hopeful the changes will impact their business too.

“We can only hope for the best of course," Ouderdorp said. "I definitely think whenever there’s something new somewhere and some great business it always attracts people and other businesses.”

The new arena is expected to be ready in time for the 2027-28 season. In the meantime, fans are focused on the rebuild of the actual team.