“From National Guard to National Landmark.” That is how the D.C. Armory transformed over more than three-quarters of a century. It went from a military training center into a versatile sports and entertainment venue. Each year, visitors gather under the District’s famed dome. They come for diverse events. These events include conventions, circuses, concerts and sporting events.
The D.C. Armory has a rich history. During World War II, it housed the FBI’s fingerprint records. For over 30 years, it hosted the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. This big top is full of surprises waiting to be discovered.
The D.C. Armory opened in 1941. It served as headquarters, armory, and training facility for the D.C. National Guard. Nathan C. Wyeth designed the 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena. It boasts 70,000 square feet of drill floor space.
President Harry S. Truman held the first inaugural ball at the Armory in 1949. Since then, the venue has hosted inaugural balls for every administration. This includes presidents from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama.
In 2006, the D.C. Rollergirls made the Armory their home. They are a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. The Armory houses their four hometown teams.
The first-ever Longest Yard Congressional Football Game was played at the D.C. Armory in 2009. The bipartisan team of congress members faced off against the Capitol Police flag football squad. This benefits the Capitol Police Foundation and the Washington Literary Council.
The Tiësto’s Club Life Tour played to a sold-out crowd in 2011. Ten thousand electronic dance, trance and house music fans attended.
D.C. hosted the NIKE World Basketball Festival in 2012. This multi-day celebration included clinics. The USA Men’s and Women’s Olympic Basketball teams performed for the military and public.
On the National Day of Service in 2013, nearly 10,000 volunteers packed care kits. These kits were for U.S. Service Members, Wounded Warriors, Veterans and First Responders. Points of Light, Target and the Corporation for National and Community Service joined forces. This was for the UNITE America Service Event on Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend.
Events D.C. brought championship boxing back to the nation’s capital in 2013. ESPN Friday Night Fights featured the IBF Junior Welterweight Title fight. Lamont Peterson fought against Kendall Holt.
The Light Heavyweight World Championship bout took place at the D.C. Armory in 2014. Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins fought against Beibut Shumenov. The Showtime Championship Boxing main event aired live on cable.
Events D.C. partnered with Moonduck Studios to host the first-ever esports tournament in 2018. Captains Draft 4.0 featured eight of the top Dota 2 teams. They battled for $300,000 in prize money.
The D.C. Armory hosted the Project Giveback annual Thanksgiving food distribution in 2019. It celebrated 25 years of providing hot holiday meals to families across the D.C. region. The D.C. Armory continues to evolve. It remains a vital part of Washington D.C.’s cultural landscape.