“Can you hear that roar?” That’s the sound of excitement echoing from the Saint Elizabeth’s East Entertainment and Sports Arena. This multipurpose facility stands on the historic St. Elizabeths East Campus in Congress Heights. It is more than just an arena.
The Saint Elizabeth’s East Entertainment and Sports Arena is home to the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go. The Washington Wizards also use it as a practice facility. Officially opened on September 22, 2018, the arena has quickly become a hub for sports and entertainment. On February 6, 2025, it rebranded as CareFirst Arena.
This arena can seat 4,200 people. Primarily designed for basketball, it also hosts concerts, community events, and other sporting events. Its location was carefully selected. Proximity to St. Elizabeths Hospital, access to the Washington Metro’s Congress Heights station, and the potential for local improvement were all factors.
Construction began on February 19, 2016. It involved razing some surrounding buildings. The District of Columbia owns the facility. Events DC operates it.
The construction wasn’t without its challenges. Initial cost estimates proved premature. The final cost was nearly 25 percent more than expected. DC taxpayers covered the difference.
The Saint Elizabeth’s East Entertainment and Sports Arena boasts a unique design. ROSSETTI designed it for maximum flexibility. It allows for quick transitions between events. Blackout curtains can screen sound and light during concerts. The arena also features additional power for eSports events. Michael Marshall Design served as the Associate Architect.
The arena features an open “C” configuration. This design brings guests closer to the performers. The upper bowl has angled “wings” with wider seats and tables. Retractable seating at ground level adapts to different events.
The Saint Elizabeth’s East Entertainment and Sports Arena offers all the amenities you would expect. There are food services, concessions, comfortable seating, and wide concourses. These concourses remain open to the bowl.
The training center meets NBA standards. It focuses on player training, development, recovery, and rest. It includes strength training equipment, hydrotherapy, two large indoor courts, and a lounge. Coaches and staff offices overlook the courts.
The architects chose metal panels in terra cotta tones to complement the surrounding brick buildings. They aimed to create a contemporary connection to the historic landscape.
The Saint Elizabeth’s East Entertainment and Sports Arena has hosted a variety of events. These include mixed martial arts, WNBA Finals games, and college basketball tournaments. All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling have also held events here. Blast Premier hosted a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive event. NXT Vengeance Day took place here on February 15, 2025.
As you leave the Saint Elizabeth’s East Entertainment and Sports Arena, remember its role. It is a place for sports, entertainment, and community. It stands as a catalyst for growth in Congress Heights.