“Arena Bar & Eats by Chef Spike Mendelsohn” headlines robust roster of new fan experiences opening this season
Credit: Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Washington, D.C. (October 14, 2025) – Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and Capital One Arena (COA) today unveiled new fan experiences and an enhanced culinary lineup for the upcoming 2025-26 season. In addition to expanded offerings developed in partnership with Aramark Sports + Entertainment, COA’s exclusive food and beverage partner, the arena will also unveil a new concept by Chef Spike Mendelsohn, “Arena Bar & Eats”.
The new experiences mark the near completion of the first phase of the arena’s $1 billion transformation and continue MSE’s commitment to delivering the best in live sports and entertainment for fans across the DMV region.
“This season marks the first visible step in our ambitious project to create a next-generation arena and entertainment district in downtown D.C.,” said Jordan Silberman, President of Venues, MSE. “From Spike Mendelsohn’s exciting new dining experience to bold new concourse offerings and energized gathering spaces, every improvement is part of our mission to create a world-class destination that celebrates the DMV region and delivers the unforgettable experience our fans deserve.”
Building on last year’s debut of upgraded food and beverage concepts and technology innovations, this season’s updates include expanded concourse offerings, refreshed gathering spaces, and enhanced hospitality experiences designed to make every visit to Capital One Arena even more memorable.
ARENA BAR & EATS BY CHEF SPIKE MENDELSOHN
Beloved celebrity chef, restauranteur, podcast host and culinary innovator Spike Mendelsohn, who hails from the DC area, will debut “Arena Bar & Eats” in COA for the 2025-26 season. The new dining concept will be located in the arena’s former Signature Club space and will feature menu items inspired by Mendelsohn’s many restaurants including Good Stuff Eatery, Santa Rosa Taqueria, and more. “Arena Bar & Eats” will officially debut on October 17, 2025 for the Capitals’ home game versus the Minnesota Wild, and will be accessible to all ticketholders when doors open for all Capital One Arena events following.
“As someone who grew up in the D.C. area, it’s an incredible honor to bring our food to Capital One Arena — a place that means so much to this city,” said Chef Spike Mendelsohn. “Arena Bar & Eats is all about great food, great vibes, and celebrating the energy of D.C. fans. We wanted to create a spot where everyone can come together, whether you’re here for the game, a concert, or just the atmosphere — and enjoy the flavors that make this city so special.”
“Arena Bar & Eats” menu highlights include:
Light Up the Lamp Nachos: Loaded tortilla chips stacked high with black beans, melted Mexican cheese, crema, queso, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh jalapeños
Owner’s Burger: A premium Pat La Frieda beef burger topped with Vidalia onion marmalade, chunky blue cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and horseradish mayo on a toasted potato bun
Waffle Pressed Cuban Sandwich: A bold twist on the classic Cuban, featuring mojo pork, ham, and Swiss cheese pressed between savory mustard waffles with mustard maple sauce
Mumbo Jumbo Crab Roll: Sweet jumbo Maryland crab piled on a toasted potato roll and drizzled with tangy Mumbo by the Bay sauce
NEW 2025-26 CONCOURSE OFFERINGS
New Chef Partners & Concepts:
Soko Cheesesteaks, known for its Takoma Park butchery and cafe, will serve up their classic cheesesteaks and loaded cheese fries at section 105.
Federalist Pig will make its arena debut in sections 107 and 402 with brisket sandwiches, BBQ ribs and Mac & Cheese.
Balos will bring its exciting mediterranean experience to section 120 with gyros, skewers and oregano fries.
Insomnia Cookies will serve fans’ sweet tooths with a wide assortment of cookies at sections 107 and 408.
6th Street Taco will offer chicken and beef tacos with a variety of toppings at section 106.
District Dog in section 119 offers a fresh take on the classic stadium hot dog with assorted toppings.
Capital Classics will serve up classic and brisket nachos in sections 103 and 422.
Tech-driven experience upgrades: Fans can spend less time in line and more time making memories with new AI-powered checkout platforms (sections 102, 116, 214, 402 and 432), Tapin2 POS systems self-ordering kiosks (sections 106, 107, 108, 116, 117, 229, 413 and 417) and self-ordering in the club space at section 112.
New Soda program: New for the 2025-26 season! Fans can purchase souvenir cups and get unlimited refills throughout each event at self-serve soda machines stationed throughout the first, second and fourth floors. Special edition cups will be available at select events.
District Deals: Stands throughout the arena will offer accessibly-priced new District Deals items including DC Half-Smokes for $6.50; Bread & Water Soft Pretzels for $5.75, and a 16oz Michelob Ultra for $9.75.
Returning Favorites in New Spaces:
Tenders Love and Chicken will serve up beloved chicken tender combos and specialty sauces at sections 112, 229, 402 and 417.
Fuku, located in sections 117 and 413, will offer their signature Tender & Fry combo and Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Pat & Stuggs will feed fans’ burger fix with the Double Smash burger and Original Smash burger at section 413.
Rita’s Italian Ice is returning with their refreshing Italian ices in sections 117, 225, 421 and 431.
Arena Classics: Stadium staple District Grills will provide fan-favorite Smash Burgers, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Hot Dogs and more (sections 102, 116, 201, 216, 417, 432). The Exchange will also return in section 214 with market-style offerings including fresh Paninis.
PREMIUM CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Capital One Arena’s transformation will also introduce an entirely new era of hospitality centered on elevated dining and beverage experiences. The industry-leading premium spaces—including the United Globe Club & Lounge and Lexus Vaults—will feature all-inclusive culinary programs, open kitchens, and mixologist-crafted cocktails inspired by Washington’s vibrant food scene.
Guests can expect chef-driven menus, curated wine and spirits selections, and immersive design elements that make dining a central part of the live-event experience. From intimate vault suites to expansive club lounges, every detail is being crafted to redefine arena hospitality and set a new standard for premium entertainment.
A MONUMENTAL TRANSFORMATION
The new concourse offerings and premium spaces come as phase one of the Capital One Arena transformation nears completion. A result of a groundbreaking partnership between MSE and the city of Washington, D.C. announced in 2024, the Capital One Arena transformation will take a 360-degree approach to creating a high-tech, high-touch building that will serve millions of annual visitors for the next 25 years and set a new standard for fan experience and innovation.
In addition to the slate of new spaces, culinary offerings and experiences, the transformed arena will also be powered by a transformative new partnership between MSE and Cisco announced in July 2025. As part of the partnership, Capital One Arena will be one of the first sports venues in the world to deploy Cisco Wi-Fi 7, and the state-of-the-art Cisco Command Center will serve as the orchestration point for a variety of next-gen tech.
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is one of the nation’s leading integrated sports and entertainment companies and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.
