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Council adds Capital One and CareFirst arenas to playing-surface entry ban, approves $300 fine
Summary
The Council approved an emergency declaration and the underlying Arena Safety Conformity bill to make penalties and prohibitions consistent across major D.C. venues by adding Capital One Arena and CareFirst Arena to the unauthorized-entry ban; the measure includes a $300 fine for running onto the playing surface.
Councilmember Pinto opened debate on the Arena Safety Conformity Emergency Amendment Act of 2026, saying the measure "includes Capital 1 Arena and CareFirst Arena in the already existing prohibition on unauthorized entry onto a playing surface" and emphasizing safety risks to fans and players. Pinto asked colleagues to approve the declaration and the Council voted the declaration and the underlying bill in the affirmative.
Councilmembers noted recent incidents at Capital One Arena and said consistency across venues (including RFK Stadium, Nationals Park, and Audi Field) is necessary for public safety and to avoid disruptions to paid attendees. Pinto confirmed the ordinance carries a $300 fine for unauthorized entry. Both the emergency declaration (PR26-585) and the bill (B20-6634) passed unanimously.
