Imagine this: It’s the end of a long day, and you’re crammed on a crowded bus, battling traffic just to reach a basketball game. Sounds like a hassle, right? But this is the reality for Georgetown Hoyas fans trekking to Capital One Arena. For years, the question has lingered: Why do the Hoyas play in a downtown arena when their campus has a perfectly good gym? And more importantly, should they continue to play there?
The Hoyas’ journey to Capital One Arena is a tale of growth, compromise, and a touch of nostalgia. Throughout their history, they’ve called 17 different courts home, with only two located on the iconic Hilltop. From humble beginnings in Ryan Gymnasium (now the Davis Center for Performing Arts) to the cozy McDonough Arena, the team eventually outgrew its on-campus roots. The move to the Capital Centre in 1981 marked a turning point, accommodating a surging fanbase and doubling average attendance virtually overnight. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this move truly necessary, or did it sacrifice the intimate, spirited atmosphere of on-campus games?
The Capital One Arena, with its 20,500-seat capacity, became the Hoyas’ home in 1997. Attendance peaked in 2007-08 but has since plummeted, rarely reaching even half capacity. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about winning games. The trek to Capital One is a logistical nightmare for students, requiring a three-hour commitment—a tough sell for anyone juggling classes and exams. On-campus games, like the legendary 1982 matchup against Missouri in McDonough, showcased the electric energy of a packed student crowd. As former Hoya guard Gene Smith recalls, “The crowd was overflowing... it was just an incredible experience.”
So, why not bring more games back to campus? The obvious hurdle is space. McDonough’s current 2,200-seat capacity pales in comparison to the needs of a Division I program. A $22 million renovation proposal in 2000 aimed to expand it to 6,500 seats, but the plan never materialized. Today, McDonough ranks among the oldest Division I facilities, and while fans have dreamed up creative expansion plans, major renovations aren’t on the horizon until at least 2036.
But here’s a compromise: What if the Hoyas played more non-conference games on campus? Last year’s McDonough matchup against Wagner College proved that smaller-scale games can reignite school spirit. As current guard Malik Mack notes, “Those McDonough games are definitely a bit more fun... the crowd is right there on the floor.”
Here’s the real question: Is the convenience and energy of on-campus games worth sacrificing the prestige of a professional arena? And if you’re complaining about the trek to Capital One, are you showing up to support the women’s team, who play all their games in McDonough? The debate is far from over, and we want to hear from you. Should the Hoyas prioritize accessibility and spirit, or stick with the big-arena experience? Let us know in the comments!
