Picture this: You're a dedicated Georgetown Hoya, wrapping up your day at the Hilltop, only to hop on a bus that feels like an eternity in gridlock, surrounded by rowdy chatter, all to reach Capital One Arena for a men's basketball game. It's not exactly the relaxing end to your day you'd hoped for—and it begs the question: Why do we put ourselves through this? Why not bring the action closer to home? But here's where it gets controversial: Is sticking with a distant arena really best for the team's spirit and fan loyalty, or should we rethink where the Hoyas call home court?
As a passionate Hoya supporter, I've often pondered the same dilemma during those tedious bus rides back from Capital One Arena. It's not just about the game; it's about the journey. For many students, the trek involves a good half-hour each way, plus the two-hour match itself, making it a hefty time commitment. If you're juggling classes, like prepping for that econ midterm, the sheer hassle might deter you from going altogether. And let's not forget, Georgetown lacks its own Metro stop, so we're largely dependent on university-operated shuttles for both getting to and escaping the arena after the buzzer. It feels like a barrier that's keeping fans away—literally.
To truly grasp why we're in this pickle, we need to dive into the Hoyas' rich history of home courts. Over the years, they've graced 17 different venues, but only two were ever right here on the Hilltop. Think about it: Early on, they played in spots like George Washington University's gym, American University's facilities, Catholic University's setups, even a car barn, and Odd Fellows Hall in downtown D.C. These makeshift spots highlight how basketball has evolved alongside the university's growth.
The first on-campus chapter began in 1914 at Ryan Gymnasium (now the Davis Center for Performing Arts), lasting until 1927. Then, in 1951, they transitioned to McDonough Arena when it debuted with about 4,000 seats. This cozy setup served as home until the 1981-82 season, when the team relocated to the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland—a massive venue with 19,035 seats. The big move was all about scaling up to match the swelling fan interest, and it worked wonders: Home game averages jumped from 4,197 to 8,591 attendees in just one year. The Capital Centre was their stomping ground until 1997-98, when they shifted to the current Capital One Arena, boasting 20,500 seats.
Attendance peaked at Capital One in the 2007-08 season with an average of 12,955 fans per game. But since then, numbers have dwindled, dipping below 50% capacity every year since 2012-13. It's a tricky cycle: Winning attracts crowds, but a full house also boosts team morale and performance. Which comes first—the wins or the fans? While poor seasons certainly play a role, the real crux for Georgetown is the inconvenience of that long commute. On-campus games, by contrast, are a breeze, fostering that vital school pride without the travel drama.
Take a memorable example from February 1982: The Capital Centre was booked for the Ice Capades figure skating extravaganza over 10 nights, so the Hoyas hosted a nationally televised showdown against No. 4 Missouri right in McDonough. It drew over 5,000 fans—a record for the arena at the time—with students camping out overnight, kegs in tow, to snag prime seats. Gene Smith, a former Hoya guard and part of the 1984 NCAA champs, reminisced about it to the Voice: "The crowd was overflowing. We won the game and it was just an incredible experience that I don’t think any Georgetown fan that attended that game would forget. The move to the Capital Centre was definitely necessary, just with the popularity of the team—McDonough couldn’t handle it. But that one game highlighted how special it was to have the students and how special it was for it to be on campus."
And this is the part most people miss: While the magic of on-campus vibes is undeniable, there's a major hurdle—capacity. McDonough's current setup holds around 2,200 seats, which wouldn't even accommodate a third of our undergrad population, let alone visiting fans. In 2000, a $22 million renovation plan was floated to bump it up to about 6,500 seats, but it fizzled out. Fast-forward to today, and McDonough ranks among the 20 oldest Division I arenas (fun fact: Our women's team still plays every home game there!). Some creative fans have even whipped up detailed 3D models envisioning a 5,600-seat upgrade, yet official plans for big changes don't extend beyond 2036.
That said, a practical middle ground exists: Shift more non-conference matchups, which draw smaller crowds, back to McDonough. Last season, a scheduling clash with the Washington Wizards (not ice skating, thankfully) led to a game against Wagner College in McDonough. The stands packed out, the energy soared, and we clinched a 66-41 victory. Smith believes this approach could balance things beautifully: Easier student support for true 'home' contests, while reserving the bigger stage at Capital One for high-stakes games.
Junior guard Malik Mack echoes that sentiment, sharing with the Voice: "I feel like Capital One can get rowdy, but it is a big arena, it has a lot of seats you’ve got to fill in. I feel like those McDonough games are definitely a little bit more intense, you know the crowd is right there on the floor. So those McDonough games are definitely a bit more fun in my eyes."
Even if full renovations are off the table soon, ramping up on-campus action could reignite the passionate fan culture of Smith's era—and maybe pave the way for Mack's future memories. For an immediate fix if you're craving that local hoops fix without the trek to Capital One, look no further than our women's basketball squad: They host every single game in McDonough, just a stone's throw away. If you're vocal about the arena commute, show up for them too—it's a great way to support the broader Hoya family.
Now, here's a thought to chew on: Is the allure of a massive, professional arena worth alienating students who form the heartbeat of our fanbase? Or could embracing more intimate, on-campus battles actually boost attendance and team esprit in ways we haven't seen since those glory days? Some might argue that tradition and prestige demand staying put at Capital One, but others could counter that prioritizing accessibility over spectacle is the smarter play for long-term loyalty. What do you think—should the Hoyas prioritize convenience and school spirit by staging more games on the Hilltop, or does the bigger venue justify the hassle? Share your takes in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a wild counterpoint to add to the debate!
