Don’t miss out on D.C. sporting events this season!
Washington, D.C., is well known for its politics, collection of museums on the National Mall, historic and iconic monuments interspersed throughout the city, and festivals celebrating cherry blossoms, among other things. Athletics may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but the U.S. Capital is also an excellent sports town. It’s home to professional, semi-professional, and college teams that celebrate the talents of men and women from all over the world. There are a ton of sporting events for all different types of sports and games to fit all fans.
With nearly every major sport represented — including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and hockey, with rugby joining that list by 2020 — there’s sure to be a little something for everyone. Here’s a quick guide to finding your new favorite D.C. team, and where to watch the action.
D.C.'s Sports Scene: A Comprehensive Guide for Fans
- Washington, D.C. is a vibrant sports town, featuring professional, semi-professional, and collegiate teams across nearly every major sport, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and hockey.
- The DC Metro Area boasts an impressive lineup of sports teams, including professional franchises like the Redskins (NFL), Nationals (MLB), Capitals (NHL), DC United (MLS), Wizards (NBA), and Mystics (WNBA), as well as multiple collegiate athletic programs.
- Sports fans have multiple options for enjoying games, including attending live events at stadiums and arenas or experiencing the excitement at numerous sports bars throughout the city.
- Notable sports bars like Penn Social, Lou’s City Bar, The Greene Turtle, Public Bar, and The Pitch Tavern offer unique viewing experiences with multiple screens, extensive drink selections, and diverse atmospheres catering to different preferences.
- The city provides extensive sports entertainment options, with venues featuring impressive amenities like multiple high-definition TVs, large projection screens, outdoor patios, and specialized viewing areas.
- Washington, D.C. is unique in hosting professional teams across every major U.S. sport, making it an exceptional destination for sports enthusiasts with diverse athletic interests.
- Beyond professional sports, the area also supports a robust collegiate athletics scene, with multiple universities like American University, Georgetown, George Mason, and the University of Maryland offering competitive sports programs.
Check out some of D.C.’s teams
The DC Metro Area has a little something for every sports fan, and that’s true whether you’re into professional sports or prefer to follow college athletics. It’s home to many teams, including:
- NFL: Redskins
- MLB: Nationals
- NHL: Capitals
- MLS: DC United
- NBA: Wizards
- WNBA: Mystics
- NWSL: Spirit
- Tennis: Kastles
- MiLB: Bowie Baysox
- MiLB: Potomac Nationals
- American University
- Catholic University
- Georgetown University
- George Mason University
- George Washington University
- University of Maryland, College Park

Where to catch a game
There are always tickets available to go to DC-area games in person, and sitting in the stadium among fans while cheering for your team is an experience that can’t be replicated.
For those looking to enjoy the excitement without shelling out the full ticket cost, or simply hoping for a more casual environment, the city is home to tons of sports bars that might be exactly what you need. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Penn Social — In the heart of Penn Quarter, Penn Social boasts three bars, a patio, 30+ draught beers, two stages, and tons of games, making it the perfect place to enjoy any sporting event. It has two 22-foot movie screens and nine 10-foot screens, ensuring you never miss a moment.
Lou’s City Bar — Columbia Heights’ newest neighborhood sports bar, Lou’s offers a 45-foot bar, 24 taps, 23 high definition TVs, a projection screen, an outdoor patio, and plenty of daily food and drink specials.
The Greene Turtle — An East Coast staple, the Greene Turtle boasts nightly drink specials, plenty of televisions, and college football games on Saturdays, among other family and fan-friendly features.
Public Bar — Located in Dupont Circle, Public Bar is a restaurant, lounge, and sports bar with 31 HD TVs, D.C.’s largest projector screen, 13 HD TVs with lounge seating, 4 HD TVs on a rooftop deck, one of the city’s largest rooftop bars, and all the “same comfort and amenities of your living room.”
The Pitch Tavern — D.C.’s first upscale sports bar and restaurant, The Pitch Tavern prides itself on being a diverse atmosphere for families, sports fans, local residents, and visitors.

The perfect place for sports lovers
Washington D.C. is lucky to be home to a professional team from every major U.S. sport, meaning there’s always at least one local team currently in need of your support. With so many professional and collegiate options from which to choose, your only problem will be deciding which games to watch or attend.
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D.C.’s Sports Scene: A Comprehensive Guide for Fans
What makes Washington, D.C. a unique sports destination?
Washington, D.C. is a vibrant sports town that offers an exceptional athletic landscape, featuring professional, semi-professional, and collegiate teams across nearly every major sport. From baseball and basketball to football and hockey, the city provides a diverse and exciting sports environment that caters to fans of all interests.
What professional and collegiate sports teams can I find in the DC Metro Area?
The DC Metro Area boasts an impressive lineup of sports teams, including professional franchises like the Redskins (NFL), Nationals (MLB), Capitals (NHL), DC United (MLS), Wizards (NBA), and Mystics (WNBA). Additionally, the area supports multiple collegiate athletic programs such as American University, Georgetown University, George Mason University, and the University of Maryland, offering a rich and varied sports ecosystem.
How can I enjoy sports events in Washington, D.C.?
Sports fans have multiple options for experiencing athletic events in D.C. You can either attend live games at stadiums and arenas or enjoy the excitement at numerous sports bars throughout the city. Each option provides a unique way to immerse yourself in the local sports culture and cheer on your favorite teams.
What are some of the best sports bars in Washington, D.C.?
D.C. offers several standout sports bars that provide exceptional viewing experiences. Penn Social features three bars and multiple screens, Lou’s City Bar offers 24 taps and 23 high-definition TVs, Public Bar boasts D.C.’s largest projector screen, and The Pitch Tavern provides an upscale and diverse atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. These venues offer unique amenities to enhance your game-watching experience.
What makes D.C.’s sports venues and bars special?
The city’s sports entertainment options are distinguished by impressive amenities such as multiple high-definition TVs, large projection screens, outdoor patios, and specialized viewing areas. From rooftop decks to extensive drink selections, these venues are designed to create an immersive and enjoyable environment for sports fans of all types.
How comprehensive is Washington, D.C.’s sports representation?
Washington, D.C. is exceptionally unique in hosting professional teams across every major U.S. sport, making it an outstanding destination for sports enthusiasts. With a wide range of athletic options, from professional leagues to collegiate programs, the city ensures that there’s something for every type of sports fan to enjoy.
What collegiate sports opportunities exist in the DC Metro Area?
Beyond professional sports, the DC Metro Area supports a robust collegiate athletics scene. Universities like American University, Georgetown, George Mason, and the University of Maryland offer competitive sports programs across various disciplines. These collegiate teams provide additional opportunities for sports fans to engage with local athletics and support emerging talent.


