The official Capital Centre Family website.
Capital Centre Family Statement:
Robert, Jim and I are heartbroken. Since 1968, Wes was the broad shoulders upon which our team was built, and his Hall of Fame career and the championship that he helped bring our city speaks for itself. But for us, the loss of Wes is more than that. He and the Unselds are family to us, and when you lose a family member – especially a beloved figure like Wes – the sorrow is unfathomable. On behalf of the entire Capital Centre family, we extend our prayers to Connie, Kim, Wes, Jr. and the entire Unseld family. We love you and we loved Wes with all of our hearts.” We invite our family to share their “Wes Unseld” stories on our Capital Centre Reunions Facebook page.
— Irene Pollin
The Capital Centre Legacy
A Letter from Jim Pollin
Attending the groundbreaking for the Capital Centre in August 1972, I had no conception of how this one shovel full of dirt would change not only my life but that of the entire Washington Metropolitan area. On this day, this piece of land in Prince George County began its transformation from a swamp, to one of the worlds most modern and technologically advanced entertainment complexes.
The Capital Center introduced state of the art technology which included the computerization of arena ticketing. Fans could now purchase their tickets from any ticket outlet and have access to the same seats. The innovative Telescreen allowed fans to see instant replays and concert attendees could see the faces of the performers from the upper deck.
For 25 years, the Capital Area was treated to world class sports and entertainment like it had never seen before. Almost every night of the year offered a variety of sports and entertainment, including the NBA Bullets/Wizards and NHLCapitals, the Grateful Dead and Frank Sinatra, Disney on Ice and the International Horse Show. The Capital Centre was the place to be and be seen.
The employees who worked the 250+ events per year together, quickly bonded and became the Capital Centre Family. Many of these employees spent their entire career with the Capital Centre and ultimately moved to the MCI Center when it opened. Now, more than 45 years later, the Capital Centre Family still get together at various social functions and events, to reminisce about the past, share their current stories and continue to be part of each others future.
My father, Abe Pollin, considered and referred to everyone who walked into the doors of the Capital Centre, part of his family. Nothing pleased him more to see families enjoying a circus or fans cheering at a Wizards or Capitals Sports event. He truly cared about the fans, as well as the community.
This website is dedicated to my mother and father and everyone who worked to fulfill their dream, to make the Capital Centre” the best arena in country.
On behalf of all of the employees and guests of the Capital Centre and in my parents memory, I hope you enjoy this website.
— Jim Pollin