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Power Rankings: NBA Arenas

By Luke Dahlgren

Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Nene Hilario (42) dunks over Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington defeated Chicago 117-96. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Nene Hilario (42) dunks over Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington defeated Chicago 117-96. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

#23 – Verizon Center – Washington Wizards

The Name: It does sound pretty good, but that is because your brain is tricking you into thinking that it’s named the Horizon Center, which is a far superior name. There is nothing about D.C. that makes it notable for its horizon – like say Montana – and Verizon is a forgettable sponsor. 5/10

The Aesthetics: You gotta love the “dc” logo at center court, where the top of the “d” turns into a hand reaching for a basketball. Good choice to emphasize that over the wizard. Otherwise, this is a poorly lit arena with far too many advertisements. Not awful, but far below average as far as the eye test goes.

The Experience: Because jobs in DC are so very often government-related and temporary, the population of the city is always in flux, making most Wizards game attendees less than passionate about DC basketball. The Verizon Center is the friendliest place in the NBA for visiting fans, simply because attending a Wizards-Celtics game in DC as a resident of the city means that you are likely a Boston expatriate.

Overview: The Verizon Center is an inessential visit, but fine if you happen to be in Washington DC. 

Next: #22

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