📍 Washington, DC
🏀 Home of George Washington Revolutionaries basketball

Home to the basketball programs of George Washington University for over half a century, the Charles E. Smith Center is nestled in the heart of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, DC. The venue has a pretty high bar to clear; after all, it’s located in one of the most architecturally impressive cities in the world. But over time, the aging arena has received extensive upgrades that have helped give it a more modern feel and an air of prestige that every building in the District deserves.

Built in 1975, the 5,000-seat gym underwent a massive three-year overhaul between 2008 and 2010, bringing a much-needed refresh to the concourse, fan seating area and player facilities. Even more enhancements came in 2019, including a new videoboard and the installation of a Hall of Fame area. Almost unrecognizable from its past self, the present-day Smith Center is characterized by a sleek white interior and sharp angles. Of course, being just five blocks from the White House, iconography of some DC’s most famous landmarks are also all throughout the arena, most notably on the court itself.

Parts of the arena’s original framework are preserved in the Tin Tabernacle Club, a premium area on the floor level. Here, old pieces of the court and photos from bygone seasons are on display. And while there’s much acknowledgement of the past, the university is focused on the future. Nothing says that more than the decision to rebrand their athletic teams – formerly known as the Colonials – as the Revolutionaries in 2023.

Over the years, the arena has been a dependable home for the Revs as they chase success. The squad has appeared in nearly a dozen NCAA Tournaments – advancing as far as the Sweet Sixteen in 1993 – and clinched an NIT championship win in 2016. Accomplishments and trophies from both the men’s and women’s basketball teams – along with all of GWU’s programs – are displayed neatly on the concourse for all to see.

On gameday, the arena’s atmosphere is driven by the passionate student section and the school’s band, who lead chants to “Raise High the Buff and Blue” and intimidate the opposition. One of their quips is particularly amusing: “There’s no smoking in any area of the building… except on the court!”

Surrounded by historic DC landmarks on all sides, it’s easy to overlook the Charles E. Smith Center. But the venue has evolved into a landmark of its own for the basketball-inclined crowd, a place whose unique blend of history and modern amenities makes it worth seeing.