The Wizards, when they were the Bullets, won the NBA title in 1978. But Abe Pollin, owner of the teams and the arena, recently has spent big money to retain top players on both teams, a sign of commitment as he heads downtown. And, of course, he has spent more than a few idle dollars on his new downtown building as well. Tuesday's first game, and that game's first crowd, will tell more. But in advance of that, to step inside the place is to at least imagine the possibilities that this can be so.
Sunlight beams in on the concourses.
From there you can look out on Washington. On the south side is a glorious view of the Capitol dome. Glance down G Street and see in the distance the flag atop the White House. Huge windows and a balcony face the National Museum of American Art across Seventh Street. You know exactly where you are.