x
Breaking News
More () »

The Greene Turtle in Capital One Arena to close

Ted Leonsis said in February he plans to open a sports book at the arena.

WASHINGTON — After 12 years of business in the Capital One Arena, the Greene Turtle will close at the end of the current NHL and NBA seasons.

The restaurant chain announced it accepted a lease buyout to vacate the space, three years ahead of schedule.

“Agreed to exit early to allow Monumental Sports & Entertainment, owner of the venue, to commence construction on a proprietary business concept planned for the side of the building that includes the space in which The Greene Turtle is locate,” company officials wrote in a release Wednesday.

The main bar will close after the Washington Wizards regular season on April 9, then will set up “The Shell Raiser Lounge,” which will serve game-style food and drinks through the end of the post-season.

Ted Leonsis, the chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and principal owner of the Washington Capitals and Wizards, told WUSA9 in February he is planning to dive into the sports betting industry. 

RELATED: Ted Leonsis tells us what gambling at Capital One Arena will look like

At the time, Leonsis said betting information would be available as early as April to Capital One Arena patrons, but the actual construction and building of the sports book probably won't make wagering a reality until the end of the year at the earliest. 

The Green Turtle release said the company is looking for other “unique” Washington D.C. locations. The restaurant is also offering employees positions at other locations or access to other partners in the arena.

Before You Leave, Check This Out