Etihad Airways Lounge

During the summer of 2015 Verizon Center did a major and much needed overhaul of its VIP Lounge (formerly Dewar’s Club) and reopened as the Etihad Airways Lounge in the fall of 2015. Goodbye cramped, dark Dewar’s Club and hello spacious, airy, well lit Etihad.
The Lounge, open 1 hour pre– and post– Caps and Wizards games, is a perq of preferred VIP seating at Verizon Center. It is accessible from an elevator and stairway just outside of Section 108. It includes a complimentary buffet with standard arena food fare (hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, etc.) as well as specialty dishes such as prime rib and pork tenderloin. Additionally, the Lounge offers complimentary beer (wide variety including IPAs), wine, sodas, ice cream, desserts and water. Full bar service is also available for a fee.
There is plenty of room to mix and mingle and more than enough standing, communal tables for all. Some seating is available but it’s not as plentiful. The room is V-​shaped and includes three bars, a large main bar and two smaller bars in each wing. There is also a glass walled interview room that allows visitors to watch (and listen) to player and coach interviews — live.
The bartenders, servers, hosts and hostesses are very friendly and it is clear that enhancing the customer’s experience is of paramount importance. Accessibility is only detractor about the Lounge. Even sitting in Section 110 it is a sprint to get from my seat, Section 108, down the 2 (or 3?) flights of stairs to the Lounge, and back to the seat during the 20 minute intermission. I actually rate Etihad 4.5 stars and reserve the 5 star rating for the Diamond Club, the VIP Lounge at Nats Park.
There is plenty to love about the Etihad — and I sure am a fan.