If you bought concessions at Capital One Arena last year, you could be entitled to a share of a $4.5 million settlement over a tucked-away “venue fee.”
The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed last November accusing Aramark, which manages most of the arena’s restaurants, of “systematically cheating” customers by charging a 3% venue fee not displayed on menus, in violation of D.C.’s consumer protection laws. The lawsuit was filed by Travelers United, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group based in the District.
“Travelers United brought this case because consumers should know the real price of what they are buying,” Lauren Wolfe, Travelers United lead counsel, told The Washington Sun. “Travelers United does not believe consumers should be subject to hidden fees.”
Photos presented in the lawsuit showed that customers could see details about the fee during the concessions check-out process only if they clicked a small information button. The resulting pop-up said the fee was added to all transactions for “ongoing maintenance and administrative costs” and that it was “not a tip or gratuity, and no portion of the venue fee is distributed to the team members serving our guests.”
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Aramark denied any wrongdoing and settled the class action in order to avoid ongoing litigation costs, distractions from daily business operations and the uncertainty of litigation, according to the settlement.
Customers who purchased food or beverages from Aramark-operated vendors at the arena between Oct. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025, could be entitled to compensation and can file a claim online. The deadline to file a claim is Dec. 4.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns and operates the arena, declined to comment on the settlement and its terms specifically, as it was not a party in the lawsuit.
“Providing a great experience for every guest at Capital One Arena remains our top priority, and we will continue working closely with all of our partners to ensure our guests receive the highest level of service,” a Monumental spokesperson told The Sun.
An Aramark spokesperson acknowledged the settlement in a statement to The Sun and reinforced that the company denies wrongdoing.
“While we deny any wrongdoing, and this settlement is not an admission of liability or fault, we are glad to put this matter behind us so we can focus on delivering exceptional hospitality experiences for our clients and customers,” the spokesperson said.
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