The Washington Wizards have finalized details for its annual fan open practice ahead of the 2026-27 preseason
With the preseason inching closer, the Washington Wizards have announced details for its annual open practice for fans.
Washington will open the doors at Capital One Arena on Thursday, Oct. 1 for fans to arrive starting at 5:30 PM with practice scheduled to begin at 6 PM. Fans who are looking to attend the free practice are able to RSVP with the team also announcing multiple events available to fans, in addition to kids and families, for a "fun and interactive" way to take in the new look team ahead of the start of the regular season.
In addition to the new team store now open, the first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a Wizards themed bucket hat, while several activities are scheduled for fans including a photo booth, inflatable pop-a-shot, balloon artists, face painters and the District of Columbia Public Library's sports exhibit. Practice is also expected to feature skills and Shooting Stars challenges, while the team's release included interactive fan games. The team will also have a 'Swag Sale' which includes items from the Wizards, Washington Capitals and the Capital City Go-Go along with signed memorabilia and other giveaways among others.
It marks the first chance for fans to get a glimpse at the new look roster prior to the official start of preseason with AJ Dybantsa and Anthony Davis among the players taking the floor inside the arena with fans for the first time. Yet it also comes as the Wizards look for heightened fan interest in 2026-27 after ranking among the worst across the NBA in attendance in each of the last three seasons, including ranked ahead of only the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2025-26 season.
Yet with elevated expectations in year three of head coach Brian Keefe, the organization will look to flip the script. In addition to regular season games available through Monumental Sports Network, the Wizards announced a new partnership with DAZN last month to offer another way for fans to watch games during the upcoming regular season.
The open practice comes two days after training camp across the NBA begins, while general manager Will Dawkins is set to host his preseason press conference on Thursday, Sept. 24. The Wizards will then open the preseason slate on the road when they face the New York Knicks in the first of four games, while the regular season opener is set for Oct. 21 against the Milwaukee Bucks inside Capital One Arena.
