Pitching up in DC

A sporty break in the US capital gives James Smailes plenty to cheer about

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Washington DC is one of those destinations that shatters preconceptions around every corner.

The third and final capital city of the United States following independence, and the only one built for that purpose, it sits on the Potomac River and is named after the first US President, George Washington, who personally chose its location. The “DC” stands for District of Columbia, taken from Christopher Columbus, and refers to its unique status as a federal district that belongs to no state.

Much like the nation it governs, Washington has outgrown the Founding Fathers’ concept of a seat of power. Today, it is not just a political hub but a vibrant destination alive with culture, history, and sport.

The reason for our trip was to see whether, beyond Capitol Hill, the seat of government might also be its capital of sport. There is no shortage of teams: an NFL side (Commanders), Major League Baseball (Nationals), NBA (Wizards), WNBA (Mystics), MLS (United), NWSL (Spirit) and NHL (Capitals).

As a sports lover, I was not throwing away my shot to test Washington's credentials. Flying direct with British Airways from London Heathrow to Dulles International Airport, we were a 30-minute taxi ride from our first hotel.