A.C. Jordan Arena - Capital Seahawks

Richard Smith
Mar 20
3 min read

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14

A.C. Jordan Arena

14000 Jericho Park Rd

Bowie, MD 20715

Capital Seahawks website A.C. Jordan Arena website

Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,200

Capital Bowie

The Capital Seahawks are a professional basketball team playing in the newly named "94 x 50 League". They play at Bowie State University in Maryland.

The A.C. Jordan Arena is a part of the larger Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex and has a stated capacity of 2,200.

Bowie State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bowie State is Maryland’s oldest historically black university and one of the ten oldest in the country, opening in 1865. In 1963, Bowie State College was officially named, and in 1988 became a university. It is now a member of the University System of Maryland. The school has 22 undergraduate majors, 19 master’s programs, and two doctoral programs.

Food & Beverage 2

There is a simple food stand, but I was fairly impressed. One would have had no problem grabbing a hot dog, nachos, or another snack at this well-stocked stand.

Atmosphere 3

The arena seems like a small version of the Towson Center, the former home of the Towson University athletics program. There are many architectural similarities, with the exterior entrance and other interior features being identical. With both being opened in the 1970s, there must have been some state contracts in play here.

One buys tickets in the lobby instead of the external box office in front of the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex, where you normally buy tickets for Bowie State games.

The venue holds 2,200, and you will enter the arena at court level and proceed to your seats by way of the endlines.

On both sides, there are lower and upper sections of seats, with the upper deck having a slightly obstructed view of the sidelines of the basketball court.

There is no overhanging scoreboard, but there are video boards on both ends of the arena. There is also a mascot and dance squad at Seahawks games.

Neighborhood 3

There is nothing too exciting about the residential Bowie neighborhood near the university. Not too far away is a major highway (US Route 301), and it is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC is 18 miles away, and Annapolis is 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the school.

Poncho n’ Pepe’s Cantina in Crofton doesn’t have the most exciting food selection, but it is a colorful restaurant with many foods and drink specials for pre- and post-game gatherings. Rip’s Country Inn is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality, good food, this is a great option. Comfort Inn on Crain Highway is a decent hotel option.

Fans 4

The team has already developed a large and passionate following, and the venue was fairly full.

Access 4

Access is good at Bowie State. Sitting near US Route 301, US Route 50, and State Route 3, one should have no problem getting to the game. Traffic can be a bear at times, as this intersection is right between the triangle of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. Plan a little leeway in timing for early evening games.

Parking is close to the complex, although if classes are in session, you may have to walk further away.

Return on Investment 4

The ticket prices are not too bad, starting at around $15.

Extras 2

There are a couple of nice display cases in the lobby displaying past successes of various Bowie State athletic programs.

Many banners are hanging from the roof of the A.C. Jordan Arena that continue the display of Bowie State's athletic success. There are no permanent markings for the Seahawks.