Heed the Man Behind Curtain

Fireworks, searchlights, lasers, a parade and President Clinton made for a grand inauguration Tuesday of the MCI Center, a $200-million arena expected to serve as a flagship for a long-awaited revival of downtown Washington.

With Clinton among the 20,000 fans, the Washington Wizards and Seattle SuperSonics played the arena’s first game. The day, however, belonged to Wizards and Washington Capitals’ owner Abe Pollin, who received a hero’s welcome at every ceremony--inside the building and out--for bringing his teams to the heart of the nation’s capital.

“It will be a catalyst to help revive the nation’s capital, the most important city and the most beautiful city in the world. And now people will know they can come downtown into a safe, clean environment and have a really good time,” said Pollin.

Before Pollin tossed up the ceremonial first jump ball, he gave a warm introduction for Clinton, who rose from his seat and mouthed “Thank you” as the crowd applauded.

Clinton, who attended games at the Wizards’ former home, US Airways Arena, shook Pollin’s hand and patted him on the shoulder when the owner returned to his box for the start of the game.

Beforehand, Clinton toured both locker rooms, with one of the Seattle players telling the president, “See you in June,” a reference to a White House invitation the SuperSonics will receive if they win the NBA title.

For the record, the first basket at the new arena was scored by Wizards center Terry Davis. Saxophonist Wynton Marsalis smiled and nearly lost his composure when fans shouted “Oh!” as he played the national anthem--a tradition at Washington and Baltimore sports games.

The Wizards also hung the retired jerseys of Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld and Gus Johnson, as well as their 1978 championship banner, in pregame ceremonies.

Even as the game was in progress, area businesses were hoping to reap the rewards of a more bustling city. Danny Callahan was decked out in a wizard’s costume as he greeted customers across the street, hoping the arena will work magic for his sports bar.

Callahan is convinced the MCI Center means downtown Washington won’t be a ghost town at night any more.

“In the two years since we got the lease, it’s been like night and day,” said Callahan, who doubled his staff at The Rock and extended his hours to coincide with the arena’s opening.

“The sidewalks are clean. It’s a safer area outside the arena. Everything’s lit up. They’ve always had government businesses down here, so it’s always been crowded during the day, but at nighttime hours,” he said with a shrug.

The arena boasts a sports museum with interactive displays, two restaurants, a clothing store, a sports broadcasters’ hall of fame and a soon-to-open Discovery Channel store. Meant to attract tourists and serve as a sports facility, the arena will be open every day of the year and will join the capital monuments as a regular stop for tour bus operators.

Not everyone was impressed, however. District native James Harris scoffed at the arena as he walked past. He was upset that the average Wizards ticket price rose 25 percent to $36.39 for the arena’s first season. The top seats go for $75.

“A common man can’t even go to these games,” Harris said. “It’s ridiculous. I used to go to games for $5. I’m going to go one time, ever, just to see what it’s like inside, and that’s it.”