FAQ - 8th Annual Organ Donation Awareness Tournament

Frequently asked questions

When and where is the Organ Donation Awareness Tournament?

The Organ Donation Awareness Tournament will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Capital One Arena in Washington DC. The address for the Capital One Arena is 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004.

What time should I arrive at the Capital One Arena?

If you are attending or playing in the tournament, it is recommended that you arrive outside the Gallery Place entrance (detailed below) by 11:45 AM to give yourself time to park, check into the tournament, warm up and get stretched out. Our event program will be starting at 12:00 PM sharp, no exceptions.

For those who are just attending the Wizards vs. Denver Nuggets game at 6:00 PM, the doors will be opening at 5:00 (one hour before game time). Any attendees of the tournament who received their tickets from NKF will have the opportunity to go into the arena early at 4:15 PM to watch the shootaround.

Where should I enter the Capital One Arena?

Attendees will enter the arena through the adjacent parking garage. The entrance for the parking garage is on 6th Street. You will park near the main elevator bank. When you come up the elevators to the 1st floor, you will see the entrance to Capital One Arena on the right by the movie theater box office. That is where you will enter! See the below map for assistance:

How do I obtain tickets for the game?

Every team playing in the tournament is allotted a block of tickets based on their sponsorship level. Your team captain or the lead contact for your group will receive these tickets electronically and can print and distribute them to you. If you are participating/attending the tournament and need additional tickets, please contact Teddy Mosher at [email protected] to see about available tickets. If you know someone who would like to attend the Wizards-Nuggets game but does not have a ticket, we will also be promoting a ticket link closer to the event where a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the National Kidney Foundation.

What rules will be enforced in the game?

With the feedback of our committee and volunteer referees, we’ve tried to simplify the rules as much as possible. These rules should be standard for anyone who has played basketball casually or in an intramural league. Here are the key points you’ll need to know:

A team will consist of at least 3 players on the court and 6 players max on the roster. There is no co-ed requirement.
All individuals participating in the tournament must wear a shirt of the same color.
All participants must wear sneakers. No hats or jewelry are allowed.
Teams should arrive to the Capital One Arena by at latest 11:45 AM and, once the tournament begins, be ready to play at a moment’s notice.
The tournament is structured for “Round Robin” style play. Tournament schedule will be assigned at random prior to the day of the tournament.
Games will be played until one team scores 11 points, or time reaches a maximum of 10 minutes.
A coin flip prior to the game will determine first possession of the ball.
Baskets at the NBA 3-point line will equal 2 points, baskets shot inside the line will each 1 point.
Substitutions may be made after a basket.
The clock does not stop and there are no time outs or half-time.
The game is a half-court game with normal boundaries.
Standard basketball rules are in effect; the three second rule will apply to all offensive players.
Defense gets possession after a score (no make-it-take-it).
On a change of possession, steal, rebound, etc., the defensive team must take the ball outside the 3- point arc to establish itself as the offense. Even on an air ball, the defense must take the ball outside the arc.
Alternating possession on all jump ball situations will be in effect.
After a score, foul, or out of bounds the offense begins possession at the top of the key.
The offensive team must make one pass before a shot is taken.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes, but children ages 3+ must have a ticket for the game. They are certainly welcome to sit in the stands and watch the tournament.

When does the event end?

The tournament will end promptly at 3:00 pm, and the Wizards game at 6:00 PM should run for approximately 2.5-3 hours.

Will we need an additional ticket to enter the arena if we leave between the tournament and the Wizards game?

No, you will not need an additional ticket because this year you will not be scanned as you come into the tournament, a difference from how we have done things in the past. Your ticket will only be scanned once when you re-enter the arena for the game.

Will there be anywhere to leave a bag?

No, as per Capital One Arena’s strict bag policy. All individuals who bring in bags for the tournament will have the opportunity to bring them back to their cars. Please plan accordingly and try not to bring a bag, if possible. Bags, backpacks and purses will not be permitted inside the Arena. Wallet-size clutches no larger than 5” x 7”, medical bags and parenting bags no larger than 14” x 14” x 6” will be permitted and subject to security screening.  You may bring in gym bags for the tournament game, but you must return your bags to your cars or the lockers available for rent outside of the arena for the Wizards game!

Can my company/organization get a team in this event?

Yes! Team sponsorship opportunities start at $2,500 and include opportunities to promote your business as well as tickets to the Wizards-Nuggets game following the tournament. If you’d like to discuss sponsoring the event, please e-mail Giles “Teddy” Mosher, NKF Development Manager at [email protected]