Washington Wizards

From Hoopedia

1 Franchise Name History
2 Franchise Arenas
3 Retired Numbers
4 External Links

Franchise Name History

The Washington franchise joined the NBA in 1961 as the Chicago Packers. Owner David Trager named the club after his packing company. One year later, the team name was changed to Chicago Zephyrs.

The team moved to Baltimore in 1963 and was renamed Baltimore Bullets after the city's original team.

(When the “first” Baltimore Bullets began in the 1947-48 season, they were named after a nearby foundry that produced ammunition WWII. The team disbanded in their eighth season.) The “new” Bullets remained in Baltimore until 1973 when the team moved to Washington, D.C., and was named the Capitol Bullets. However, the team name did not fit well with the club and in 1974; the team was named Washington Bullets.

The team announced plans to re-name the team in the winter of 1995 as part of an anti-violence movement. Fans were able to vote on their favorite new nickname, and in February Wizards became the club's new name.

Washington changed their name to Wizards for the 1997-98 season. "Wizard" symbolizes one who is the best at what he or she does. The name depicts energy and an omnipresent power and brings to light the wise and magical nature of the team. It serves as a positive image for both the players and the organization.

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Franchise Arenas

Arena	Years	Notes
International Amphitheatre	1961-1962	As Chicago Packers
Chicago Coliseum	1962-1963	As Chicago Zephyrs
Baltimore Civic Center	1963-1973	Later called the Baltimore Arena, now 1st Mariner Arena. Had a home game in College Park, MD (1970-71). As Baltimore Bullets.
US Airways Arena	1973-1997	originally Capital Centre. As Capital Bullets (1973-1974); Washington Bullets (1974-1997)
Verizon Center	1997-present	formerly MCI Center