WASHINGTON (AP) - Business in the area surrounding Washington's Verizon Center is suffering because the Washington Wizards have yet to win a game and the Capitals aren't playing at all.
Marcelo Del Rio is a manager at the Redline bar across the street from Verizon Center where both teams play. He says that business has taken a big hit because the bar depends on red-clad hockey fans. The NHL is in the midst of a lockout that threatens its entire season.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are 0-12 and are struggling to fill seats.
Jim Dinegar, president of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, says Metro ridership is down in the area and the city is losing tax revenue. He says Verizon Center employees are also feeling the pinch.
