Quick Answer: Aramark agreed to a $4.5 million settlement over the 3% “venue fee” it added to food and drink purchases at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. If you paid the fee between October 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025, you can claim an equal share of the fund with no receipt. The claim deadline is December 4, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Settlement fund: $4.5 million, non-reversionary
- Payment: an equal share of the net fund for every valid claim
- No receipt needed, you certify that you paid the fee
- Covers purchases at Capitals, Wizards, Georgetown and concert events from October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025
- Claim, opt out and objection deadline: December 4, 2026
- Final approval hearing: January 15, 2027, 10:00 a.m.
Quick Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Settlement fund | $4,500,000 |
| Who is covered | Anyone in the U.S. who bought from Aramark at Capital One Arena and paid the venue fee between October 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025 |
| Payment | Pro rata share of the net fund, the same for each valid claim |
| Payment methods | Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, direct deposit or paper check |
| Claim deadline | December 4, 2026 |
| Opt out and objection deadline | December 4, 2026 |
| Final approval hearing | January 15, 2027, 10:00 a.m. ET, Courtroom 130 |
| Official site | VenueFeeSettlement.com |
| Phone | (844) 659-2531 |
| Administrator | Venue Fee Settlement Administrator, PO Box 1268, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 |
| Case | Garner v. Aramark Management Services LP, No. 2025 CAB 007444, Superior Court of the District of Columbia |
What the Capital One Arena Settlement Is About
Aramark runs the food and beverage concessions at Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Capitals, the Washington Wizards and Georgetown men’s basketball. The lawsuit says Aramark added a 3% “venue fee” at checkout that was not shown on menu prices, which the plaintiff says violated the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act. Aramark denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle. The case is part of a wider wave of lawsuits over hidden “junk fees” added at checkout.
Who Qualifies
You qualify if you bought food, drinks or other items from Aramark at Capital One Arena and paid the venue fee between October 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025. You do not need to live in D.C., and the event type does not matter, whether it was a game, a concert or another show.
How Much Will You Get?
Every valid claimant gets the same share of the net fund, which is the $4.5 million minus administration costs, attorney fees and expenses, and a service award. Class counsel may ask for up to one third of the fund, about $1.5 million, and the named plaintiff may ask for up to $5,000. Your payment does not depend on how much you spent, and more claims mean smaller checks. See how class action payouts are calculated.
How to File a Capital One Arena Settlement Claim
- Check your email for a notice and note the claim ID if you have one.
- Type VenueFeeSettlement.com into your browser and open the claim form.
- Enter your name, mailing address and email, and confirm that you made an eligible purchase and paid the fee.
- Pick Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, direct deposit or a paper check.
- Submit by December 4, 2026, or mail the form to PO Box 1268, Baton Rouge, LA 70821, postmarked by that date.
Filing is free. See how to claim settlement money.
Do You Need Proof?
No receipt is required. You sign the claim form under penalty of perjury, and claims may be checked against Aramark’s records, so only file if you actually paid the fee. Read more about claiming without proof of purchase.
Opting Out or Objecting
Opt out requests must be postmarked and objections filed by December 4, 2026. Opting out keeps your right to sue Aramark yourself but means no payment.
When Will Payments Be Made?
The court considers final approval on January 15, 2027 in Courtroom 130 of the D.C. Superior Court, 500 Indiana Avenue NW. Payments follow approval and any appeals. No payment date has been announced.
Watch for Scams
The notice says VenueFeeSettlement.com is the only authorized website for this case. Never pay to file. See our guide to class action settlement scams.
Common Questions About the Aramark Capital One Arena Settlement
How much is the Capital One Arena settlement payment?
No fixed amount has been published. Every valid claim gets an equal share of the net fund.
Do I need a receipt for the Aramark venue fee settlement?
No. You certify on the claim form that you bought from Aramark at the arena and paid the fee during the class period.
Do I have to live in Washington, D.C.?
No. Anyone in the U.S. who paid the fee at Capital One Arena qualifies.
Does spending more mean a bigger payment?
No. The settlement pays the same amount to each valid claimant.
What was the Capital One Arena venue fee?
A 3% charge added at checkout on Aramark concession purchases. The lawsuit says it was not disclosed in posted prices.
Summary
The Aramark Capital One Arena settlement refunds fans who paid the 3% venue fee between October 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025 with an equal share of $4.5 million, no receipt needed. File by December 4, 2026, and see our open class action settlements for other claims.
Sources: Court approved long form notice, Axios Washington D.C.. This page is for information only and is not legal advice.
Official Settlement Notice
Read the court approved long form notice for the Aramark Capital One Arena venue fee settlement below.