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Reasons to Attend a Washington Capitals Hockey Game
Estimated read time: 3 minutes
The District's Capital One Arena is home to the 2018 Stanley Cup Champions.
Attending a Washington Capitals game is a time-honored tradition in DC's Penn Quarter/Chinatown neighborhood. Thousands of fans flock to Capital One Arena 42 times between October and April, rocking the red to root on the Caps. In 2018, the team won the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. As the team embarks on another quest for the Cup, check out our favorite reasons to attend a game.
01
The Caps are one of the most successful franchises in the NHL
Only two NHL teams have won more games than the Capitals over the last 20 years, and their 16 playoff appearances since 2007-08 are tied for the most in the NHL in that span. The Capitals clinched their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018 and have also earned the Presidents’ Trophy, awarded to the top regular-season team, three times. The team’s sustained competitiveness has made them one of the winningest franchises in recent NHL history.
02
The Gr8
Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer and DC's longest-tenured athlete ever, returns for his 22nd season with the Capitals. Ovechkin, a nine-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner (most goals) and three-time Hart Trophy winner (MVP), continues to electrify Capital One Arena with highlight-reel goals and bone-crunching hits as he looks to lead the Capitals to another Stanley Cup championship. Be a part of history as Ovechkin continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in NHL history. Follow along all season with Caps social media (@capitals on Instagram) and watch games on Monumental Sports Network.
03
All-star roster
Beyond Ovechkin's remarkable scoring, the Capitals boast a deep roster packed with veteran leadership and burgeoning talent. Tom Wilson, Pierre-Luc Dubois and newcomer Alex Tuch bring a dazzling combination of size, speed and skill up front, while high-scoring defenseman Jakob Chychrun patrols the blue line and All-Star goaltender Logan Thompson defends the crease. The uber-talented Dylan Strome and Jordan Kyrou bridge the gap between the Capitals’ veteran leaders and the next wave, which includes offensive forces in Ryan Leonard and Aliaksei Protas and top prospects Cole Hutson and Ilya Protas.
04
The new Capital One Arena
Construction on the $800+ million arena transformation is underway, with completion expected for the 2027-28 season. This reimagined entertainment complex will serve millions of visitors annually and redefine the fan experience in Washington, DC. The vision for The Entertainment District is to build a new destination in the city, inclusive of the Arena, Grand Pavilion, Business and Conference Center, new Monumental Sports Network Studios and retail shopping. This new Entertainment District will be the foundation of revitalizing downtown Washington, DC, just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, White House, Smithsonian museums and National Mall. The arena will be transformed to elevate your experience, with upgrades focused on making visits smoother, more enjoyable and more connected – from faster entry and better food options to enhanced gathering spaces, featuring local favorites and new culinary experiences.
05
The fans are top-notch
The atmosphere at Capital One Arena is electric, and the Caps owe it all to their incredible fans! Recognized as one of the loudest and most energetic arenas in the NHL, Capital One Arena regularly fills with over 18,000 passionate fans who proudly “Rock the Red” every game. The team’s strong community presence, including partnerships with local charities and youth hockey programs, continues to deepen the connection between the Capitals and their supporters. With fans of all ages rallying behind the team, it’s no surprise that Capitals games deliver one of the most exciting and spirited sporting environments in the District.
06
Live hockey is the best
Many sports fans will tell you that hockey, specifically the NHL brand, is the most entertaining sport to witness live. The game’s non-stop action, featuring speedy and skilled skating, gorgeous puck-handling, high-impact hits and goalies that stretch like ballerinas to make saves, will put you at the edge of your seat throughout the 60-minute game. In addition, there’s nary a bad view from Capital One Arena’s seats.
07
There are plenty of things to do before or after a game
Penn Quarter/Chinatown is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in the District. There are dozens of restaurants near Capital One Arena, as well as the shopping hub that is CityCenterDC. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are housed in the same building across the street, while the National Gallery of Art is a short walk away. Have another night in the city? Check out a play at Ford’s Theatre or Shakespeare Theatre Company.