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 the Capital One Arena 41 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. You can also take advantage of discounted tickets on select games throughout this 50th anniversary season. Your purchase includes a complimentary Caps hat.
01
The Caps are one of the most successful franchises in the NHL
Last season, the Capitals won their 14th division title in franchise history and finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Over the past 18 seasons, the Capitals have made the playoffs 16 times, clinching their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018. The team has also earned the Presidents’ Trophy, awarded to the top regular-season team, three times in that span (2010, 2016, 2017). The team’s sustained competitiveness has made them one of the winningest franchises in recent NHL history.
02
The Gr8

Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin made history when he passed Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 career goals in his 20th season in the NHL. Ovechkin, a nine-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner (most goals) and three-time Hart Trophy winner (MVP), netted his 895th goal on April 6, 2025 to become the all-time NHL goal scorer. Ovechkin’s historic mark earned him the 2025 ESPY Award for Best Record‑Breaking Performance. 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

Washington Capitals
Beyond Ovechkin's remarkable scoring, the Capitals boast a roster packed with veteran leadership and burgeoning talent. Franchise cornerstone John Carlson anchors the blue line with his defensive prowess and exceptional playmaking, while forward Tom Wilson brings a combination of grit and scoring punch. The uber-talented Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jakob Chychrun bridge the gap between the Capitals’ franchise icons and the next wave, which includes offensive forces in Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael and top prospect Ryan Leonard. Goaltenders Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren also return, bringing stability and competitiveness to the crease.
04
A brand new sports and entertainment district

Construction on the $800 million arena transformation is underway, with completion expected for the 2027-28 season. The reimagined entertainment complex will serve millions of visitors annually and redefine the fan experience in DC. The vision for The Entertainment District is to build a new destination in the District inclusive of Capital One Arena, a Grand Pavilion, a Business and Conference Center, new Monumental Sports Network studios and a retail shopping district. Planned upgrades include faster entry, better food options and enhanced gathering spaces featuring local favorites as well as 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, Cap One regularly fills with more than 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.
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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.