WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals are celebrating the team's 50th anniversary. The team debuted in 1974, and to celebrate the season the Caps are inviting fans and the community to various events leading up to the home opener Saturday against the New Jersey Devils.
The Capitals will host a special Caps 50th kickoff celebration, 50 Fest presented by TikTok, at Capital One Arena on Thursday. This special event marks the official kickoff of the Capitals' 50th Anniversary season and promises to bring together the entire Capitals 2024-25 roster, over 70 Capitals alumni, and fans for an incredible experience celebrating five decades of Capitals hockey and the organization's future.
- Doors will open at 5 p.m. 50 Fest will feature current player and alumni stage programming, followed by a Third Eye Blind concert.
- All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative 50th Anniversary T-shirt.
- Fans of all ages are encouraged to attend.
- Tickets are available for $19.74 at washcaps.com/50Fest. In addition, suites are available at a special price of $1,974.00. The ticket pricing is a nod to 1974-75, the Capitals debut season in the National Hockey League.
Friday is the Alumni Game at MedStar Capitals Iceplex at 2 p.m. The game is free and open to the public. More than 70 alumni are in town for alumni weekend, with select alumni participating.
The Capitals will host their season opener against the New Jersey Devils at Capital One Arena at 7 p.m. on Saturday. There are several activities planned before the puck drops.
- F Street Festivities: Pregame, festivities on F Street kick off at 2:30 p.m.
- F Street festivities will also feature a street hockey rink, face painter, tattoo artist and airbrush artist.
- Fans are also invited to stop by the Caesars Sportsbook booth from 2:30-6:00 p.m. for a special gameday activation including giveaways, meet and greet with alumni and special gameday offers.
- Red Carpet: The Capitals 2024-25 team will begin arriving in cars provided by Lexus on F Street, between 6th and 7th street NW, at approximately 4 p.m. They will be introduced and escorted by preselected fans down the red carpet. Upon arrival players will greet fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures. In honor of the team’s 50th Anniversary season, more than 70 Capitals alumni, will also walk the red carpet following the team’s arrival.
- Pre-Game Ceremony: The Capitals will hold a pregame ceremony to celebrate the team's 50th season. A special video tribute debut, and more than 70 alumni will join the 2024-25 team on the ice for the introduction.
- All-Fan Giveaway: All fans in attendance on Oct. 12 will receive a 2024-25 schedule magnet courtesy of GEICO as well as LED wristbands courtesy of Capital One.
- District E Block Party: Fans are encouraged to visit District E powered by Ticketmaster for a pregame Block Party featuring a performance by Run for Cover. District E’s happy hour specials will run from 4-7 p.m. and include $5 domestic drafts, $6 well spirits, $7 import drafts and $8 glasses of wine. Select apps for $10 are also part of the happy hour, including nachos, burgers, wings and shrimp and grits. $10 cocktails include Caps Pop, a red, white and blue cocktail, as well as DMV Crush.
- Team Stores: Fans are invited to visit the Team Store at Capital One Arena on Oct. 12 to purchase the home opener puck and pin honoring the Capitals 50th Anniversary and to shop all new available styles. Come by the Team Store at MedStar Capitals Iceplex (Arlington, VA) and join in celebrating the Capitals 50th Anniversary by picking up exclusive apparel and accessories honoring the occasion. Additionally, fans are invited to check out new vendors and styles that have arrived in time for the new season. Looking for a deal? Adidas authentic jerseys are on sale for $100, as well as T-shirts as low as $5, and select sweatshirts and outwear for $25.
- 15 of the season’s 20 all-arena giveaways uniquely celebrate the milestone, including duo bobbleheads, pennants, and a viewfinder, among other exclusive items. Related promotional calendar items include:
- Oct. 23 vs. Philadelphia Flyers – Original Logo Pennant
- Nov. 8 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins – Replica Jersey
- Nov. 13 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs – Screaming Eagle Pennant
- Nov. 23 vs. New Jersey Devils – Ice Resurfacer Gravy Boat courtesy of Capital One
- Dec. 14 vs. Buffalo Sabres – Mike Gartner & Rod Langway Duo Bobblehead
- Dec. 31 vs. Boston Bruins – 50th Anniversary Coaster Set
- Feb. 1 vs. Winnipeg Jets – Peter Bondra & Olie Kolzig Duo Bobblehead
- Feb. 4 vs. Florida Panthers – Viewfinder courtesy of MedStar Health
- Feb. 9 vs. Utah Hockey Club – Capitals Marvel Comic Book
- Feb. 27 vs. St. Louis Blues – Capitol Dome Pennant
- March 7 vs. Detroit Red Wings – Alex Ovechkin & Nicklas Backstrom Duo Bobblehead
- March 9 vs. Seattle Kraken – Weagle Pennant
- March 30 vs. Buffalo Sabres – Retro Corduroy Hat
- April 4 vs. Chicago Blackhawks – 50th Anniversary Photo Book
- April 13 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets – Capitals Poster
To commemorate the Washington Capitals 50th Anniversary, the Capitals will wear their special black screaming eagle jersey six home games during the 2024-25 season.The jersey features a blue, black, and bronze color scheme, with the Capitol Building displayed on the shoulder. The design is reminiscent of the Capitals' jersey, first introduced in 1995.