Washington Capitals unveil special events, giveaways for 50th season celebration

WASHINGTON (7News) — Hockey returns to Washington, D.C. this weekend. Our Washington Capitals take on the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night and that game will kick off what is going to be a very special golden year.

More than 70+ alumni are in town for Alumni Weekend, with select alumni and USA Warriors participating in an Alumni Game at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Friday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.

The game is free and open to the general public.

Five USA Warriors players as well as two members of the TikTok sensation ‘The Hockey Guys’ will participate in the game.

Before the puck drops in Chinatown for the home opener, the Rock the Red Carpet will start at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free.

F Street festivities will also feature a street hockey rink, face painter, tattoo artist and airbrush artist.

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Fans are also invited to stop by the Caesars Sportsbook booth from 2:30 to 6 p.m. for a special gameday activation including giveaways, meet and greet with alumni and special gameday offers.

The Capitals 2024-25 team will begin arriving in cars provided by Lexus on F Street, between 6th and 7th Streets 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.

All fans in attendance for the game on Oct. 12 will receive a 2024-25 schedule magnet courtesy of GEICO as well as LED wristbands courtesy of Capital One.

The Capitals have announced an exciting lineup of special events and initiatives to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary during the 2024-25 NHL season. Plans include fan celebrations, community programs, captivating content, storytelling and related merchandise.

The celebration aims to unite fans, alumni and partners to honor the team’s history while setting the stage for the future of Capitals hockey.

New Jersey, who originally entered the NHL as the Kansas City Scouts, and Washington both began play in the 1974-75 season. The Capitals have qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs 33 times in the last 41 seasons dating back to 1982-83, which is tied for the second-most playoff appearances in the NHL in that span. In addition, Washington’s 1,656 wins since 1982-83 are the second most in the League.

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The Capitals enter 2024-25 looking to make the playoffs for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons and the 34th time in franchise history. Washington’s 15 playoff appearances since 2007-08 are tied with the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins for the most in the NHL in that span.

With 853 career goals, Alex Ovechkin needs 42 goals to pass Wayne Gretzky (894g) for first on the NHL’s all-time goals list. Ovechkin, who is signed with the Capitals for the next two years, would need to average 21 goals per season during that span to supplant Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. Ovechkin has scored at least 42 goals in 13 of his 19 NHL seasons and 21 or more goals in each of his 19 seasons. 2024-25 will be Ovechkin’s 20th season with the Capitals. Ovechkin, who made his Capitals and NHL debut on Oct. 5, 2005, is Washington D.C.’s longest-tenured athlete. In Washington, D.C. sports history, only Walter Johnson (Washington Senators: 1907-1927) and Darrell Green (Washington Redskins: 1983-2002) have played at least 20 seasons with their respective team.

Fifteen 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