Capitals Skip Rock the Red Carpet for Home Opener Amid Arena Construction
Washington will not hold its annual pregame tradition before the Oct. 7 opener against Pittsburgh as Capital One Arena's transformation continues.
The Washington Capitals will not hold Rock the Red Carpet before their home opener this season. Construction on F Street and the ongoing transformation of Capital One Arena are the reason, and the team says it expects to bring the tradition back next season.
The Capitals open at home Wednesday, Oct. 7, against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30 p.m. Their season opener comes earlier, Friday, Oct. 2, when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes.
In place of the red carpet, the team is offering a few other things for fans.
Open practice. The morning of the home opener, fans can watch the team's morning skate at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, with giveaways, from 9 a.m. to noon. Start times are being updated at WashCaps.com/Practice.
Giveaways. Fans at the Oct. 7 game get a 2026-27 schedule magnet from Vanda Pharmaceuticals while supplies last. The first 1,000 fans through the Capital One Cardholder entrance at 6th and F Street receive a Capitals beanie.
Scavenger hunt. Through Sunday, Oct. 4, fans can submit photos in Caps gear from spots around Washington at washcaps.com/scavengerhunt for a chance at tickets and signed memorabilia.
Bar crawl. For the Oct. 2 opener in Carolina, fans 21 and older can follow the game at Problem Child in the first period, Royal Sands in the second and Walters Sports Bar in the third. Anyone who hits all three is eligible for an autographed jersey.
The construction changes matter for anyone heading to the building. Scaffolding and overhead protection will line much of the perimeter on 7th Street, F Street, 6th Street and the Gallery Place alleys. The F Street entrance has moved closer to the Metro stop at 7th and F Streets, and doors are scheduled to open 90 minutes before most games. The Box Office now sits permanently in the Gallery Place Alley off 7th Street, and the Team Store is temporarily in the Gallery Place Atrium.
The team is asking fans to allow extra time to reach the arena.
