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Mayor Bowser Officially Proclaims ‘Rock the Red’ Day in DC

Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Announcement highlights fan rally with Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis and Events DC, kicks off NHL playoff run

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser was joined by the Washington Capitals, owner Ted Leonsis, and Events DC as she officially proclaimed April 14 ‘Rock the Red’ Day in the District of Columbia in front of hundreds of fans at the Carnegie Library.

The proclamation marks the beginning of the Capitals’ playoff run and celebrates a successful regular season where they finished the 2015-16 National Hockey League (NHL) campaign as Presidents’ Trophy winners with the best regular-season record. The team also set a new franchise record for wins.

“DC isn’t just the nation’s capital, because with help from the Capitals, we’re also the sports capital,” said Mayor Bowser. “This is an exciting time for the District and ‘Rock the Red’ is a fun way to support our hometown hockey team in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. I’m counting on DC residents to wear red tomorrow - to work, to school, or when you’re out and about in the city. It’s time to show all the teams that Washingtonians are the best fans in the NHL!”

To show its support, the District will light up buildings in red on Thursday – including the John A. Wilson Building. Fans, businesses, and residents are also encouraged to wear red during the playoffs.

The top-seeded Capitals will host the Philadelphia Flyers starting tomorrow, April 14, at the Verizon Center at 7 p.m. This is the fifth time the Capitals and Flyers have met in the postseason and the first playoff meeting between the teams since 2008.

“Washington Capitals fans have been eagerly awaiting the playoffs, and it’s great to see Mayor Bowser, members of DC City Council and Greg O’Dell of Events DC being so supportive,” said Ted Leonsis, Monumental Sports & Entertainment founder and Washington Capitals majority owner. “Verizon Center and the surrounding communities are electric this time of year, and we are all excited to Rock the Red and shine the light on our great city and fantastic fans.”

To date, the team has also sold out 311 games in a row, a true testament to their dedicated fan base. Since 2008, ‘Rock the Red' has symbolized the experience of a Washington Capitals game, its passionate fans, and a team forced to be reckoned with.

“As the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, we are thrilled to celebrate and applaud the Washington Capitals on their historic season,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, Events DC president and chief executive officer. “We enthusiastically encourage individuals, organizations and neighborhoods throughout the District to show their support for the Capitals and wish them the best of luck in their quest for a Stanley Cup.”

For the Capitals’ full playoff schedule, click here.