The Washington Capitals and Wizards will increase their capacities to 25 percent, allowing approx. 5,000 fans into Capital One Arena for games, beginning Friday, May 14.
This is in accordance with the D.C. government, which announced new plans on Monday to gradually lift capacity restrictions for sporting events held in the city.
Capital One Arena will open up to 100 percent capacity beginning Friday, June 11, when all sports venues, including Nationals Park, can open up to full capacity. This means the Capitals will be able to play in front of at least 5,000 fans — up from their previous 10 percent capacity limit — for the duration of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and have the opportunity to play in front of more and more fans the deeper they advance.
With some good puck luck, the Caps could play out a deep postseason run in front of capacity crowds.
The Capitals play their final regular-season game Tuesday night, hosting the Bruins. As the two-seed in the East, they have secured home ice through the first round of the playoffs against the three-seed (either the Bruins or Islanders).
With four regular-season games remaining, the Wizards have a 99 percent chance of making the NBA's play-in tournament. They are currently the ninth seed (one game back of the Hornets) and slated to meet the Pacers in the play-in tournament, which includes the seventh through 10th seeds to determine the final two playoff participants.
The Wizards will play their first home game with the new 25 percent capacity threshold Friday against the Cavaliers. The NHL has yet to announce the schedule for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"We are grateful to Mayor Bowser for allowing us to welcome more fans into Capital One Arena in time for the playoffs," said Ted Leonsis, Founder & CEO, Monumental Sports & Entertainment. "Russell Westbrook is making all-time history in the NBA as Bradley Beal is chasing the NBA's lead scoring record for the season. And the Caps are in the postseason for the seventh consecutive season. We are thrilled to have the best fans in sports together with us again to see these excellent teams chase championships!"
Read more on the increased attendance capacities here.
