ENROLLED ORIGINAL
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-276
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 1, 2024
To recognize and commemorate the Washington Capitals as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary
season in the District.
WHEREAS, the NHL awarded an expansion franchise to the city of Washington, DC on
June 8, 1972, and the Capitals joined the NHL as an expansion team for the 1974-1975 season;
WHEREAS, the Capitals initially played their home games at the Capital Center in
Landover, Md before moving to the MCI Center (now known as Capital One Arena) in 1997;
WHEREAS, the Capitals were originally owned by Abe Pollin and then purchased in
1999 by their present owner, Ted Leonsis of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, who
recently extended the stay of the Capitals in Washington DC until at least 2050;
WHEREAS, the 2024-25 National Hockey League season marks the 50th anniversary of
the Washington Capitals franchise, a team that has grown from a humble expansion squad to a
cherished part of the Washington, DC sports scene;
WHEREAS, since its founding in 1974, the Washington Capitals have accumulated an
impressive record, winning 13 division titles, 3 Presidents' Trophies, and achieving the pinnacle
of success with their 2018 Stanley Cup victory;
WHEREAS, in addition to their teams success, the Capitals have had many all-time great
players on their roster, including Rod Langway, Mike Gartner, Peter Bondra, Scott Stevens, and
Alex Ovechkin, who has the all-time record for goals scored with one franchise;
WHEREAS, over the past 50 years, the Capitals have sported a variety of color schemes,
each contributing to the team’s visual history, from their original red, white, and blue to the
darker, richer shades that accompanied the franchise’s modern era, highlighted by their 2018
Stanley Cup win;
WHEREAS, the Capitals’ season will kick off on October 10, 2024, with a special event
at Capital One Arena, bringing together the 2024-25 Capitals roster, over 60 alumni, and fans for
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 ENROLLED ORIGINAL
a memorable evening featuring a performance by Third Eye Blind to celebrate 5 decades of
Capitals hockey;
WHEREAS, for the first time ever, the Washington Capitals have partnered with
CityCenterDC to transform Palmer Alley into a Capitals-themed environment, complete with
hockey sticks, pucks, and a "Weagle" installation, symbolizing the team’s strong connection to
the city of Washington, DC.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Washington Capitals 50th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of
2024.”
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia extends our congratulations to Capitals
players, coaches, alumni, and fans while expressing our appreciation for the team's dedication to
excellence, sportsmanship, and community engagement over the past 5 decades.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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