WASHINGTON — As thousands of red-bedecked fans descend on downtown D.C. for Stanley Cup Game 5 watch parties Thursday evening, D.C. police say they’re prepared for large crowds — and extended revelry through the night if the Capitals win.
Speaking at a news conference Thursday afternoon on the city’s preparations, D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said there is no set time for when police will start to disperse crowds and encourage people to go home.
“We’ll play it by ear,” Newsham said. “If it seems like it’s going to disrupt the morning rush hour, then of course we’ll urge people to go home. So far, our experience … the folks that have come down to this event have been in a celebratory mood. They’ve been extremely cooperative.”
He added: “We would tell people to be mindful that if their celebration is starting to last a little bit too long, they may want to consider what impact that’s going to have on the morning rush hour.”
Newsham urged fans not to climb any poles or traffic signals and reminded them that alcohol is prohibited at the outdoor watch parties.
Extensive road closures around the Capital One Arena go into effect Thursday afternoon. The grid of closed roads could be expanded if the Caps win and the area is inundated with fans, Newsham said.
D.C. has seen huge crowds during the Stanley Cup playoffs game. The city has hosted two of the games, and there have been two well-attended watch parties in and around the Capital One Arena during the two games in Las Vegas.
Newsham cited that experience and said the department had reached out to police agencies in other cities to prepare for Thursday night’s game, which could potentially end the series if the Caps win.
Newsham declined to discuss specifics of the police preparations citing security concerns. He said the department had added staffing throughout the city.
“This is Washington, D.C. We are always prepared for terrorist attacks here in Washington, D.C.,” Newsham said.
City officials are encouraging fans to avoid driving to the arena for the watch parties and to take public transportation instead. Metro will stay open until 12:30 a.m., which is one hour later than usual. The Circulator bus is offering free trips on all routes starting at 6 p.m. Thursday. The closest stop to the arena is at 7th Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
