The Washington Capitals have become the latest team to release a specialty cherry blossom jersey for the upcoming spring season. But fans who want to score a jersey from the local hockey team will have to place a bid in a charity auction later this month.
The new black jersey, designed by D.C.-area artist Taylor Kampa Olson of TKO Paintings, shows the team’s Capitol Dome logo in pink and white with cherry blossoms bursting out on either side.
The team’s eagle logo is perched on the shoulder with its talons reaching for a branch of blossoms. Players’ numbers on the back will also display pink blossom patterns.
Amanda Tischler, senior vice president of marketing for the Capitals, told WTOP that it is the fourth time Washington has released a jersey celebrating the blossoms and that it has resonated well with fans.
“Cherry blossoms are such a symbol of Washington, D.C.,” Tischler said. “There’s so much cultural connection that we’re able to have, and they’re also just such a sign of spring and hockey season. So we thought it would be a really unique way to wrap our brand around the cherry blossom season in general.”
Players will wear the jerseys as they arrive to Capital One Arena on March 18 during the Capitals’ D.C. Cherry Blossom Night. Each exclusive jersey will be autographed by its corresponding player and auctioned off by MSE Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the foundation.
The auction will open online starting March 18 at noon and run through 3 p.m. on March 27.
Fans can also bid on autographed, limited-edition cherry blossom pucks and a painting of Capitals forward Tom Wilson.
The Capitals are the latest D.C.-area sports team to incorporate the famous flower into their uniforms.
In late February, the Washington Spirit became the first women’s sports team in the region to embrace the cherry blossom as part of its “Spirit in Bloom” kit ahead of its 2026 season.
“The cherry blossoms are just such a unique way for residents of D.C., tourists and people to come in town and just really enjoy the beauty of the city,” Tischler said. “We think it’s also just really unique how the different D.C. sports teams have rallied around their own way to bring cherry blossoms to life, and that could be through the game itself, community activations and retail, so we’re happy to be a part of that.”
While fans can only bid for a chance to own a Capitals jersey, they can purchase an assortment of cherry blossom-themed merchandise, including men’s and women’s apparel, headwear and accessories, at the Team Stores at Capital One Arena, the MedStar Capitals Iceplex and online.
The jersey release is part of a series of team events involving cherry blossoms. On March 11, the Capitals will join volunteers to makeover a garden, planting vegetables and flowers at the Marion Street Intergenerational Garden.
Fans who attend the March 18 game for D.C. Cherry Blossom Night will receive a special themed tumbler. They can also watch a hands-on art experience led by local artist Lea Craige-Marshall in section 105.
Lastly, the Capitals will host a Puck & Paint event at District E on April 2 while watching Washington take on the New Jersey Devils. Attendees will participate in a guided painting experience with a cherry blossom motif. They will also receive a limited-edition Capitals-branded cherry blossom puck. Tickets for the event are $45 while supplies last.
See photos of the jersey and merchandise below.
