WASHINGTON — Washington Capitals fans hoping to get into Capital One Arena early for the watch party for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final may have better luck now, due to some changes to the Washington Mystics game immediately preceding it.
The Mystics face off against the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday at 4 p.m. in Capital One Arena. That tip-off comes four hours before the 8 p.m. viewing party for Game 5, when the Caps clash again with the Golden Knights in Las Vegas (… possibly for the last time).
Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced Tuesday that tickets to the Mystics game will be free. The decision came after the WNBA team earlier this week moved its start time from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. and encouraged fans to “stay after the game and cheer on the Capitals” at the viewing party.
The news sent Caps fans scrambling to snag Mystics tickets and claim coveted seats for the watch party. Caps fans sold out the Mystics game, with some resale tickets priced at more than $1,000 each.
Doors will open at 3 p.m. (or 2:45 p.m. for Capital One VIP Cardholders) for the now-free Mystics game, and all tickets for the game will remain valid for entry. All tickets purchased directly from the Mystics — season tickets and single-game — will be automatically refunded, Monumental said in a news release.
Fans who show up to the Mystics game or watch party won’t be permitted re-entry, Monumental added.
“The large, energetic and excited crowds have made Capital One Arena the best place to be in Washington, D.C., this week,” Monumental said.
The viewing party is free to attendees as well — however, fans need to get a ticket. They can be claimed through the Caps website beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, and are limited to two per person.
“We encourage fans to arrive early, as general admission seating is limited and due to overwhelming demand, a ticket does not guarantee entry into the arena,” Monumental said in its news release.
If you don’t make it into Capital One Arena, Game 5 will be broadcast outside the venue on large screens located at G and 8th streets Northwest beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are not required for the outdoor viewing party.
The Caps head into Game 5 one win away from taking home the Stanley Cup. The Caps defeated the Golden Knights 6-2 on Monday night to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the Stanley Cup Final.
