ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals, who played in front of a club-record 29 sellouts crowds last season, will host another sellout of more than 5,000 at the first Capitals Convention on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Capitals fans have responded with characteristic enthusiasm, purchasing all available tickets three weeks in advance of the all-day event, which will feature the entire 2009-10 Capitals team, Capitals alumni and other special guests.
 
Panel discussions, skill sessions, autographs and photo opportunities highlight this unique event designed to give fans a first-time look at behind-the-scenes operations as well as an insight into the lives of NHL players. There also will be interactive activities for adults and children, a display containing many of the NHL’s most prominent trophies, a locker-room store featuring game-used authentic memorabilia and the team’s annual equipment sale.
 
Head lining the event will be NHL commissioner Gary Bettman who will join chairman and majority owner Ted Leonsis to address fans and field questions on the state of the league. In addition, fans will be able to sit in on panel discussions that feature general manager George McPhee and head coach Bruce Boudreau and a number of current and former Capitals players, including Hall of Famer Rod Langway, Al Iafrate, Dennis Maruk and Kelly Miller.
 
The Sept. 26 festivities begin at 9 a.m. for season-ticket holders and 10 a.m. for the general public and will conclude at 8 p.m. Fans who are unable to attend will be able to find post-event coverage on WashingtonCaps.com.