When the Washington Capitals take on the Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow (Friday), local fans will be able to take in the action while hitting the ice themselves at Reston Town Center.
For the first time, D.C.’s NHL team is bringing a “Rock the Rink” skate and watch party to the town center’s ice skating pavilion (1818 Discovery Street), inviting community members to enjoy a variety of activities before cheering on the boys in red.
Starting at 7 p.m., attendees who don Capitals gear can receive $4 off in-store skate rentals, which typically cost $8. The pavilion’s fire pits will also be active, along with a live DJ and exclusive giveaways.
Then, when the puck drops at 8 p.m., a 9-foot-by-16-foot screen will play the Capitals game, which is away at the United Center in Chicago. The festivities will continue until the end of the game’s second intermission, according to the event page.
The Caps are encouraging visitors to register for Rock the Rink in advance, but it’s not required.
The professional hockey team has brought watch parties to other outdoor rinks around the D.C. region in the past, but this will be its first at Reston Town Center, a Capitals spokesperson says.
“The Capitals have hosted several Rock the Rink events at local outdoor rinks over the last few years,” Capitals Vice President of Corporate Communications Megan Eichenberg said. “The Rock the Rink skates were created with the goal of bringing fans together at community ice rinks for a fun, Caps-themed skating experience.”
Though team owner Ted Leonsis’ bid for a Northern Virginia arena was scuttled in 2024, the Capitals have maintained a presence in Fairfax County over the past few years, donating an inline skating rink for Lake Fairfax Park and organizing a street hockey tournament at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena.
The Lake Fairfax rink will be among the host venues of a new Capitals Street Hockey League slated to launch its inaugural season this March.
Opened for the season on Nov. 7, Reston Town Center’s ice skating rink operates from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with hours differing on other days of the week. Admission costs $11 for adults and $9 for kids 12 and under, seniors 55 and older, and members of the military.
