Excitment is in the air Washington Capitals fans. Your captian, Alex Ovechkin is closing in on NHL history.
On Monday morning the Washington Capitals announced initial fan initiatives surrounding Alex Ovechkin and The Gr8 Chase towards Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal scoring record. There will be additional fan facing factivations and events that will be announced at a later date.
The Gr8 Chase
Alex Ovechkin is in the midst of his 20th season and began the year with 853 years and as of this writing is eight away from the current goal scoring record of 894, currently held by Wayne Gretzky. As the journey continues, fans can expect more announcments to come as ALL CAPS fans can come together for this historic milestone.
Highlights from this initial annoucement include fan engagement opportunitis, digital activations, retail items, partner activations and special programming from Monumental Sports Network.
The Gr8 Chase Throne is once again returning to Capital One Arena that will feature a special countdown. A goal light display of how many goals are left until Ovechkin breaks the record and fans can take photos outside of section 114/115 in the Venture Global Quadrant near The Signature Club.
That's not all
If you're coming to a Capitals game soon you won't just see The Gr8 Chase throne. You'll also see a special Gr8 Chase Lockeer Room Display outside of section 114/115. The set features game used memorabilia from Ovechkin himself.
Fans are also invited to submit photos, vidoes, drawings and more celebrating Ovechkin's incredible chase for the record. Whether it's photos with Ovechkin, a good luck message, a goal celebration, or a creative tribute, Venture Global (a sponsor of The Gr8 Chase) is inviting fans to share what it means to them. Submitted content will be highlighted on social media and in game, with one participant winning a signed Ovechkin jersey.
To participate head to WashCaps.com/GR8FANWALL.
There is also a Gr8 Chase mircosite to follow along with all things Ovechkin and The Gr8 Chase, from goal highlights, stats, 'The Climb to 802' feature, and more. Check that out over here.
More Fan Engagement
There will also be Official Goal Counters across the Washington, D.C. region for the entire ALL CAPS community to count down together including Ben's Chili Bowl, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery museum store, and District E in Washington D.C.
Over in Virginia it'll be at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, VA and Bugsy's and the Alexandria Visitor Center in Alexandria, VA. Select Capitals rink partners will also feature the goal counters. Fans are encouraged to take photos with the goal counters and post on social media in celebration of The Gr8 Chase.
There will also be murals throughout the area. That includes "G.O.A.T" - Gr8est of All Time over in Adams Morgan and a GR8NESS Mural at the Union Market District. You can learn more here.
Fans are also invited to pick up free Capitals Watching Gr8 Chase lawn signs at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex and Capital One Arena team stores. The offer is limited to one per person while supplies last during their normal store hours.
You also may have notched this on TV but there's an in area goal counter in the lower level that slapshot changes each time Ovechkin scores. Hopefully it moves closer with the Caps having three home games this week.
Papa Johns is also holding a contest for fans inviting them to cast their vote on when Ovechkin will break the record. Fans who make the right pick have the opportunity to win prizes and that includes a meet and greet with Ovechkin for the winner and three friends. Everyone that votes receives 25 percent off their next Papa Johns pizza. To participate in that, head over here.
It is awesome seeing the Caps do this as we've all followed and defended Ovechkin from the very beginning. Now he's close to being not only the best goal scorer of all time but the best hockey player of all time. But around these parts, he already is.
