Capitals have 12,498 attend Stanley Cup Final watch party

The Capitals had 12,498 attend a watch party at Capital One Arena Monday for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

After the first period, the Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights were tied at 2. 

But the energy in the building remained strong — and fans mostly filled the building. The Capitals even opened the 400 level, which was closed off during last week’s Game 7 watch party. 

Further, the arena was set up differently as the ice had already been laid down in advance of Saturday’s Game 3. 

This is louder than most home games. pic.twitter.com/v1PG67sKK6

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 29, 2018

I can only imagine what Game 3 is going to be like. This goes up four rows. pic.twitter.com/Vf1KoV9tAn

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 29, 2018

The watch party for Game 7 drew about 11,000, per Capitals PR.

The crowd went quiet once Vegas got on the board.

Vegas 1-0 pic.twitter.com/O3H6G49B1A

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 29, 2018

But winger Brett Connolly, however, gave them something to cheer — as did center Nicklas Backstrom:

Here’s the reaction after Connolly’s goal: pic.twitter.com/mof41egsyI

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 29, 2018

Attendance for the Capitals’ viewing party is 12,498 — and they all just erupted after Backstrom’s go ahead goal pic.twitter.com/0FSFo8k8P4

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 29, 2018

Vegas, though, tied the game soon following Backstrom’s score. The crowd was not as happy: 

Update: 2-2 pic.twitter.com/9xr86AePzb

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 29, 2018

The event was free to attend.