The Opening Night That Isn’t

Verizon-Center-at-night-2011_4

It's October 12th, 2012 and everyone is getting off of work early to head down to Chinatown to see the Capitals play their home and season opener against the New Jersey Devils. Jerseys are dusted off and summer eating can show as the red home jersey barely fits but is put on in time to hop on the metro to head downtown. It's Hockey Night in Chinatown. Greene Turtle is gearing up for another great season. They have all of the regular's beer mugs washed and waiting for numbers to be called out. It's going to be a good night. The local restaurants in Chinatown are ready to see their monthly revenue go up exponentially because of those loyal Capitals fans. That new local restaurant that got great reviews and survived a DC summer, is now salivating at the chance to turn some Caps fans into regulars. This is going to be great. Fall is here. Hockey is here. Let's feed some people.

Oh wait. It's not hockey night. Hockey is not here. Jerseys may still be collecting dust or burnt for that matter (depending on if you are in anger management or not) and there is no end to this lockout in sight. There is still an opening night in the minds of restaurant and bar owners but what's the fill the spot of what was expected to be a thriving scene come this fall? Owners now have to salivate over maybe getting a half of the revenue if not breaking even, when the Washington International Horse Show comes to town in late October (thank god it won't have an affect on the ice). Yippee!

Over on Facebook there is a movement happening that we would like to bring to your attention. On October 12th, 2012 this year fans are still going to be dusting off their favorite Caps jersey and will be heading down to Chinatown like normal as if there was a game to watch. Reason for this? Supporting those restaurant owners that will be losing money to this stupid lockout that will make Chinatown quiet this fall.

So on Oct. 12th (it's a Friday night), wear what you would've worn to a Capitals game and head down to Chinatown and get ready to support the local restaurants. Head over to Facebook (link here) and RSVP for this as it will be a great reunion of all Caps fans to show support for DC. It would only be our responsibility. Check the Facebook invite for updates as to the locations where people will be en masse.

Head over to Google Maps for all restaurants

From the Facebook event. Credit to Andrea Neuman/Matthew Witting

To thank the people who make every hockey season special, even the seasons that don't happen, we shall put on our sweaters and Caps gear, gather near the arena to see our friends and fellow fans. We shall then embark on a grand tour of the old stomping ground to show our support for the restaurants and bartenders who have so often kept our spirits up during good times and bad. The owners keep us out of the arenas, the players abandon us for Europe, but our watering holes will never lock us out! Perhaps a moment of silence when we should be dropping the puck, a candlelight vigil for the first period that isn't, all started by the ceremonial singing of the national anthem. Alternately just pub crawl China town with your Caps/NHL fan friends, and celebrate what's really important in life: food, friends, and spirits! Transfer that 1% interest you're earning on your season ticket deposit to those who are hurt worst by the lockout!

Where will you go? Comment below to give some local businesses warning that you are gonna be in their establishment come Oct. 12th!

Creator of this lovely blog and also part of the creative side of things. Follow me on Twitter @md_dc for even more random musings.