Fan Cutouts To Be Featured At Capitals, Wizards Home Games

WASHINGTON, DC — As the Washington Wizards and soon Washington Capitals begin their seasons at Capital One Arena, the sound of fans cheering won't be heard. The Wizards started the regular season on Dec. 23, while the Capitals will return on Jan. 14.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced fan cutouts will be available to purchase for $75 to be displayed at Wizards and Capitals home games. Capital One cardholders receive a discount. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, which supports community nonprofits in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.

"While COVID-19 protocols prohibit our ability to open the arena to live fans at the start of the season, we wanted to honor their importance to our game and our athletes," said Jim Van Stone, president of business operation and chief commercial officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. "With a portion of the proceeds benefiting Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, not only will fans be supporting our teams – they will also be supporting our community."

Images for fan cutouts may feature a person or pet. These first come, first served cutouts will be on display across Capital One Arena, be featured on social media, may be visible on the second screen experience, and could appear in games. Fans will not have the option to select their own seats.

Fans can submit images by phone or computer at www.monumentalsports.com/fancutouts and will be asked to sign an image-use waiver. The cutouts will then be automatically delivered to Capital One Arena. Images must be submitted and approved by Jan. 1 to appear in time for the Jan. 9 Wizards game and first Capitals home game on Jan. 22. Orders submitted after that time will be placed on a bi-weekly schedule.

The Wizards and Capitals released similar statements about the plan to start the season without fans at Capital One Arena, which has a capacity of over 20,000 people.

"At this time, while we remain very optimistic for the potential to host fans at Wizards games at some point during the 2020-21 season, we must begin the season without our loyal fans in attendance," reads a statement on the Wizards website.

For schedules and ways to watch games, visit the Wizards and Capitals websites.