The Red Army

Lore & Background

Founded in the early 2000s by a group of dedicated Capitals fans, The Red Army was inspired by the fervent supporter cultures of European football. They quickly became a staple of the arena experience, leading coordinated cheers like 'C-A-P-S' and waving massive flags to intimidate opponents. Over the years, they've grown into one of the NHL's most recognized fan groups, celebrated for their loyalty through both playoff runs and rebuilding seasons.

In Their Own Story

The lights dim over the ice as the crowd roars in anticipation. In Section 106, drums begin to beat a steady rhythm against the chest of every fan wearing red. A section leader raises a baton, and thousands of voices unite in a chant that shakes the rafters of Capital One Arena. It is not just a game; it is a fortress built on loyalty and noise, where the pulse of the city beats in time with the puck.

Reader's Guide

The Red Army provided the largest ground force in the Allied victory in the European theatre of World War II, and its invasion of Manchuria assisted the unconditional surrender of Japan. On the Eastern Front, it fought the largest and deadliest land war in history, which accounted for roughly 75% of German combat casualties during the war, and ultimately captured the German capital, Berlin.

Did You Know?

• The Red Army was originally a small group of about 20 fans who met online before games; today, they number in the hundreds and have their own section in the lower bowl.
• During the 2018 Stanley Cup run, The Red Army organized a 'Red Out' that saw nearly every fan in the arena wearing red, creating a visually intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.
• The group's signature chant, 'Let's Go Caps,' is often accompanied by a drumbeat that can be heard throughout Capital One Arena.