April 2027
2027 is a once-in-a-generation convergence for Washington sports. The District hosts the NFL Draft for the first time, a completely renovated Capital One Arena reopens, and construction for the new Commanders stadium begins. By 2030, all of the District's professional sports teams will play within the city.
But, the Story of D.C. sports can’t be told without fans.
Hail to the Fans: The Spirit of DC Sports will showcase the history and culture of Washington’s professional sports teams through its fans. Sports serve as the vehicle for telling stories about community, identity, family, and shared experience across the region. The exhibition will document the memories, rituals, loyalties, and shared moments that connected neighbors, families, and communities to their teams and to each other. This exhibition will use sports as a powerful lens through which to explore community, identity, civic pride, and resilience.
What We Are Looking For
Objects, photographs and memories connected to Washington sports. Any pro team. Any era.
A ticket stub. A hat. A program. A photograph. A jersey. A newspaper page you folded and saved. Anything connected to Washington sports that you have held onto because it means something to you. Photos and videos of your items are welcome. So is media connected to your fandom.
Who Can Share
Anyone from the DMV with a memory connected to Washington sports is welcome to participate. We only ask that whatever is shared comes with the story behind it.
Public Credit is Voluntary
Public credit is entirely your choice. What we do ask is that every submission include the story behind the item, even if your name does not appear with it.
A Note on Selection
Submissions are reviewed by a committee and selected for relevance, variety, and how well they represent the full breadth of DMV fandom. There are no hard limits on item types, though some may not be selected due to size, content, or other considerations. Contributors will be contacted on a rolling basis.
Share Your Story
Hail to the Fans is supported by the following partners: DC Public Library Foundation, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Washington Capitals, Washington Spirit, DC United, Washington Commanders, Washington Nationals, Events DC, CLLCT, and National Children’s Museum.