8 things to keep in mind Saturday while in DC

So millions of people are decending onto Washington this weekend for a big party on Tuesday for Barack Obama. You should keep a few things in mind when you're leaving for the game and heading back home, celebrating a Caps win against the Bruins.

Yes, the nation is going all college spring break and is getting ripped for some pre-party inaugural action. Maybe they'll have the Caps game on their D.C.-to do list.

So do yourself and others a favor, and remember these tips:

1. Visit the Caps Traffic Alert page for road closure information, and check the Metro's service interruptions page.

Flying in or picking up a friend at the airport? Extra buses will run on the B30 and 5A routes to BWI via green line and Dulles via blue/orange, respectively.

Leave early however you're going to get to Verizon.

2. Because the game will be sold out and you know how much of a bitch it is trying to catch the Metro afterward (and if you do get on, being sandwiched between the sweaty out-of-town fan and the drunk guy), take note that some D.C. bars and restaurants will serve alcohol until 4 a.m. and close at 5 a.m.

Considering that you're not going to get into restaurants beforehand due to normal crowds and tourists, this is a good alternative. But, celebrating from about 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., you say is silly, still in your Caps jersey? No. It creates the hardcore impression we need to instill in visitors about our love for the Caps and acts as a good tune-up for a long playoff season.

3. Please be nice when a tourist asks you how to pay for your fare, or where the White House is, if you're in your Caps jersey. If you're not wearing Caps gear, do whatever you want and explain you're from Boston and shout, "Go Bruins!"

4. When a stranger asks about something fun to do in D.C. on a Saturday, lead them to your favorite scalper , sell your Caps tix for a small profit and head over to TicketExchange to get those front-row seats you couldn't get before.

5. If a friend is staying with you, tell them how there happens to be this ice rink built on top a mall, and it's quite a site to see. So, after or before shopping you can take a peek or a twirl around the rink, and by golly, wouldn't you know that the Caps just happened to be on the ice when you show up?

6. You will claim no knowledge of the Redskins, Nationals, Wizards and act shocked when some fans shout "O" during the National Anthem.

7. Seriously, don't let them knock on Craig Laughlin if watching the game on TV. He actually adds something to the game and is levels above some monotone color guys on FSN elsewhere and hell, even some on Versus. Besides, they've never heard Koken botch a name ... or two.

8. Unleash the Fury. Everywhere. Just scream at a passerby and watch their reaction.

Good luck and god speed, Capital ambassadors.