Audi Field is a game-changer for your next adventure, offering everything from private suites with a view of D.C.’s favorite pitch to complete stadium buyouts that bring a unique kind of all-hands experience.
In This Article...
What was the previous name of Audi Field?
DC United’s brand-new stadium is called Audi Field. The team had long desired to construct a new soccer-specific stadium to take the place of the RFK Stadium, which was too big and unsuitable for their needs. Around 2005, the first preparations for a transfer were formed. Different ideas followed in the following years, but they were all abandoned for a variety of reasons, including a lack of funding and a lack of support from the local government.
Plans for a potential location at Buzzard Point, south of Washington, DC, not far from Nationals Park, began to take shape in 2011. According to these proposals, the new DC United stadium would be a part of a larger neighborhood revitalization initiative that included investments in both residential and commercial development.
But more delays prevented the plans from moving forward until a formal agreement with the Washington DC council was declared in June 2015.
The new stadium’s construction began in 2017 and was finally finished during the 2018 MLS season, a little later than anticipated. The inaugural game at Audi Field, a league game against the Vancouver Whitecaps, was played a few days after the stadium’s formal opening date of July 9th (3-1).
The name Audi Field came about when a naming rights sponsorship agreement with the automaker Audi was revealed in 2017.
How to get to Audi Field
Just south of the heart of Washington, DC’s downtown, in the Buzzard Point neighborhood, is where you’ll find Audi Field. It is practically adjacent to National Park, home field of the Washington Nationals.
Capital Hill, the National Mall, and downtown Washington, DC are all within a 30-minute stroll of the property.
On the other side of Nationals Park from the closest metro station is Navy Yard metrorail. Waterfront Station is an alternative that is situated equidistant from the ground. The green line, which travels through downtown and links to a number of other lines, stops at each of these stations.
Heineken MVP Club
Whether inside the lounge or outside on the patio, sip beverages while admiring the spotless pitch. Large garage doors open completely to provide visitors with an unforgettable indoor/outdoor experience!
Has the Audi Field a roof?
Over the years, Taylor Twellman, an ESPN analyst, has participated in several soccer broadcasts. He has called games during torrential downpours and snowfall, as well as numerous other unexpected events including power outages and weather delays. He has been to stadiums almost everywhere in the world. However, nothing nearly prepared him for the national broadcast of D.C. United’s match against New England in July.
Twellman discovered as he entered the commentary booth at Audi Field on that particular day that he would be calling a large portion of the game while staring directly into the sun due to the facility’s orientation, which was crammed onto a small plot of land in Southwest D.C.
In a phone call with Twellman earlier this month, he said that none of the cameramen were in their customary locations.
They were all seated in the booth’s rear. When we approached the table, the monitors and everything else were simply too hot to touch. The situation only worsened an hour and a half before the game. Because there was no overhang for your eyes, you couldn’t see the monitor. I made all of the first half’s calls while standing 20 feet from the booth’s front, right by the camera. In fact, back there, I totally made the call for the first half using a monitor.
One of the few consistent criticisms about Audi Field that fans continue to voice on Twitter and in person more than a year after the venue opened its doors is the sun problem, which the club knew aware would be a problem before the stadium was built. While the majority of spectators gush over the stadium’s sightlines, its practical location, or even the mere fact that it even exists, some bemoan the absence of safe standing places for fans and the fact that the vast majority of the seats aren’t covered. They criticize the venue for feeling sterile and being devoid of any of the historical nuances that made RFK Stadium a warmif occasionally inconvenient and uncomfortablehome by pointing out the several thousand empty seats in the audience at each game.
Sports fans, some would say, will always find something to complain about, but although some of this may be attributed to the personality of those being sampled, some of it feels more than a little deserved. Audi Field is still the most expensive soccer-specific stadium ever constructed in the United States when land and infrastructure expenses committed by the city are taken into account. Because of this distinction, it can be challenging for certain club supporters to visit venues like Allianz Field in Minnesota or Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles without feeling a twinge of envy.
For instance, every seat in both of those stadiums is covered and completely enclosed. The stadium would also have a full roof, according to numerous renderings of Audi Field throughout the years, including many that were used to sell the proposal to the community and the team’s supporters.
Level Corner Seating
There are three groupings of corner seats at Audi Field. Fans should be cautious of their proximity to the supporters section in sections 135-138 if they have tickets in the northwest corner (sections 132134). Others who want to concentrate on the game may want to avoid being near supporters, but others hoping for a noisy and thrilling experience may enjoy being close to them.
At the other end is the southeast and southwest corners. These areas are excellent places to find some of the more affordable Audi Field soccer tickets. Fortunately, the stadium is smaller than some of the stadiums used by other NFL teams, and these seats nevertheless provide excellent up-close views of the action on the field.
Level End Seating
Depending on whose side your tickets are for, watching a DC United game from behind the goal can have a very different atmosphere. Sections 138 and 137 of the stadium’s north end are where fans are seated. All game long, supporters section ticket holders will be standing and cheering. Additionally, the bleacher-style seats lack backs to allow the supporters to stand.
The stadiums on the south end of Audi Field are an excellent choice if you want a more tranquil experience. 37 rows make up Sections 115119, with the entry tunnel entering at the bottom. Expect a long walk to get to your seats if you’re in row 37 towards the top.
Upper Sideline Seating
Depending on which side of the field your tickets are on, the upper sideline sections go along either sideline of the field. The expansive west side sections (123-131) extend all the way to the field. Lower rows in these sections will put spectators very close to the action. To be near midfield, look for tickets at section 127.
The upper sideline is divided into sections at the 100 and 200 level on the opposing side of the field. Fans holding tickets for the 100th level will proceed down the entry tunnels while those for the 200th level will proceed up. Directly at midway are sections 106 and 206. In comparison to their counterparts on the west side, all upper level sideline sections on the east side are situated above the club level sections and are therefore a little farther from the field.
What does Audi Field’s premium entry entail?
Audi Field’s club areas are only accessible to premium members. Members of the field level receive access to the club located in the northeast corner of the stadium as well as all-inclusive food and drink selections chosen by Jos Andrs and Levy.
Can I bring anything to Audi Field?
We strongly advise spectators not to bring bags to the stadium so that entry into Audi Field can be processed more quickly. There will be separate lanes set up for spectators carrying bags and fans without luggage. Please read the critical information below if you must bring a bag to the stadium.
- In Audi Field, no bags bigger than 14 by 14 by 6 inches are permitted.
- Backpacks are not permitted (cinch bags that fit the size restriction will be allowed).
- Coolers, luggage, huge handbags, and other comparable bags that are larger than permitted will also not be permitted at Audi Field.
In addition, D.C. United has teamed up with Binbox Lockers, a business that wants to change the way people rent lockers by using an app with a keyless locking system.
Are seat cushions allowed to be carried into the stadium?
Yes, only single-piece foam seat cushions without covers that are no wider than 16 inches and do not have armrests or a metal back are allowed.
Can I bring a blanket into the stadium?
Yes, blankets are allowed. In order for blankets to be easily inspected, fans will be allowed to bring them by throwing them over their shoulders or arms.
What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
Fans carrying bags that do not adhere to the stadium’s bag regulations will be turned away. Additionally, there will be Binbox lockers outside the gates where spectators may keep their non-compliant bags.
What should I do if the stuff I need to bring into a stadium for a medical reason won’t fit in a 14″ by 6″ by 14″ bag?
What can I do to get into the stadium quickly?
- Make sure that any bags brought in comply with D.C. regulations to speed up the security screening procedure. Guidelines for the luggage policy at United and Audi Field.
- At each gate, there will be designated no-bag and bag lanes to speed up the process.
- Jackets and other bulky things should be taken out of your bag and carried by hand. Staff can screen bags when the contents are readily apparent and no contents removal is necessary. Staff must ask for their removal in order to conduct screening if blankets or other objects cover a bag’s contents, which adds time to the process.
- Remove any keys, money, or other metal objects from your pockets before walking up to the metal detector and hold them out in front of you.
- Do not, under any circumstances, carry a bag with you! Visitors who don’t have luggage will enter the stadium considerably more quickly.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Cans of aerosol
- Animals (except services animals)
- Artificial noisemakers, such as any type of air horn or whistle
- No bags of any size are permitted (cinch bags that fit the size restriction will be allowed).
- Drones
- Frisbees
- Any size hard-sided containers or coolers
- Any and all substances, drugs, or chemicals that are illegal
- Any type of inflated ball
- Laser pens
- Containers made from any combination of metal, plastic, glass, or aluminum.
- Outside eats and drinks
- Poles of all types (metal, plastic, or wooden)
- Professional cameras and equipment, including tripods, monopods, and lenses longer than eight inches
- Projectiles
- Rollerblades/skateboards/hoverboards
- Bigger seat cushions, ones with armrests, or ones with metal backs
Can water be brought inside Audi Field?
There have been a few significant revisions to our Matchday A-to-Z Guide, and we cordially invite the Black-and-Red supporters to Audi Field in its entirety for the 2022 Major League Soccer Season.
Mask Policy: In accordance with the Mayor’s Office rules, the Audi Field mask policy is still in place. As of March 1, 2022, masks are no longer necessary to be worn while inside entertainment venues, including Audi Field, according to the Mayor’s Office’s most recent health guidelines. We urge people to keep donning masks if it makes them feel more at ease.
We strongly advise spectators not to bring bags to the stadium so that entry into Audi Field can be processed more quickly. Please read the critical information below if you must bring a bag to the stadium.
Levy Restaurants, Audi Field, and D.C. United all support the ethical selling and use of alcoholic beverages. When purchasing alcohol at Audi Field, visitors should be prepared to provide correct identity and proof of age. Two drinks are allowed per person, per transaction. Driver’s license, passport, state-issued I.D. card with photo, and military I.D. with photo are all acceptable forms of identification. We anticipate and encourage responsible drinking from all visitors. All alcohol sales for D.C. United games end in the 75th minute of the game or as determined by D.C. United and Audi Field management. Those who are intoxicated may not be allowed into the stadium or get services.
Alcohol cannot be taken outside the establishment. Alcohol must be consumed or thrown away.
Plaza area: Visitors who buy alcohol at the fan plaza are required to remain on the plaza grounds. They won’t be able to pass the barrier while carrying booze. No food or drink from the Fan Plaza will be permitted inside Audi Field.
Audi Field welcomes service animals and service animals in training for visitors with impairments. Other animals are not allowed.
Although not guaranteed, autographs might be offered at a location made known by D.C. United after the game. Fans must always follow directions from stadium staff and show consideration for both the players and other spectators.
ATMs may be found on the main concourse between sections 138 and 123.
All of the men’s and women’s restrooms at Audi Fields have baby changing facilities. There are family restrooms in sections 103, 114, 123, and 131.
For a complete list of objects that are not allowed inside Audi Field, please see the bag policy page.
Generally speaking, Audi Field is open to the use of small banners, flags, and signs. Greater than 3 by 5 in size, banners, flags, and placards require prior approval from the D.C. United Front Office. Larger versions might not be allowed in. Inspection of all banners entering Audi Field is required.
All flags, banners, and signage should adhere to the following principles:
Greater than 3 by 5 in size, banners, flags, and placards require prior approval from the D.C. United Front Office. Larger
versions might be rejected. Inspection of all banners entering Audi Field is required. every banner,
Most flags and signs adhere to the following principles:
- Not be fastened to a stick or pole
- Any item that cannot be fully removed without causing damage to the stadium’s property may not be hung, mounted, or exhibited on any part of the structure.
- Items that use or exhibit vulgar or abusive words or images are prohibited, as assessed by Audi Field management.
- The item may not be affixed to the stadium in any way or hinder the view of other visitors or any stadium advertising signage.
There are no bicycles allowed on Audi Field. However, D.C. United provides a free bike valet service near the intersection of T Street and 2nd Street SW that is accessible until 45 minutes after the conclusion of the match. For fans who choose to ride to the game, there are bike racks all over the stadium. There is also a Capital Bikeshare station next to the Navy Yard Metro Station, on the corner of 1st Street SE and K Street.
No containers made of glass, metal, or plastic are allowed within Audi Field. When a heat advisory is in force, D.C. United will let supporters know if bottled water will be permitted before a game.
We will permit one (1) sealed bottle of water per person, up to 20 oz., during a Heat Advisory.
On game days, the Box Office will be open four (4) hours before the advertised start time of the game and remain open until halftime.
Visitors are allowed to bring cameras and video devices into Audi Field as long as it’s just for them. Cameras of a professional or commercial caliber are not permitted inside the stadium. Only authorized media representatives are allowed to use tripods, monopods, or cameras with lenses longer than eight (8) inches within the stadium. Guests are not allowed to stand in the way of people watching the game while snapping pictures. Audi Field does not allow camera bags inside unless they adhere to the bag regulations.
Children under the age of two (2) are admitted free of charge to D.C. United games. They are required to sit on the lap of an accompanying adult if they are attending without a ticket. A ticket is required for every youngster who is three (3) years old or older.
- EagleBank Club – On the club level of Audi Field’s east side, behind sections C1 to C8, is the all-inclusive EagleBank Club. The premium entry or Gate A offer the easiest access. Visitors should use the circulation tower stairs to get to the second level after they are inside Audi Field’s main gate. Only holders with tickets at the club level are permitted access here.
- Club Heineken MVP
- Just inside Audi Field’s main gate, on the field level, is the Heineken MVP Club, an all-inclusive space. Near the club shop on the north side of the stadium, closest to Gate A, is where you’ll find the MVP Club. Only those with field level tickets are permitted access to this area (sections F1-F12).
At Audi Field, coolers and hard-sided containers are not permitted. For further details, see our list of forbidden products.