Washington Spirit Hosts Historic Doubleheader Event and Fan Fest
A first-of-its-kind Fan Fest highlights the arrival of four of the world’s top women’s soccer teams to Audi Field
Washington, D.C. (08/20/2024) – This Sunday, August 25, the Washington Spirit will host a historic doubleheader that will kickstart the homestretch of the NWSL regular season and bring to life a storied English rivalry right here in Washington, D.C. Outside of the gates, fans will have access to a lively and robust Fan Fest with numerous activations, entertainment and food options, small business pop ups, and more.
Tickets will grant fans to both matches and the Fan Fest. Additionally, re-entry will be allowed all day for fans who wish to enjoy the amenities both inside and outside of Audi field.
Starting at 12:00pm EDT, the #3-ranked Spirit will play the #2-ranked Kansas City Current in highly anticipated, potential playoff preview. The pitch will be stacked with talent as the Spirit newcomers Esme Morgan, Leicy Santos, and Rosemonde Kouassi have a chance to make their NWSL debuts. The red-hot Current, who has lost only one game the entire season, will bring stars like Debinha and Temwa Chawinga, who is currently one of the world’s most prolific strikers.
Following the Spirit v. Current match, Arsenal and reigning Women’s Super League champion Chelsea will face off in a matchup between two of Europe’s top teams. This rivalry match up will feature international superstars such as Catrina Macario, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, and more. Arsenal and Chelsea enter the match previously facing the Spirit and Gotham FC, respectively.
On First Street outside of Audi Field, the Spirit will debut an unprecedented Fan Fest that will open at 10:00 a.m. and run through the start of the Arsenal v. Chelsea match. Over 20,000 people are expected to take part in this event that features unique activations, food and entertainment options, as well as a small business market. Non-ticketed guests are also invited to take part in the Fan Fest event.
Local DMV small-businesses with products ranging from a specialty coffee (Others Coffee), handmade organic baby clothing (Yinibini Baby), cookies and scones (Cookie YAY), children’s books (Lola & Pear), hand crafted fresh-cut fruit frozen pops (Maracas Ice Pops), and more will sell their goods. To help navigate the market and carry items, the Spirit is handing out 10,000 stadium-compliant tote bags upon entry to Audi Field for Sunday’s match.
Fan Fest will also feature activations from multiple organizations. The Spirit will host a hair braiding station for fans wanting to recreate the iconic look of Spirit star forward and Olympic gold medalist Trinity Rodman. There will also be a soccer dart game and 40-yard dash competition setup. Kid Zone makes its way to Fan Fest with a friendship bracelet and poster making stations, face painters, and inflatables.
Other activations from organizations like Giant, Amazon, Destination DC and presenting partner of Sunday’s match against KC Current, CareFirst, will be sure to excite. CitySwing, state-of-the-art golf studio and bar with locations around the DMV, headlines these activations with a golf simulator for fans to enjoy ahead of the LPGA’s Solheim Cup in Virginia next month.
Fans will also be able to see Chelsea’s Women’s Super League trophy and even take photos in a custom locker room photo pop-up with jerseys from the Spirit, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Fans can also visit with mascots from the Spirit, Chelsea, and Arsenal. From food trucks to non-stop tunes from four different DJs to tailgating games and big screens to catch the game action, Fan Fest is unmissable for first-time and long-time fans alike.
Inside the gates, the Spirit celebrates DC Ward Day, presented by CareFirst. The Spirit and CareFirst will honor the rich culture and communities of Washington, D.C, particularly Wards 7 and 8 where the Spirit calls home. CareFirst committed to a multi-year partnership with the Spirit and in conjunction with DC SCORES to help support the girls of Excel Academy in Ward 8. CareFirst CEO, Brian Pieninck, will join DC Mayor, Muriel Bowser, as honorary captains for the match, so be sure to get to your seats early.
The Community Zone will feature multiple local organizations, including the Anacostia Business Improvement District. The Anacostia Community Museum will also attend Sunday’s match and present a pop-up version of their ‘DC Women Speak’ exhibit. Sunday’s game program, available to fans upon entry, will feature a story on the Spirit’s community work, highlighted by longtime Spirit player Ashley Hatch.
Spirit Stage, an entertainment staple inside Audi Field, will be lively for both matches with East of the River Steelband and Black Alley Band performing before the first and second games, respectively.
Finally, be sure to check out the Spirit merch stands at Audi Field and at the Fan Fest, which will feature limited-edition s products, such as the Spirit International Friendly Scarf, which features the marks of all three clubs. Chelsea and Arsenal apparel will be available as well. Ticketed guests can skip the lines and order ahead for in-stadium pick-up beginning later this week.
Tickets Still Available
To be a part of soccer history, fans should be sure to secure tickets to Sunday’s game as soon as possible. Tickets start as low as $34 and are selling quickly!
Earlier this season, the Spirit broke its all-time home attendance record when 19,897 fans were on hand to witness the team’s electrifying match against San Diego.
Guest Services
Introduced last season for the first time at Audi Field, the Washington Spirit, in partnership with D.C. United, installed a Mamava nursing pod for parents near Guest Services inside Gate A. The private, sanitary space provides comfortable seating and power outlets for pumping equipment. Keyless entry and vacancy alerts are available by downloading the Mamava app.
Fans can communicate with Audi Field officials via text with any questions, concerns or emergencies at the following number: 202-918-3838. All ticketed fans will also receive a post-match survey following each game to allow the club to offer continual improvements on the matchday experience.
Parking will be made available for guests at the GEICO Parking Garage on 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C, 20003. The garage will open at 12 p.m. and will close approximately one hour after the event. There will be 600 spaces available on a first come, first serve basis and will cost guests $50. No tailgating will be allowed, and only credit/debit is accepted.
Fans are encouraged to use public transportation on matchday, disembarking at either the Navy Yard-Ballpark or Waterfront Metrorail Stations. The Navy Yard Station has more capacity and is located just one stop away on the Green Line from the Anacostia Metrorail Station where parking is also available. Fans can also use the ADA shuttle that runs from Navy Yard Metro to Audi Field starting pregame and running through postgame.
About The Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) the fastest growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. In 2024, the Spirit drafted an epic class of rookies who are already breaking records and wowing fans. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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