Washington Spirit Recognizes Disability Awareness Day & Celebrates US Olympians with Pre-Match Gold Medal Celebration
Before the match, fans have a chance to meet soccer legend Michelle Akers
Washington, D.C. (09/04/2024) – The Washington Spirit takes on one of the NWSL’s most storied teams, Portland Thorns FC, this Saturday on Disability Awareness Day. Fans won’t want to miss a pre-match gold medal celebration honoring US Olympians from the Spirit (Croix Bethune, Hal Hershfelt, Casey Krueger, and Trinity Rodman) and Portland (Sophia Smith and Sam Coffey).
Get to your seats early as the pre-match gold medal celebration will occur before the match following the team procession. This celebration will mark the reunion of two-thirds of the “Triple Espresso” trio – Rodman, Smith, and Mallory Swanson – that helped lead the United States to gold.
Throughout Audi Field, fans can find various activations and homages to Disability Awareness Day. Upon entering Audi Field, headphones will be available to listen to the Washington Spirit Radio Network for an inclusive game experience. For tune-in information, visit the Spirit’s How to Listen page.
At Spirit Stage, be sure to catch Ominum Circus, a comprehensively inclusive – multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-abled – entertainment experience. Meanwhile, So Kids SOAR, a Spirit community partner that dedicates its work to the disabled community, will present an adaptive soccer demo. USA Blind Soccer and USA Blind Hockey is partnering with So Kids SOAR for this activation.
Look out for merch stands throughout the concourse where the Spirit will unveil its new Disability Awareness merch line featuring designs from Spirit goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. Fans will be able to read more about Barnhart’s role in the new merch line in Saturday’s game program, available to fans upon entry. So Kids SOAR will receive 10% of all proceeds from this merch line sold in the month of September.
Throughout the match, the Spirit’s in-game host, Haiya Koffler, will be accompanied by an ASL interpreter. And at the community zone, multiple organizations, including the Special Olympics, will table.
US Soccer legend and captain of the famous 99ers, Michelle Akers, will be the honorary captain, while two-time Paralympian Hannah McFadden will deliver the game ball. Akers will also be hosting a meet-and-greet before the match. Those with tickets can reserve a spot today and those without a ticket can bundle a ticket to the match with the meet-and-greet. Limited spots remain, so be sure to reserve now.
The Small Business Market that debuted at the Spirit’s historic doubleheader on August 25 will return this weekend. Fans can expect up to 12 different businesses to activate outside Audi Field on First Street, operating from 11am EDT until the end of first half.
The Solheim Cup is the world’s most prestigious international women’s professional golf team competition. The 2024 Solheim Cup will bring the top 12 players from the United States and the top 12 players from Europe to Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va., on Sept. 10-15. Today, U.S. Captain Stacy Lewis will attend the match and lead our supporter chant prior to kick-off. Additionally, the official Solheim Cup trophy will be on site for photo opportunities.
Additionally, ESPN Radio 630 will also offer its exclusive merch giveaway, and capping off the concourse experience, Spiritville includes a soft play area for children, EA FC stations, a PK meet-and-greet, face painters, caricature artists, and more.
Tickets Still Available
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. Don’t miss your chance to experience “Rowdy Audi” for yourself this weekend—tickets are still available for purchase.
For fans looking to maximize their savings, the Spirit’s two-match mini plans allow fans to bundle tickets to any two remaining home matches, including Sunday’s match against Sophia Smith and the Thorns and the match on Sunday, October 20 against Mallory Swanson and the Chicago Red Stars. For more information, visit here.
On October 1, 2025 Season Ticket Memberships will be going on sale to the general public. Fans looking to increase their priority for seat selection can learn more and place a deposit here.
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.
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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