Audi Field

Audi Field is a soccer-specific stadium located in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Washington, D.C.. It serves as the home venue for Major League Soccer club D.C. United, the National Women's Soccer League's Washington Spirit, and the United Football League's DC Defenders. The stadium, which opened in July 2018, was a cornerstone project in the redevelopment of the Anacostia River waterfront and replaced the club's former home at RFK Stadium.

History

The push for a new soccer-specific stadium for D.C. United began in the late 2000s, as the club sought to move from the aging RFK Stadium. After years of negotiations involving the District of Columbia government, Events DC, and team ownership led by Erick Thohir and Jason Levien, a final agreement was reached in 2014. The project, part of a larger plan to revitalize the Buzzard Point area, faced challenges including land acquisition and environmental remediation of the former industrial site. Construction, managed by Turner Construction, began in February 2017. The stadium's naming rights were secured by the Volkswagen Group subsidiary Audi, marking a significant corporate partnership. The inaugural match was held on July 14, 2018, with D.C. United defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in a Major League Soccer fixture.

Design and features

Designed by the global architecture firm Populous, the stadium features a steep, single-tiered bowl design that places all 20,000 seats close to the pitch, creating an intimate atmosphere. The primary construction material is precast concrete, with a distinctive cantilevered roof covering all seating areas. The playing surface is a hybrid Kentucky bluegrass system, chosen for its durability. Notable features include the Heineken Roof Deck bar area, the premium Aud Club lounge, and large video boards at the north and south ends. The design prioritizes sustainability, incorporating a large cistern for rainwater recycling used for pitch irrigation and aiming for LEED certification. The stadium's orientation provides views of the Anacostia River and the Washington Monument.

Tenants and events

The primary tenant is D.C. United of Major League Soccer, which signed a long-term lease upon the stadium's opening. The National Women's Soccer League's Washington Spirit became a co-primary tenant in 2018, moving from the Maryland SoccerPlex. In 2023, the XFL's DC Defenders (now of the United Football League) began playing their home games at the venue. Beyond club soccer and football, the stadium has hosted international soccer matches, including a 2019 friendly between the United States men's national soccer team and Uruguay. It has also been a venue for CONCACAF competitions like the CONCACAF Gold Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup, as well as concerts and community events.

Transportation and access

The stadium is accessible via several public transportation options. The closest Washington Metro station is Navy Yard–Ballpark station on the Green Line, approximately a 15-minute walk away. Additional service is provided by the DC Circulator bus route and Metrobus lines. Limited on-site parking is available, with numerous off-site lots and garages in the surrounding Navy Yard and Capitol Riverfront neighborhoods. The stadium promotes the use of bicycles, offering over 300 bike racks and being situated near the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. For water access, a dock is available on the Anacostia River for patrons arriving by boat.

See also

* List of Major League Soccer stadiums * RFK Stadium * Buzzard Point * Populous (company) * Events DC

Category:Soccer venues in Washington, D.C. Category:American football venues in Washington, D.C. Category:Populous (company) buildings and structures Category:2018 establishments in Washington, D.C.