The Washington Spirit will face Gotham FC at Audi Field on October 17, with gates opening at 11 a.m., warm-ups beginning at 11:45 a.m., and kickoff scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Fans attending the District vs. Empire match should review the stadium’s bag policy, transportation options, accessibility services, and matchday activities before arriving.
Washington Spirit Matchday Schedule
Run For Cover will perform at the Spirit Stage inside Gate A at 11 a.m. ET. Black Assets will perform the national anthem, and the WMATA Honor Guard will provide the color guard.
Megan Cardenas of PPA is the Youth Coach of the Match, while Dr. Tracy Hadden Loh of WMATA will serve as honorary captain. Hannah Penman, executive director of Soccer For The Future, will be recognized as the District Diaries honoree presented by Events DC.
The Eastern High Marching Band will perform at halftime. The first 5,000 fans at all gates will receive a Tara Rudd building block set.
Fan Activities and Stadium Policies
The Washington Spirit is partnering with The Sports Bra Project for International Day of the Girl. Fans can bring a new sports bra or make a monetary donation at The Sports Bra Project table on Audi Drive.
The District vs. Empire T-shirt will be available at Spiritville, Section 130, the Club Level, and Section 119. Fans who want same-day jersey customization must drop off their jersey by 12:30 p.m. ET on October 17.
Bags must be smaller than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches. No backpacks, coolers, luggage, or umbrellas are allowed. Fans with medical needs or diaper bags should email Audi Field’s Guest Experience team and use Gate B for expedited entry.
The Heineken Rooftop will be closed for a private event. Fans with sensory sensitivities can use the KultureCity Sensory Room on the rooftop, while sensory bags will be available at Guest Services while supplies last.
Transportation and Postmatch Access
Audi Field can be accessed from the Navy Yard-Ballpark and Waterfront Metro stations. An ADA shuttle will run on a continuous 15- to 30-minute loop from the west entrance to the Audi Field Club Shop, beginning one hour before kickoff and ending one hour after the match.
Fans can park at the Anacostia station, one stop from Audi Field on the Green Line. Members can book parking through SpotHero using their member discount code. Bike storage will be available through Two Wheel Valet at the southwest corner of the stadium at 2nd and T streets.
After the match, only Premium ticketholders in sections F1-F12, C1-C9, and S1-S31 may access sections F1-F12 along the east sideline. General ticketholders who want to get closer to the field can go to sections 135-138.
Accessibility Information
Fans can text 202-888-2375 for assistance at Audi Field. Guests with accessibility questions or special needs can contact the Audi Field Guest Experience team before matchday.
The KultureCity Sensory Room is located on the Heineken Rooftop. Sensory bags, including noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards, are available at Guest Services while supplies last.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Washington Spirit’s October 17 matchday guide gives fans a clear arrival timeline and detailed information about entry, transportation, accessibility, and postmatch access. Supporters should plan around the early gate opening, the bag restrictions, and the Premium ticket requirements for the east sideline.
The Sports Bra Project partnership also gives fans a way to support access to sports during International Day of the Girl. Fans attending the Gotham FC match can prepare in advance by reviewing transportation options, stadium policies, and the day’s activities before heading to Audi Field.
Source: Original report
