Audi Field – DC Defenders
- Richard Smith
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
Audi Field
100 Potomac Avenue
Washington DC 20024
Year Opened: 2018
Capacity: 20,000
For The Glory Of DC
The DC Defenders are the Washington, DC entry into the league referred to as the United Football League (UFL).
The Defenders play at Audi Field, which is a 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Buzzard Point in Washington, D.C. It was designed to be the home stadium for the Major League Soccer team D.C. United. The stadium is also used by the Washington Spirit of the NWSL.
Food & Beverage 4
The food may not be the cheapest stadium food out there, but the variety of options is beyond most stadiums we have ever seen. The food is curated by famed Chef José Andrés and is a spectacular reason to visit the stand as it is.
Expect to find Arepas, Pupusas, and Gourmet Tortas concession stands along the concourse. Our favorite is the Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowl and the aforementioned arepas. There may be some stands that are not open during Defender games, but we have often found that the variety is still very good.
You will still find traditional favorites like hot dogs, burgers, pizza, fries, sodas, and/or domestic beers. A favorite in this category is the Half Smoke Dog.
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Prices can be quite high, with one meal costing $20-$25 between meals, and a soda or water, even more, if you are planning to drink alcohol at the game.
Atmosphere 4
Although the stadium was designed for soccer, it still works well for football. The stands surround the field closely on all sides. No one is far from the field, and the views are pretty amazing. The upper deck on the east side does not usually see use for Defender games.
The north stands have an area of standing-room-only seats, designed for soccer fan groups, that has been filled each game with rowdy fans who have made the games quite an experience.
The stadium has decent-sized concourses and many options for fans to enjoy the game atmosphere.
The main issue I see is that there is only a single large videoboard used in the stadium. If you are sitting at the north end of the stadium, you may have serious issues seeing the replay action.
Neighborhood 4
The immediate area around Audi Field is called Buzzard Point. Buzzard Point did not originally have much around it, but that is quickly changing. Nationals Park and the Navy Yards area are not far away if you are looking for pre- or post-game activities.
Another option within walking distance is the District Wharf. The Wharf is DC's newest day trip destination, bringing famous restaurants, new shops, and beautiful waterfront views together in one place. If you go there, make sure to check out the great old fish markets.
You are also in a great city, Washington, DC. The number of attractions, museums, restaurants, and other sights is astounding. Spend some time pre- or post-game seeing the many things around this great city.
Fans 4
The league as a whole is struggling, and the fan base is shrinking a bit, but still, the DC team has many supporters. Defenders fans are loud, passionate, and heavily invested in the game. They create a raucous environment, constantly voicing their displeasure with referees and opposing teams.
The fan base in the standing-room-only section behind the north end zone collects empty plastic cups from around the stadium to construct a massive beer snake that stretches up the section. This localized energy sustains a strong home-field advantage and keeps the crowd fully engaged from kickoff to the final whistle.
Access 3
Most parking is fairly far from the stadium and towards Navy Yards. You will need to walk a bit to get to decent parking. Parking close to the stadium should not be your first option. A better thing would be to park near the Wharf and walk.
The two closest Metro station options are Navy Yards and Waterfront Station.
DoD ID card holders (active, reserve, retiree, dependents, and civilians) can park at Fort Lesley J. McNair, located directly across from Audi Field, for free. On weekends or federal holidays, non-reserved parking is allowed for valid ID holders. On weekdays, parking is generally restricted before 1630 (4:30 PM) to those with official business. Just remember, if travelling with non-DOD ID card holders, they will need to exit your vehicle before entering the base.
Return on Investment 4
The team has tickets starting as low as $30, but often even cheaper on the secondary market. The play on the field may not be NFL-level, but the low price is an amazing starting level for even small college programs, let alone teams with professional players.
Normally, we may lower the rating on this due to the high food prices. But we found the food value to still be good because of the great food offerings and the decent quantity offered.
Extras 4
The unique food offerings are an extra as it is.
There is a great, unique convenience-style food stand in the southwest corner offering drinks and snacks.
The concourse is at field level, so you might be able to see some of the action while walking along on the south concourse.
Defender merchandise will be sold at temporary tables along the concourse.
Final Thoughts
Audi Field provides a modern, high-energy environment for the DC Defenders. Despite broader league challenges, the intense fan support and excellent sightlines make it a premier destination for professional spring football.
