Long Reach High School Field – DMV Elite FC
- Gregory Koch
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
Long Reach High School Field 6101 Old Dobbin Ln Columbia, MD 21045
Elite Soccer in the DMV
DMV Elite is a semi-professional soccer team competing in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). DMV Elite previously played their home games at Howard High School in Columbia, Maryland, but abruptly moved five minutes away to Long Reach High School one game into the 2025 season. The field at Long Reach is larger than the one at Howard, which was a major factor in the decision to move. The DMV in the team name refers not to the Department of Motor Vehicles, but to D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
The NPSL, together with the UPSL and the confusingly named USL League Two, comprise the fourth division of American soccer. They are the highest level that is not fully professional, and consist mostly of current college soccer players and recent graduates.
The pay is structured in a way that allows current athletes to retain their amateur eligibility if they are competing in the NPSL over the summer. However, occasionally some aging former professional who just wants to continue playing somewhere will show up in the NPSL as well.
Food & Beverage 5
Fans will have several options to choose from for food and beverage at a DMV Elite home game. A food truck is typically parked right outside the stadium gates, offering its menu to fans. The selection will vary by game, but when Stadium Journey visited, there was a taco truck serving up freshly made tacos as well as quesadillas and churros.
There is also a concession stand open inside the stadium, run by the high school's booster club. Although DMV Elite plays their home games during the summer, when high school is winding down or over, the booster club is still working the concession stand raising money. You will find mostly snacks here such as chips and candy, but hot dogs and pizza are also available. Bottled water and soda are available at the concession stand, but may not be available at the food truck depending on the game.
Prices at the concession stand are quite affordable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars. The food truck prices will be more expensive, but are also better food.
Atmosphere 2
There are large sets of bleachers along each sideline at Long Reach High School, separated from the field by a black running track. There are lines on the field for many different sports - soccer has the yellow lines, and occasionally the white ones where they overlap with football. On top of the goal is a set of (American) football goalposts, which occasionally get hit by shots. They are considered out of play, but this can cause confusion if the ball bounces back into the field of play.
There is a scoreboard at the stadium, bit it is not used for DMV Elite games. You will have to keep track of the score yourself, or ask someone if you arrive late. An extremely small clock is located on top of the press box, but fans sitting on that side will not be able to read it without turning all the way around, and it is so small they may have trouble even then.
There is not much going on here other than the game itself. Fans will be able to hear some of the chatter going on on the field, which they may enjoy, but you're really coming here solely to watch the game.
Neighborhood 4
Long Reach High School is located just down the street from Columbia Crossing shopping center, which includes many chain restaurants ranging from Mission BBQ to the BGR Burger Joint and many, many more. Other shopping centers are located nearby along Rouse Parkway (State Route 175). The Ale House on Dobbin Road is very popular with the locals as well.
Columbia is also located halfway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, so both cities are easily accessible a short drive away.
Fans 2
DMV Elite FC draws only a few dozen fans to a typical home game, spread out among the spacious bleachers. Most of the fans are dead quiet, though occasionally you'll get a fan who just likes to loudly complain about the refs. The NPSL is a development league for officials as well, so their quality isn't always the best, and most fans recognize this and lay off them.
When we visited, there was one loyal DMV Elite fan trying to make a Supporters' Section by himself and banging a drum the whole game. Unfortunately, there were no similarly loyal fans to join him. We still give him credit for this and hope to see more people like him soon.
Access 4
Columbia, Maryland is located about halfway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore along I-95 via Rouse Parkway (State Route 175). Drive along that road a couple miles and you will soon be at Long Reach High School. Parking is available in a spacious lot that is more than large enough for the crowds DMV Elite draws. Only the few rows closest to the soccer stadium are typically filled up. Just pay attention to the one way traffic flows coming into, out of, and through the lot.
Restrooms are available near the entrance on the side of the concession stand. They are small, but given the small crowds DMV Elite draws, they do not need to be any bigger.
Return on Investment 4
Admission to DMV Elite games is $15 for adults, with discounts available for youth. Concession prices are very affordable at the stand as well. The food truck will probably be more expensive, but it's much better quality food so you will get what you pay for in the end.
Overall, a DMV Elite FC game is an excellent value.
Extras 0
There are no real extras here.
Final Thoughts
Although a DMV Elite FC game is pretty basic, it's an affordable and family-friendly way to take in a soccer game on a warm summer night. Conveniently accessible from Baltimore, Washington, and Northern Virginia, this is a fun experience for soccer fans throughout the DMV.
Komentáře