Washington Spirit Kicks Off 2023 Season on Sunday at Audi Field with Enhanced Match Day Experience  

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman leads an all-female line-up for pregame ceremonies and will act as an honorary Spirit captain, perform coin toss

Washington, D.C. (03/23/2023) – The Washington Spirit will offer enhanced match day experiences for the club’s season opener this Sunday, March 26 as the professional women’s soccer team hosts OL Reign for its Homecoming Game. Following a multi-year deal that makes Audi Field the permanent home for the Washington Spirit, the club has elevated its matchday offerings, including improved entertainment options, enhanced visual experiences and a dedicated Fan Fest prior to the game.  

“After a decade in the region, the Washington Spirit is finally coming home,” said President of Business Operations Emma May. “From the walk-up Audi Drive to the final whistle and beyond, the experience for fans will be unmistakably Spirit. For our homecoming match and throughout the season fans can expect that we will embrace our players, supporters and partners who have carried us through the years while charting a clear path toward our future.” 

Fan Fest 

Beginning at 1:30 p.m., the Spirit Fan Fest experience will open outside of Gate A along Audi Drive. Fans will enjoy activities and amenities including food trucks, a mobile bar, merchandise stands, photo booths and yard games like soccer darts and futsal. A gaming truck stocked with FIFA23 allows fans to play the newly launched NWSL integration in the game featuring their favorite Washington Spirit players. 

Batalá Washington, an all-women Afro-Brazilian band, will lead a parade from Half Street to Fan Fest one hour before kickoff then make its way to the Spirit Stage on the concourse. The drumline will return for a half-time performance.  

Main Concourse 

Local go-go artists Black Alley Band rock the Spirit Stage inside Gate A with the quintessential funk music sounds that took root in the District dating back to the mid-60s. Spiritville on the East Concourse will be revived this season with multiple photo opportunities, a featured merchandise item of the match that can be customized at an exclusive silk-screening station and an extended kids zone where the youngest fans can safely play on a soft play area or enjoy foosball, temporary tattoos, kick zone, a chalkboard mural and more.  

Coinciding with peak bloom of the famed trees lining the Tidal Basin and dotting the National Mall, the Spirit will launch a limited-edition Cherry Blossom collection on Sunday. The collection includes a scarf, socks, t-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks and other apparel with three different design options. Interested fans can only get items from the collection at Audi Field this weekend, with online sales launching next week. 

Upon entry guests will receive a complimentary schedule magnet. Guests will also enjoy a post-match poster giveaway upon exist. Both items are first come first serve while supplies last.  

Pregame Ceremony 

The pregame ceremony marks an important moment in the club’s history as it christens its new permanent home and rewrites the rules for women’s sports in the District. After having similar roles at the University of Maryland and Georgetown University, new game host Haiya Kofler will preside over the pregame ceremony to introduce fans to the new “Spirit Rules”. New game DJ Queen HD the DJ will mix tunes throughout the evening. Kacey Williams of Black Alley Band will perform the National Anthem with George Mason ROTC serving as the Color Guard. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Commissioner Jessica Berman will serve as an honorary captain and participate in the pre-match coin toss. 

Fans will see an improved visual experience at home games with an upgraded LED video board display and closed captioning. These video boards will project a new Washington Spirit hype video during the pregame ceremony and again at halftime.  

Guest Services 

For the first time ever at Audi Field, the Washington Spirit, in partnership with DC United, will introduce a Mamava nursing pod for parents on the East Concourse. 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. 

Starting this season, fans will be able to 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. 

Tickets Still Available 

From affordable options to the best seat in the house, tickets are still available for the opening match. A special BOGO offer just released offers a starting point at only $20 per ticket for select seats while expanded premium seating brings fans pitch side for an unparalleled experience. To never miss a match, fans can secure a season membership. Available here, the season membership grants fans access to priority seating, an exclusive Trinity Rodman bobblehead, invitations to special events throughout the season and more.  

About The Washington Spirit    

The Washington Spirit is the professional women’s soccer team based at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Launched in 2012, the Spirit plays in the National Women’s Soccer League, the premier women’s soccer competition in North America. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

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