D.C. United‘s debut at Audi Field is set, as the club is slated to play its first MLS match at the new stadium on July 14.
It has been known for some time that Audi Field–currently under construction in Washington’s Buzzard Point–would not be ready by the beginning of the MLS season in March, and was more likely to debut in the summer months. There is now more certainty surrounding the situation, as MLS has announced the schedules for all of its clubs, including United.
For the first match at Audi Field, United will square off against the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14. United has two home matches on its schedule prior to Audi Field’s opening, and the location of those games is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. More from The Washington Post:
As previously announced, D.C. will open the season at Orlando City on March 3 and visit Atlanta United on March 11 before hosting the Houston Dynamo on March 17 at a venue to be determined. Maryland SoccerPlex in Montgomery County is almost certain to stage the game, according to multiple people familiar with the situation.
The other spring home game (April 14) will probably occur at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. United might have gone to Navy for both matches, but March 17 isn’t available because of a men’s lacrosse game.
Club executives said they did not want to comment on the venue search. Officials at the SoccerPlex and Navy said they’ve been approached. An announcement is expected in the coming weeks.
Audi Field will not be the only new MLS stadium to debut in 2018, as Banc of California Stadium is set to open its doors for expansion Los Angeles FC. As was previously revealed, Banc of California Stadium will host its first MLS match on April 29.
Rendering courtesy Audi Field and D.C. United.
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