Audi Field is receiving a notable renovation, as D.C. United is installing safe-standing areas ahead of the 2020 MLS season.
Home to D.C. United since its July 2018 opening, Audi Field was originally designed without safe-standing sections–which have become an increasingly popular feature at MLS stadiums in recent years. That detail is changing this offseason, as the club is reportedly spending nearly $1 million to install safe-standing railings in Sections 136 and 137, located on the north end of Audi Field.
The renovation is currently underway and should be finished by the end of this month, well ahead of United’s home opener on February 29. Supporters’ groups are welcoming the addition of safe-standing areas, and it is a project that the club is eager to complete. More from the Washington Post:
“This has been probably the number one priority for supporters since the stadium opened,” said James Lambert, president of Screaming Eagles.
United is spending close to $1 million this winter to install waist-high, safe-standing railings in Sections 136 and 137 of the north end.
“It truly should have been done in the original design,” said Andy Bush, United’s chief business officer. “Our supporters have asked us for it, and we needed to get it done.”
Workers will complete renovations by the end of January, Bush said, one month before United’s MLS opener Feb. 29 against the Colorado Rapids. The new setup, however, will first be available for XFL games Feb. 8 and 15. (In all, the D.C. Defenders will make five appearances at Audi Field before the end of March.)
There are similar projects taking place this offseason at other MLS venues, including Red Bull Arena and LA Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park.