Top 5 Tips to Enjoy the DC United Experience as a Family

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March marked not only the beginning of spring but also the kick off for both MLB and MLS seasons. DC United is back for its second season at Audi Field. Our family has been a DCU family for three years now. Our oldest was three and our youngest less than a year when we started attending games. With the move to new stadium last year we were not sure how the experience would change. To our surprise it has exceeded our expectations. The stadium is very family friendly and game day has become one of our kids’ favorite family traditions.

So, if you are thinking of making it to one of the games this year, check out my DC United family…

Top 5 Tips to Enjoy DC United Games as a Family

1. Pack light!

Check out the list of prohibited items and bag restrictions. You can bring in diapers and wipes, just make sure is in the proper sized bag. If you have a little one, you can bring a sippy cup with their preferred drink. If you think you need your stroller, make sure you use Gate B with the stroller check in point. 

2. Location, Location, Location!

Yes, it matters and if you can choose, here are some things to keep in mind: 

  • Stay close to restrooms. They can get crowded at points, but if you are close to one, you
    can make a quick stop before half time or the end of the game. 
  • Some areas are not covered. There will be summer games where you will be under the sun, if it’s not a problem then enjoy.  However, if you need shade (or don’t want to be rained on) then be sure to choose the right section. You can take a virtual tour of the stadium here.
  • Our kids LOVE watching the Barras Bravas, Screaming Eagles and District Ultras cheer and chant their devotions across Audi Field. Keep this in mind when choosing seats near sections 136 and 137 as their love and enthusiasm pours unconditionally for 90+ minutes, non-stop. 

3. Charge Your Phone

Only digital tickets are accepted at the gate. The team has a great app, make sure to download it ahead of time. If you want to be extra cautious, add the tickets to your mobile wallet and avoid any connectivity issues. You may also need your phone for transportation, and you will definitely be taking lots of pictures. Use the hashtag provided in their screens and your picture could be featured during half time. 

4. Check Out the Food Vendors! 

Chef Jose Andres is in charge of concession stands at Audi Field with an amazing selection of food. This also means that you can spend a lot of time deciding. So, plan your stop ahead and try to stay within your seating area. There are also options to order ahead in the app. 

5. Research Transportation To and From the Audi Field

This is probably the biggest change from RFK. Parking options are limited. If you can’t walk a mile and back, I would suggest taking metro. You can also Uber, but keep in mind that traffic gets busy when the game ends and the share-ride pick up location is about a mile away. 

So, check your calendar and get your tickets for the next game. The current lineup has great stars, including England’s legend Wayne Rooney, rising star Luciano Acosta, DMV native Bill Amid, along with an impressive group of players that will make you DCU proud. And if you go, tag @dcmomsblog on social media so we can see how you are liking the family experience.   

 

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Tatiana Laborde
Tatiana was born in Bogota, Colombia and moved to the United States at age 15. She moved from Houston to DC in 2007 to work for an international organization. She met her husband at work and married in 2011. She has two children: Santiago (2013) and Antonio (2015) and a Masters degree in Conflict Resoliution. After the birth of her second child, she decided to take time off to stay home and focus on the kids. She is passionate about nutrition, self-led weaning and homemade food. The Story of My Table is her Instagram account and blog where she shares her adventures in the kitchen. She strongly believes that a wine a day keeps the doctor away and that the key to parenting two boys is to keep in good shape. She is not a fan of baking, but would occasionally do it to avoid highly processed food. She is an advocate for natural foods, Montessori education and allowing children to get bored. One day she dreams of building an organization where she can combine her passion for food with peacebuilding.