Washington, D.C. (06/12/2023)–The Washington Spirit is hosting its first “Pitchside Pups” match, welcoming fans and their furry friends to Audi Field Wednesday nightfor the team’s Challenge Cup match versus the North Carolina Courage at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Using this link, fans can purchase tickets and register their dog to attend Wednesday’s match. The last call to purchase tickets for your pets is Tuesday, June 13th at 5:00 p.m. EDT – this deadline doesn’t apply to fans attending the match without a pet.Pet tickets will be free of charge, but fansmust also include pet tickets with their purchase in order to register their pups.No walk-up pets will be allowed to enter the match.
The Spirit unveils its dog merchandise line on Wednesday night as its Item of the Game. The collection will include bandanas, leashes, collars, and more. Pitchside Pup ticket holders will be able to purchase pet merchandise on the upper-100 level concourse near their seats. The Spirit’s Pride collection will also be available for purchase.
The Spirit are teaming up with Humane Rescue Alliance to collect doggy donations at the game. Human Rescue Alliance has provided wish lists from Amazon and Chewy. All items that fans donate should be new or gently used, and any food items must be unopened.
Fans who have pre-registered their dogs should enter through Gate B for check-in prior to getting to dog-friendly seats in sections 102-110. Fans with dogs can use either the staircase near Gate A or the elevator near EagleBank Club to access sections 102-110.
Water and relief stations will also be made available on the fourth floor in sections 101 and 110. Dog play areas, as well as concession stands with dog-friendly menus, will be located in section 106 and 107. Fans can also find the Humane Rescue Alliance at the game, along with Snarfies, a handmade pet treat company.
Fans with smaller dogs may bring carriers to the match. Soft-sided carriers can be tagged and taken to seats, whereas hard-sided carriers will be checked at the stroller check-in by Gate A. Additionally, no fireworks will be detonated at any point during the match.
Finally, the following community organizations will be tabling at the Spirit Community Corner: Animal Welfare League of Arlington, City Dogs, and Petey and Furends. DC SCORES will also have a tifo decorating table.
Tickets Still Available
Tickets start at just $15 for Wednesday’s match against the North Carolina Courage. As always, the Spirit’s 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.
Challenge Cup
This year, in UKG’s first year as the tournament’s title sponsor, the prize pool has been raised to a record-breaking $1 million purse, after the bonus polo was increased tenfold previously in 2022. The NWSL partnered with UKG in its mission to not only bring pay equity to the world of professional sports, but also to shed light on the need for continued commitment by employers across every industry to focus on achieving equity of opportunity and equity of pay for women and other underrepresented groups.
The 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup began on April 19th and features Wednesday night matches throughout the season, concluding with the semifinals on Wednesday, September 6th and the final on Saturday, September 9th. The League’s 12 teams are split into three divisions – East, Central, and West – and each team plays in a six-game double round-robin with its group. Following the group stage, four teams advance to the semifinals on September 6th – the top team from each group, as well as the highest placing runner-up across the three divisions.
Last season, the Spirit advanced to the Challenge Cup final, losing to North Carolina in the championship. Memorably, the Spirit advanced to the final after beating OL Reign 9-8 in penalty kicks. Wednesday will be the third of the Spirit’s six group stage matches.
Main Concourse
On the East Concourse, Spiritville returns with a FIFA Lounge, allowing fans to play as their favorite Spirit players. The kid’s zone, where the youngest fans can safely play on a soft play area or enjoy foosball, face painters, kick zone, a chalkboard mural and more, will be expanded for this match. DJ Fili will perform on the Spirit Stage from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m., while the Rock Creek Kings trio will perform for fans accessing EagleBank Club.
Guest Services
Introduced this season for the first time at Audi Field, the Washington Spirit, in partnership with D.C. United, recently introduced 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.
New this season, fans are 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.
Parking
Additional parking will be made available for guests at the GEICO Parking Garage on 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C, 20003. The garage will open at 5:30 p.m. and will close approximately one hour after the event. There will be 600 spaces to be utilized on a first come, first serve basis and will cost guests $50. No tailgating will be allowed, and only credit/debit is accepted.
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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