Washington Spirit Celebrates Black DC Culture on Special Juneteenth Night Match Against San Diego Wave FC

Washington Spirit  |   June 6, 2024
Washington Spirit Celebrates Black DC Culture on Special Juneteenth Night Match Against San Diego Wave FC Featured Image

Storytelling and entertainment centered around local Black organizations, community leaders, and performers highlights the star-studded match

 

Washington, D.C. (06/06/2024) – The Washington Spirit brings Black DC culture to the forefront on a special Juneteenth matchup against San Diego Wave FC on June 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET.  Activations, tabling, and special recognitions from the time gates open to the final whistle will all serve the Juneteenth theme.

Head over to Bluejacket (300 Tingey Street) before the match from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to enjoy sweet deals for Spirit match ticket holders, participate in a sweepstakes for tickets to our next match on June 29 and Spirit t-shirts, and pick up some free Spirit swag.

Just outside the gates, Sandlot Bar will open for fans and will be accompanied by DC artist, Black Alley Band. They are known for their signature “Hood Rock” sound, takes inspiration from rock, hip-hop, and go-go genres. The entertainment will pair perfectly with the drinks and energy served up at Sandlot Bar.

Upon entering Audi Field, the first 1,000 fans are eligible to receive a free beer. These fans will receive a voucher for a beer which can be redeemed at Heineken Hall on the East Concourse and the Southwest Landing Stage. At every home game this season, be sure to pick up a matchday program loaded with exclusive Spirit content and key information.

At merch stands throughout the stadium, fans can purchase a special edition Juneteenth top that will be sported by the team during warmups before the match. 10% of all proceeds will benefit the Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC), a non-profit organization created by Black women in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2020. It aims to shift the narrative around Black women in soccer through mentorship, education, and community development. Midfielder Croix Bethune is the Spirit’s BWPC ambassador.

On the concourse,  Be’la Dona will hold down the Spirit Stage outside of Gate A. The local, all-female band will inject fans with a jolt of energy taking sounds from GoGo, R&B, jazz, hip hop, and gospel. Entertainment on the Spirit Stage concludes approximately 15 minutes prior to kickoff throughout the season to allow fans time to get to their seats for the pre-match ceremonies.

The Community Zone will highlight organizations that support the Black community in the DC area. Organizations attending the match include Urban League and Peace for DC.

Adjacent to the Community Zone, Spiritville remains the go-to spot for fun across all ages. An EA FC game station, face painters, and a spin-to-win prize wheel activation highlight the area. At Spiritville, fans also have the opportunity for a PK meet-and-greet, while small children are able to safely play in a soft play area.

Follow along on the video board during pregame for special content provided by the Smithsonian National African American Museum of History and Culture, as well as the Anacostia Community Museum.

On the field prior to kickoff, the honorary captain of the match – Denise Rolark-Barnes, who serves as the publisher of the Washington Informer. The Informer is female-owned weekly newspaper targeted at the Black community in the DC metropolitan area.

Other Black-led entertainment includes DJ Izzy Holmes holding down Gate C, Black Assets’ rendition of the National Anthem, and the Eastern Senior High School Blue and White Marching Machine providing the halftime entertainment.

 

Tickets Still Available

Don’t miss out on the fun as tickets are selling quickly for this highly anticipated matchup. On June 4, the Spirit announced upper deck seating will now be available to fans. Tickets for the Juneteenth match begin as low as $15.

 

Guest Services

Introduced last season for the first time at Audi Field, the Washington Spirit, in partnership with D.C. United, installed a Mamava nursing pod for parents near Guest Services inside Gate A. 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.

Fans can 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.

 

Transportation

Fans are encouraged to use public transportation on matchday, disembarking at either the Navy Yard-Ballpark or Waterfront Metrorail Stations. The Navy Yard Station has more capacity and is located just one stop away on the Green Line from the Anacostia Metrorail Station where parking is also available. Fans can also use the ADA shuttle that runs from Navy Yard Metro to Audi Field starting pregame and running through postgame.

 


 

About The Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) the fastest growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. In 2024 Spirit drafted an epic class of rookies who are already breaking records and wowing fans. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

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