Just over 16 months after breaking ground on Audi Field in Southwest D.C., D.C. United celebrated the impending opening of their new state-of-the-art home with the stadium's ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, July 9.
Players, staff, legends, dignitaries, and fans gathered at Audi Field for the long-awaited ceremonial moment. This Saturday, Audi Field will fully open its doors to the District for the first time, when the Black-and-Red host the Vancouver Whitecaps in the stadium's inaugural match.
"We can't wait to play," defender Steven Birnbaum said during his speech at Monday's ceremony. "We're ready to play here in front of our fans and we're happy to be here in front of you guys. We can't wait to see you on Saturday."
New Black-and-Red member and international icon Wayne Rooney echoed Birnbaum's excitement for the inaugural match and the club's future at Audi Field.
"[Audi Field] played a big part in me coming here," Rooney said. "Hopefully in the next few years we can create some history in this wonderful stadium."
United General Managing Partner & CEO Jason Levien, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Audi VP of Marketing Loren Angelo also touched on what Audi Field means to the club, the city, and the sport.
"This really does feel like the beginning of a new era for United, the best one yet," Levien said. "Audi Field will be a place where Washingtonians will come together for a shared love of the city and our shared love of this great, beautiful game."
Now, with Audi Field's ribbon officially cut, Black-and-Red fans and the community will continue to celebrate leading up to the inaugural match this Saturday with World Cup watch parties, ticket giveaways, a happy hour, and more.
Limited inaugural match tickets are available, click here to witness the historic first game.
