Washington, D.C. (May 2, 2009) - D.C. United fans are organizing a rally in support of a stadium plan for the club prior to D.C. United’s home game May 9 against Toronto FC. Planned events include a demonstration in Lincoln Park at 3:30 p.m. ET, followed by a march to RFK Stadium and a massive dual tailgate party, hosted by La Barra Brava and the Screaming Eagles, lasting until the scheduled 7:30 p.m. kick-off. Though fans are encouraged to use metro to arrive at the park, shuttle busses are being hired to transport fans from Lot 8 at RFK Stadium to the demonstration gathering point from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
“D.C. United has long enjoyed a special relationship with our fans, who are the best in Major League Soccer,” said United President Kevin Payne. “No matter what the need, we can always count on the unswerving support of our fans. It's no surprise that they've organized this march in support of our club. We hope the political leadership of the District, and the region, pay attention. We’re sure the march and rally will be enthusiastic and friendly.”
With 12 major domestic and international titles earned in its 13-year history, D.C. United is the most successful team in the history of American professional soccer. The club, however, plays home games at RFK Stadium (originally opened in 1961) and has not been able to secure an approved plan for a new stadium that would ensure the club being able to remain in the region long-term.
Timeline
1:30 p.m. - RFK Stadium parking Lot 8 opens (this game only)
2:00-3:30 p.m. - shuttles from Lot 8 to Lincoln Park run
3:45 p.m. - initial demonstration at Lincoln Park begins
4:00 p.m. - fans march from Lincoln Park to RFK Stadium
4:45 p.m. - march participants arrive at Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles tailgates
7:30 p.m. - kick-off, D.C. United vs. Toronto FC
Directions
Fans are greatly encouraged to use metro as a method of arriving at Lincoln Park (East Capitol Street, NE between 11th and 13th Streets, NE). From the Eastern Market metro station (Orange and Blue lines), travel north six blocks on 8th Street, SE. Veer right onto North Carolina Avenue, SE and continue three blocks to Lincoln Park.
Fans will gather in the park before marching directly east on East Capitol Street, NE to RFK Stadium.
05/08/2009 - Updated with parking details
Broadcasting and P.A. Request: When speaking of the organization, please refer to the team as either “D.C. United” or “United,” but not “the D.C. United” or “the United.” We appreciate your cooperation.
Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
