Fans are encouraged to arrive early
The safety of all fans is the top priority for D.C. United and Major League Soccer. As part of a league-wide initiative to improve fan safety, all fans will now be subject to screening prior to entering the stadium.
Beginning Sunday, May 8 against New York City FC, fans coming to RFK Stadium will be subject to required screenings. These screenings include:
- Searches with hand-held metal detectors.
- All bags will be subject to search. In order to bring a bag into the venue, the bag must be smaller than 14” by 14” by 6”, and must fit into the designated sizing boxes displayed at the gates.
Please see the short video (below) as well as our FAQ section below for more information.
- We encourage guests to arrive early to minimize wait times. General gates will open 1 hour prior to kickoff.
- To expedite the screening process, guests should remove all metal objects from their pockets prior to being screened. Guests may hold these objects in their hands.
- All bags will continue to be checked upon entry into RFK Stadium. Bags that do not fit completely into the designated holder will not be allowed into the venue.
- Guests are encouraged to minimize the number of items they bring into the stadium.
- If possible, we strongly encourage guests not to bring bags, in order to expedite the entry process. Designated lines will be set up for those without bags, to expedite the entry process.
- Guests with strollers, or those in wheelchairs, will be subject to the new screening procedures. Special accommodations will be made at the gates, if necessary.
- Guests with medical conditions, who cannot be screened with metal detectors, will be required to consent to a pat down for entry into the stadium. Guests who do not wish to be screened in any fashion will not be allowed entry into the venue.
- Special considerations may be taken for parents with infants or those with medical needs.
Prohibited Items
See our prohibited items list for a full description of all items prohibited inside of RFK Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are D.C. United making this change?
A: The increased security measures are the result of Major League Soccer’s continuing work aimed at standardizing security practices across every MLS venue. All clubs will be required to implement full screening of every fan, prior to entry, at each Major League Soccer venue.
Q: What can guests expect at the gates at RFK Stadium?
A: All fans will be subjected to metal detection by hand-held wands prior to having their tickets scanned. Guests will be asked to remove all metal items from their pockets and hold them in front of their body. If the device detects the presence of metal anywhere else on the body, the guest will be asked to remove any other additional items. If, after this process is complete, the wand still detects metal, the guest will be asked to consent to a pat-down of the affected area to be granted entry to the venue. In addition, all bags will still be checked, and must be equal to or smaller than 14”x14”x6”.
Q: Should fans expect long delays?
A: D.C. United are making every effort to ensure that new security measures do not slow down the process of getting into RFK Stadium. Even as fans become accustomed to the new security procedures, we anticipate that entry into RFK stadium will take longer than in prior years. As always, we encourage all fans to arrive at the gates early.
Q: Are D.C. United instituting a new bag policy similar to other leagues?
A: Our bag policy has changed from past seasons, but is not identical to NFL or other league’s stadium bag policies. Bags compliant with MLS standards will be 14”x14”x6” or smaller, and will be permitted to be brought into the venue after being searched.
Q: I have a medical device that sets off metal detectors. What is going to happen to me at the gate?
A: When the need arises, fans will be subject to alternative screening procedures, such a full body pat-downs.
Q: Is there a lane for fans that do not have bags or purses?
A: Yes. D.C. United will have lines at all gates specifically for fans that are entering RFK Stadium without a bag or purse. All fans in the no bag lanes are still required to submit to a hand-held wand search prior to having his or her tickets scanned.
Q: What should fans do with prohibited items?
A: We ask that all fans leave prohibited items in their vehicles prior to entering RFK Stadium. We cannot maintain custody of any such items on behalf of fans, so please do not bring these items with you as you enter RFK Stadium. D.C. United are not responsible for items left at any of the security checkpoints, or items confiscated by gate security staff.
Q: How do the increased security measures affect fans with strollers/wheelchairs?
A: Fans with strollers and wheelchairs will still be screened prior to entering RFK Stadium. Strollers brought to the stadium should be foldable and able to fit under a seat. Large strollers may not be permitted into the venue.
Q: What do D.C. United do with confiscated items that fans leave at screening?
A: All items left at the gates will be disposed of in a responsible manner. No items will be held or checked for guests at the venue.
Q: Can I decline to go through a hand-held wand metal detection screening?
A: All fans entering RFK Stadium for D.C. United matches are required to be screened via hand–held wand. Any fans not willing to be screened by wand, or alternative screening procedures, will not be allowed entry into RFK Stadium.
Q: Do I need to remove my belt, shoes, and jacket?
A: No, fans will not be required to remove belts, shoes, or jacket. Fans will be required to empty pockets, and to ensure that no prohibited items are on their person.
