The Spirit's fight for a fair shake at Audi Field
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Trinity Rodman greets fans at Audi Field after winning Sunday's NWSL quarterfinals match against Portland. Photo: Sarah Stier/NWSL via Getty Images
The Washington Spirit won its playoff match Sunday. Then it nearly lost its home-field advantage for the next one because of a Division III football game.
Why it matters: The scheduling scare illustrates one of the challenges of being a secondary tenant at a stadium — and comes as the club negotiates a new lease with D.C. United, which owns and operates Audi Field.
- The Spirit, which averaged 16,000 fans this season, want to stay at Audi Field after their lease expires following the 2027 season.
- But CEO Kim Stone says an extension must address longstanding logistical frustrations.
State of play: Saturday's NWSL semifinal against the Utah Royals was nearly moved to Northwest Stadium in Landover because Audi Field had been booked for the Secretaries' Cup, a football game between the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine academies.
- A last-minute agreement kept the Spirit at Audi Field, with sponsor Lafayette Federal Credit Union helping cover additional costs.
Speaking before the scheduling conflict arose, Spirit captain Andi Sullivan told Axios the club sometimes feels "second tier" in decisions about stadium use; the Spirit must work around D.C. United.
- "I wish [it were] more of an even, 'Let's work together, keep each other in mind,'" Sullivan said, rather than, "You guys decide your stuff and we'll take your scraps."
Behind the scenes: Scheduling isn't the only frustration. Spirit players use the stadium's visiting-team locker room rather than having one of their own.
- The room has men's urinals and communal showers, with curtains used to create private changing areas.
- Treatment tables are tucked behind the changing area, complicating access for male medical staff.
"I would love to have our own dedicated locker room," Sullivan said.
Follow the money: D.C. United is seeking approval for a $620 million Audi Field redevelopment plan, including a roof and thousands of additional seats. The proposal calls for at least $300 million in public funding.
- Stone wants the Spirit to have a voice in renovations affecting its operations, protections against scheduling conflicts and a plan for potential disruptions during construction.
- She argues that if taxpayers are helping fund the improvements, both teams should benefit.
The irony: The Spirit is one win away from its third straight NWSL final appearance; meanwhile, D.C. United has missed the MLS playoffs seven straight years.
- On Saturday, United hosted its season finale in front of a tepid, patchy crowd (though it announced a sellout).
- On Sunday, the Spirit energized the place with a true full house cheering on a 4-1 playoff victory.
- Inside Audi, all the permanent branding reflects the men's team – another source of frustration for the women.
Yes, but: Despite the hassles, the Spirit loves being at "Rowdy Audi."
- Sullivan — a Northern Virginia native who began her career in 2018 at the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown — appreciates the atmosphere and stadium's central location.
- Those benefits outweigh the inconveniences, she said, adding that staying in D.C. is "extremely important."
What's next: Stone is negotiating a lease extension with D.C. United while keeping other options open. Building a new stadium isn't on her short-term agenda, she said.
- With a win Saturday, the Spirit will advance to the Nov. 21 NWSL championship — also at Audi Field, regardless of who's playing.