D.C. United Overview

Fast facts

League: MLS

Head Coach: Ben Olsen

Team Mascot: Talon

Year Opened: 1961

Capacity: 20000

City / State: Washington / D.C.

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Atlantic Cup

Rival Team: New York Red Bulls

The winner of the season series between rivals D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls takes home the Atlantic Cup. The two teams have been playing each other since Major League Soccer started in 1996, although the trophy wasn’t awarded until 2002. The proximity of the city and frequent matchups between the clubs have helped to make the Atlantic Cup one of the fiercest rivalries in MLS. Don’t miss it when D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls meet.

Philadelphia Union

Rival Team: Philadelphia Union

Washington D.C. and Philadelphia are separated by only 120 miles, which has helped foster a strong rivalry between United and the Union. Both clubs’ fans travel well to the matchups creating an intense atmosphere whenever the two get together.

Coffee Pot Cup

Rival Team: USL Charleston Battery

D.C. United and the USL Charleston Battery typically play for the Coffee Pot Cup during the Carolina Challenge Cup, but on occasion, the two teams will meet in the US Open Cup. The rivalry between the two started after the Battery upset D.C. United in the 1999 US Open Cup and after the game United players destroyed the dressing room including two coffee pots. Each time United and the Battery meet the winner walks away with the coffee pot, so make sure to be in attendance when DC United and the Charleston Battery square off.

D.C. United Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating at a D.C. United game is an excellent way to meet fellow fans and immerse yourself in the United supporter culture. At D.C. United games tailgating takes place in Lot 8 where you’ll find tailgates for each of the four United supporter groups. No matter which group you join you’ll learn a lot about D.C. United and what it means to be a true supporter. These fans live and die with the team, and as a result, they throw some of the best tailgate parties at any D.C. United game.

Those of you who aren’t looking to jump right in and join a supporters group will find plenty of other excellent tailgating options. You can grab some food from the food trucks and enjoy some live entertainment provided by the club. You also can set up your own tailgate party as well giving you plenty of options on how to pregame before a D.C. United game.

There is plenty of tailgating to do before a D.C. United game so arrive early and make the most out of your trip to RFK Stadium.

Traditions

Lot 8 Pregame Tailgate

If you’re looking for something to do before the game, stop by the Lot 8 Pregame Tailgate. Here you’ll find live music, food trucks, beer, and more making it the perfect place to hang out before the game.

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Supporter Group Tailgates

D.C. United has four major supporter groups, the Screaming Eagles, La Barra Brava, La Norte, and District Ultra, all of whom throw fantastic tailgate parties before each game. No matter what supporter group tailgate you join you’ll have an excellent time hanging out with diehard D.C. United fans.

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Where to tailgate

D.C. United Stadium Guide

In Game

RFK Stadium offers two distinct experiences making it an excellent place to take in a soccer game no matter what kind of in-game experience you want. On the west side, or “loud side” of the stadium are the D.C. United supporter groups. The four main supporter groups are La Barra Brava, the Screaming Eagles, District Ultras, and La Norte, each of whom help provide an unforgettable atmosphere inside RFK Stadium. If you’re looking to get loud and show your support for United, then there is no better place to take in a match than the supporter sections.

However, if you’re bringing kids to the game and looking for a more family-friendly experience, then the “quiet side” is the spot for you. On the “quiet side” fans are a bit more relaxed, and you won’t have to worry about standing and cheering throughout the game.

The best thing about this setup is it allows everyone to get the experience they want while also creating a fantastic in-game experience that you won’t soon forget. Whether you prefer the “loud” or “quiet side” you’ll have an excellent time attending a D.C. United game.

Things to check out

Field Level Fan Zone

The Field Level Fan Zone allows you the opportunity to play a variety of games and watch the match from the end line. It’s the perfect place to take restless kids, so stop by and check out the Field Level Fan Zone.

Hall of Tradition

The D.C. United Hall of Tradition honors the best players, coaches, and club officials in D.C. United history. Check out the banners paying tribute to the likes of John Harkes, Marco Etcheverry, and Ben Olson and remember all of your favorite D.C. United players and moments.

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Supporter Groups

On the west side of RFKK Stadium, you’ll find D.C. United’s esteemed supporter groups. These groups go all out to show their support for United with their tifos, chants, and undying support. If you want to witness a D.C. United game at its best, then make sure to get tickets in the supporter sections.

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Talon

Keep your eye peeled for United’s mascot Talon. The bald eagle can be seen at every game and is particularly popular among kids, so don’t miss him during your visit to RFK Stadium.

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D.C. United Bars & Restaurants

  1. Penn Social

    Penn Social

    Lively bar with a patio offering pub grub & live bands, plus trivia, dancing & more.

    801 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

    202-697-4900

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Clyde’s of Gallery Place

    Clydes

    Long-running local chain serving classic American dishes & cocktails in a traditional setting.

    707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

    202-349-3700

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Pi Pizzeria

    Pi Pizzeria

    Home of irrationally delicious deep dish and thin cornmeal crust pizza, and prime craft beers.

    910 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

    202-393-5483

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  4. Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza

    Ellas Wood Fire Pizza

    Bustling pizzeria serving thin-crust pies, sangria & craft beer that's popular with happy-hour set.

    610 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

    202-638-3434

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  5. The Big Stick

    Big Stick chicken barbecue

    The Big Stick is a rustic, lodge-themed restaurant & sports bar serving a unique menu focused on specialty sausages,sandwiches and a robust craft beer selection.

    20 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-750-7724

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  6. Scarlet Oak

    Scarlet Oak bar drink

    Scarlet Oak offers fresh seasonal cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner in a comfortable setting. The menu is focused on providing locally-sourced produce, meats and seafood, in addition to house made pizzas and pastas.

    909 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-780-0140

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. The Bullpen at Half Street Fairgrounds

    The Spoke beer bottles

    Enjoy free admission, live music, the Bullpen bar, food trucks and dogs hot off the grill!

    1299 Half St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-244-0592

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Osteria Morini

    Osreria Morini Washington DC

    Osteria Morini brings the soulful cuisine and convivial spirit of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy to the historic Navy Yards in Washington, D.C.

    301 Water St SE #109, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-484-0660

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  9. Bonchon

    Bonchon fried chicken

    Bonchon Chicken is cooked-to-order, made with the highest quality ingredients. Come try our handcrafted fried chicken, along with our other amazing dishes!

    1015 Half St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-488-4000

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  10. Agua 301

    Agua tacos

    Agua 301 celebrates the culture and cuisine of Mexico taking contemporary Mexican cuisine and infusing it with modern flair.

    301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-484-0301

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  11. Leo’s Eatery

    burger

    Have an extraordinary experience with the usuals- juicy bites that you will love!

    7 N St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

    202-808-9441

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $

  12. Ice Cream Jubilee

    ice cream on a cone

    "I started Ice Cream Jubilee to share my passion with others and encourage people to explore the pursuits that make them as happy as ice cream makes me."

    301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-863-0727

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  13. Nando’s Peri- Peri

    roasted chicken

    Our legendary PERi-PERi chicken is pretty special – flame-grilled to order to suit your taste.

    300 Tingey St SE #150, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-554-1920

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Bluejacket

    Blue Jacket sandwich

    Bluejacket was built to be a brewery without boundaries, creating beers across the broadest range of styles and flavors possible.

    300 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-524-4862

    Bar website

    american - $$