MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
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CONTENTS AUDI FIELD 101 5 Stadium Facts 6 Construction Timeline 7 Environmental Benefits &
Community Impact 8 Food & Beverage 9 Matchday Experience 2018 MEMBERSHIPS 11 Overview 12 Suites 13 Premium Memberships 14 General Memberships 15 Supporter Memberships 16 Monthly Events 17 Membership Benefits SEAT SELECTION 19 Seat Selection Overview 20 Key Terms 21 Seating Facts 22 Online Seat Selection 23 Audi Field Preview Center 24 2018 Pricing 25 Audi Field Seating 26 Sun Study 27 Sitting with Friends 28 Payment Options 29 Auto Renewal 30 Digital Ticketing FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
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WELCOME TO AUDI FIELD
Dear D.C. United family, The newest chapter of our storied history is being written as we speak. Everyday, steel continues to rise, forming our incredible new home, Audi Field, opening in 2018. But while the construction continues, one process is about to begin: seat selection for you, our most valued fans. This guide outlines the entire procedure as it relates to both securing and selecting the place where you will forge new memories alongside the Black-and-Red. Read on to learn about available membership types for 2018 as well as detailed information regarding just about everything related to Audi Field, from food and beverage options to pitch size, premium hospitality to pricing timelines. Change is never easy, but with a bright future ahead of us in Southwest Washington, we can’t wait for you to cheer on the Black-and-Red in our new home. Thank you for your continued support of D.C. United and remember, They Can’t Hold Us Back!
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AUDI FIELD 101
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STADIUM FACTS Capacity of
20,000 for soccer matches 23,000 for concerts and
Capacity for non-soccer events
31 luxury suites 2,000 all-inclusive premium seats VIEW
Expansive of the Capitol Building and D.C. landmarks Pitch dimensions of
115 x 75 yards
FOOD curated by famed D.C. chef JosĂŠ AndrĂŠs and Levy 5
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Ownership group pledges new stadium
New stadium site selected & project announced
Stadium act approved
City council approves land purchase
Demolition day
Groundbreaking
First Match at Audi Field 6
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS & COMMUNITY IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
COMMUNITY IMPACT
D.C. United are committed to making Audi Field an environmentally
Audi Field is a catalyst for urban development, both in the short and
conscious stadium and it will consume 50% less energy than other
long term future, and will serve as a landmark for the neighborhoods
similar MLS venues. The Black-and-Red’s new home will be LEED
in Southwest Washington. Audi Field’s design includes many areas that
Gold-certified, a rating system devised by the United States Green
encourage community fellowship including a robust green space making
Building Council to evaluate the environmental performance of a
this a year-round gathering place for District residents. Future events
building and encourage market transformation towards sustainable
can include farmer’s markets, live music and other festivals.
design. Audi Field incorporates multiple green initiatives as part of the Gold rating, including solar panels, a green roof, on-site renewable energy, a stormwater management system and more.
LEED OVERVIEW • LED Sports Lighting • LED lighting throughout the venue • Robust recycling & janitorial program • Incorporation of solar panels & green roof • Stormwater management system • On-site renewable energy 7
FOOD & BEVERAGE Audi Field will feature an innovative and world-class culinary experience, one of the first of its kind in a sporting arena. World-renowned chef and D.C. resident José Andrés has partnered with United, in conjunction with Levy, to oversee all concessions at Audi Field. The Barcelona native and passionate soccer fan is serving as the culinary creator of the new home for the Black-and-Red, and is charged with creating a first-class culinary fan experience. As part of the 20-year partnership, Andrés plans to create a dynamic menu that is representative of the global nature of soccer.
“We committed to incorporating the District’s distinct culture into our fan experience, and partnering with Levy, the originators of premium quality stadium food and beverage experiences, and José will provide our fans with the ultimate game day hospitality offerings.” ~ Tom Hunt, D.C. United President
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MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE The matchday experience will extend beyond your seat and the memories made on the pitch. From the fan plaza outside of the stadium, the rooftop patio with sweeping D.C. views, a re-imagined Team Store and a second patio on the third level, Audi Field was designed with the fan in mind.
MATCHDAY FAN PLAZA
ROOFTOP PATIO
3RD LEVEL PATIO
TEAM STORE
TRANSPORTATION
M
Metro accessible via Navy Yard Metro Station 6,500 parking spaces nearby Adjacent to two future bike paths (Potomac Ave & 2nd Street) Bike Valet
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2018 MEMBERSHIPS
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MEMBERSHIPS A D.C. United season membership at Audi Field brings together families, friends, clients, and colleagues to make life-long Black-and-Red memories. United memberships extend beyond the pitch and offer a variety of events and benefits for you to experience throughout the year. In this section, you will learn about the different types of memberships available in 2018.
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SUITES D.C. United designed the suites at Audi Field to foster a sense of community: a genuine meeting place for fans both prior to kickoff and throughout the match. Suite members also enjoy numerous benefits throughout the year, including, but not limited to: • • • • •
Use of the suite on non-matchdays Valet parking Team-sponsored events Annual away match trip Fantasy camp
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PREMIUM MEMBERSHIPS FIELD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP
CLUB LEVEL MEMBERSHIP
• Access to the field level club, located in the northeast corner of the stadium
• Access to a 10,000 sq. ft indoor lounge along with a 2,500 square foot outdoor patio
• All-inclusive food and beverage options curated by José Andrés and Levy
• All-inclusive food and beverage options curated by José Andrés and Levy • Pre-match dining reservations available upon request • VIP and private stadium entrance
All premium members receive exclusive experiences only offered with this type of membership.
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GENERAL MEMBERSHIPS D.C. United provide our full season members carefully curated events on a quarterly basis to strengthen fans’ ties to the club. As part of the seat selection process, fans will be asked to select a membership category which helps the club tailor events to each fan’s preference. BUSINESS Ideal for members looking to network, entertain clients, create team bonding opportunities and experience the Black-and-Red in a professional setting. FAMILY Centered around the idea to create memorable, family-friendly experiences for you and your loved ones. SOCIAL A community of young professionals looking for some of D.C.’s hottest social events and a season’s worth of experiences throughout D.C.
EVENT CONCEPTS
Kickoff party
Holiday photo shoot
Q&A with team president
Kids clinic
Autograph sessions
Movie night on the pitch
Kids press conference
Happy hours
Cornhole tournament
Trivia night
Brewery & vineyard tours 14
SUPPORTER SECTION Unite and sing at every United home match! Regardless of the circumstances, these electric fans bring the energy that creates the passionate atmosphere that gives the Black-and-Red a true home field advantage. The North Stands at Audi Field will be the new home for United’s most ardent supporters. KEY BENEFITS • Only $20 per match • General admission seating • Designated tailgate area WANT TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD? A new supporter council will collaborate with D.C. United to craft a special matchday experience at Audi Field. Fans that are interested in learning more about the supporter council and having their voices heard should contact Jesse Bell (JBell@dcunited.com).
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SAMPLE COMMUNITY EVENTS Each month D.C. United will host community events within the District, Virginia and Maryland. Full season members will receive first right-of-refusal to RSVP for events and receive special on-site perks and benefits.
HOLIDAY PHOTOSHOOT
WORLD CUP DRAW PARTY
JERSEY LAUNCH
APR TOPPING-OFF CEREMONY
SEASON KICKOFF PARTY
WORLD CUP VIEWING PARTIES 16
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS D.C. United full season members continue to receive additional benefits far beyond match tickets. • Guaranteed seat location for all D.C. United home matches • First access to newly released seat locations • Lowest price per game • Payment plan options • First right-of-refusal on playoff tickets • Dedicated Account Specialist • Invitation to monthly community events • Inclusion in quarterly mixers based on your membership type
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SEAT SELECTION 101
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SEAT SELECTION OVERVIEW
As the structure of Audi Field continues to rise, it’s now time to select your seat in the Black-and-Red’s new home as a full season member. D.C. United are committed to providing fans a seamless transition into Audi Field, a big part of which comes from seat selection. All members are allowed to select their own seats in the new stadium (rather than receiving pre-assigned seats), with selection windows based on current seat location followed by tenure as a United member.
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KEY TERMS These terms will be used throughout the seat selection guide. Please refer to them as needed. Accessible Seating The new stadium will be fully compliant with all ADA guidelines. ADA areas will be disbursed across all price points and amenity types through the stadium, providing our fans with fantastic views of the field. Account Holder The name of the member that is listed on the account. This is the PRIMARY person/company that receives all official correspondence issued by the club. Club Level Lounge 10,000 square foot enclosed lounge located on the second level of the East Side of the stadium. Club level members will also have access to a 2,500 square foot outdoor patio on matchdays. Corner Suite Private suite located on the second level of the Northeast Tower. Deposit Payment required at the time of seat selection. East Sideline Suite Private suite located on the second level of the East Sideline. Field Level Suite Private suite located near midfield on the west side of the stadium. Full Season Membership Refers to your season ticket plan that includes all regular season MLS matches and one special event per season.
In Good Standing An account that has been paid in full in a given year. Priority Group Members are placed into priority groups based on two categories: 1) 2017 seating category at RFK Stadium and 2) tenure as full Season Ticket Member. Priority Window A period of time during which current members may purchase full season membership at Audi Field. Proxy A person that a current full season member can designate to choose seats on their behalf during the seat location process. Premium Seats Refers to Suite, MVP Field and Club Memberships at Audi Field. This seats include all-inclusive food & beverage, while also receiving exclusive access to our private lounges. Seat Selection Process Encompasses all elements of reseating full season members from RFK Stadium to Audi Field. Supporter Stand Refers to members that choose to sit in the North Stands. All seats in this area are general admission.
General Membership Any full season member that does not have a premium or supporter membership. 20
SEATING FACTS 19,400 total number of seats at Audi Field 600 additional standing room tickets 12,500 full season memberships available 3,500 West stand seats 1,500
supporter seats (with ability to expand to 2,000)
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ONLINE SEAT SELECTION POLICIES
PROCESS
Adding Additional Seats During the seat selection process, each
SEP 29
Audi Field Membership Guide delivered via email to all members.
current full season member will have the opportunity to add up to four (4) additional seats to his/her account,
OCT 17
Email with your designated window for seat selection at Audi Field. Upon receiving your window, we highly encourage you to mark this date on the calendar so you do not miss out at Audi Field.
which guarantees the new seats to be alongside the current ones. Please note: Additional seats cannot be
NOV 13
Audi Field seat selection process begins
purchased for another current full season member. Downgrade
3 EASY WAYS TO SELECT YOUR SEAT
OPTION ONE
Go online during your designated window and select your seats! (Recommended Option)
Fans that downgrade a price level will be placed at the end of the priority process after all other members have selected their seats.
OPTION TWO Visit the Audi Field Preview Center during your designated window to select your seat in-person
OPTION THREE
Call your D.C. United account specialist during your designated window to select your seat over the phone
Drop (Reduce) Number of Seats Any member that would like to drop seats during the seat selection process must contact the D.C. United front office. 22
AUDI FIELD PREVIEW CENTER D.C. United invite all fans to visit the state-of-the-art Audi Field Preview Center to learn more about Audi Field and test drive the new venue through augmented reality. Fans will be able to make the most educated seat selection after viewing the field and stadium through the tools provided at the Preview Center.
AUDI FIELD PREVIEW CENTER FEATURES: • Live the Audi Field experience through virtual reality (coming in October) • 3D stadium fly through video • Test drive your new Audi Field seats with actual seats from the new stadium
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2018 MEMBERSHIP PRICING SECTION
MATCHDAY*
MEMBER
MVP Field
call for pricing
call for pricing
Club Level
call for pricing
call for pricing
Sideline Stand A
$ 75.00
$ 50.00
Sideline Stand B
$ 60.00
$ 40.00
Sideline Stand C
$ 50.00
$ 35.00
Sideline Stand D
$ 40.00
$ 30.00
South Stand
$ 30.00
$ 25.00
Supporter Stand
$ 30.00
$ 20.00
*Matchday pricing is preliminary and subject to change. 24
AUDI FIELD SEATING *
*Matchday pricing is preliminary and subject to change.
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4PM
SUN STUDY
MAY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
MARCH
MAY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
7PM
MARCH
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SITTING WITH FRIENDS Full season members have the ability to create mini “neighborhoods” at Audi Field, gathering friends to all sit alongside one another in the new stadium. All full season members in good standing received an email in September (please contact your account specialist immediately if you did not receive it), and can relocate with other current members, at the time of the lowest tenured member’s seat selection window. Current fans cannot jump other members with a longer tenure.
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PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS D.C. United remain committed to providing fans an opportunity to support the Black-and-Red by providing flexible payment options.
PAY IN FULL
Pay the full amount due today and don’t worry about another payment for the rest of the 2018 season
50/50 SPLIT
Pay 50% today and pay the remaining 50% of your account balance by February 15, 2018.
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN
Pay 30% deposit today and have the remaining payment divided equally between now and August 15, 2018. Payments are automatically will be charged on the 15th of each month (interest free).
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AUTO RENEWAL WHAT IS AUTO-RENEWAL?
SAMPLE AUTO RENEW TIMELINE
Beginning in 2018, all full season memberships will include enrollment for auto-renewals of memberships for future seasons. Each year, upon receipt of your renewal invoice, fans will have fourteen (14) days to opt-out of full season
2017
Members opt into the auto renewal program during the Audi Field seat selection process
AUG 18’
Final payment for 2018 season tickets is applied (only applicable to those on monthly payment plans)
SEPT 18’
Renewal brochure and invoice will be sent via email and your fourteen (14) day opt-out period begins.
memberships. The renewal invoices will include instructions for how to opt-out during this period, and optouts will only be valid when submitted according to those instructions. Seats for the following year will be released from each account following receipt of the opt-out notice, but fans will still keep their seats through the end of that season, including retaining the option to purchase MLS Cup playoff tickets, when applicable.
Fourteen (14) Days Post Invoice 1st payment applied to card on file for 2019 season. Declined/expired cards will need to be updated by to take advantage of playoff ticket options.
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DIGITAL TICKETING
Starting in 2018, D.C. United ticketing will be completely paperless. Mobile-only entry is not only more environmentally friendly, but it is also the safest, most convenient and flexible approach to ticketing in the 21st Century, and is just one of the aspects of the matchday experience that has been revamped to better serve the fans. More information on mobile-only entry will be available in 2018.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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FAQS GENERAL TICKETING How many seats at Audi Field are reserved for season tickets? 12,500 How many matches are included in full season membership packages? Includes all D.C. United regular season home matches and one (1) additional match per year. How are members’ seat selection windows determined? First by 2017 seating category at RFK Stadium, and second by tenure as a full season ticket member. What type of handicap accessible seating will be offered at Audi Field? Audi Field will be fully ADA compliant and will provide fans with seating options that best suit their needs. Please contact a member of the sales team for more information. What other type of events will take place at Audi Field? Audi Field will host numerous types of events, including but not limited to: international friendlies, other sporting matches, concerts, community festivals, etc. What is the process of adding additional seats? Each full season member in good standing will have the opportunity to add an additional (4) full season memberships at the time of seat selection. What is the refund policy? United full season members may only receive a refund for future matches in the event of deployment for active military duty, relocation outside a 100-mile radius of Washington, D.C., for employment or in the event of an untimely passing of a loved one.
What access will I have to purchase non-D.C. United events at Audi Field? Each non-D.C. United event will be handled on an event-by-event basis. Will I have a comparable seat at Audi Field to what I have at RFK Stadium? Our goal is to find each full season ticket member the seat and solution that aligns most closely with what each account is looking for. When will I need to pay for my seats? A 30% deposit will be due at the time of seat selection. If I have been buying my season tickets through a supporter group, am I able to get credit for those years of purchase? Please contact your dedicated account specialist today to discuss options. Our goal is to make sure that every fan gets credit for the years they have supported the Blackand-Red. I’ve purchased season tickets in the past, but did not have season tickets in 2017. How does my priority work? Members that did not have a full season membership with D.C. United in 2017 will be placed in the general priority line. How do I select seats alongside friends, so that we can sit together? Members in good standing received an email in September detailing the ability to create mini “neighborhoods” at Audi Field. Please reach out to your account specialist to learn more or if you did not receive an email. Will I be able to change my seat location after I pick? Yes. Following the conclusion of the seat selection process, a window will be provided to full season members to relocate to open seat locations.
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FAQS PREVIEW CENTER What is the preview center? In 2016 we opened a state of the art Preview Center in Union Market, designed with capabilities to illustrate all pertinent characteristics of the new building and surrounding area. Through 3D Modeling and virtual reality, D.C. United fans are able to view the new matchday experience at Audi Field.
I want to “group” with members in a higher price category than I currently sit. Can I do that? Yes. Members that would like to sit with others members who are currently in a higher price category at RFK Stadium may do so. To maintain the integrity of our seat selection process, the group will be be placed at the bottom of seat selection times for that price category.
Should I visit the preview center before my appointment? Yes, D.C. United encourage all fans to test drive Audi Field by scheduling a time to visit the Preview Center prior to selecting their seats. Fans will be able to see the most updated renderings and through augmented reality, select a seat that best suits their needs.
I want to sit with members in a lower price category than I currently sit. Can I do that? Yes. Members that would like to sit with others members who are currently in a lower price category at RFK Stadium may do so. Those accounts will be able to join you during your seat selection time window, pending no one in your group has a lower seat selection time.
What are the preview center hours? The preview center is open by appointment only. Our staff is able to accommodate most appointments within the hours of 7am to 9pm during the week, and and is flexible for appointments during the weekends as well.
PARTIAL PLANS Will there be partial season plans at Audi Field? Partial ticket plans are not currently offered, but D.C. United reserve the right to review partial ticket plan options at a future date.
How do I schedule an appointment? Please contact a member of our team by calling 202-587-5000.
Do you have a full season share program? D.C. United does not have a formal season share program at this time. Education events will be hosted in spring 2018 to help fans identify “share partners” for seats at Audi Field.
SITTING WITH FRIENDS I want to “group” with members who sit in my price category. Can we sit together at Audi Field? Yes. Members who currently sit together in the same price category at RFK stadium will also be able to move as a group to Audi Field. To maintain the integrity of our seat selection process, your group will select your seats based on the lowest selection window in the group. Groups will be highly encouraged to visit the Audi Field preview center for seat selection.
When can I upgrade? Fans can upgrade as early as today to gain the highest priority possible. I am a full season with partial seats on my account, what do I have to do? Fans with partial seats on their account will need to upgrade to a full season for the 2018 season.
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FAQS AUTO RENEW PROGRAM Do I have to enroll in the auto-renewal program? All 2018 full season members will be automatically enrolled in auto-renewals for future seasons, but members will have an opportunity to opt-out of auto-renewal tickets each season. What if my card declines? Your D.C. United Account Specialist will call you within a week to get an updated card for your payment plan. Should you have any card changes, please update your account online. Why are D.C. United implementing auto-renewals? Automatically enrolling fans with season tickets for the next season will eliminate the hassle of renewing tickets by the deadline each year, thus ensuring the continuity of your benefits and seats for the upcoming season. Memberships will be renewed using the payment method on file, which will expedite the process and guarantee your membership with the Black-and-Red for the following season.
What if I don’t want to renew? You will have fourteen (14) days to opt-out of the Auto-Renewal program each season. I want to renew but I want to change my payment plan, what do I do? During the 14-Day opt-out period notify your Account Specialist if you want to change payment plans and they will make the switch for you. How can I change my seats? Renew your seats through the Auto-Renewal program and you will automatically be invited to our annual Select-A-Seat event (starting in 2019). My partners and I split the payments, how will our cards be charged? Fans will need to designate one primary card for the account, which will be used for the auto-renewal payments. Please contact your account specialist before each payment date to designate how to split payments across multiple cards. The primary card on the account will be the default card used for payments unless indicated otherwise.
What if I pay with checks? We will still be accepting checks for payment. You will need to put a card on file that will be charged only if we do not receive your check by the scheduled payment date.
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FAQS TRANSPORTATION How many parking spots will be available at Audi Field? 6,500 parking spots will be located nearby. I have accessible parking right now, how will parking work for me at Audi Field? For fans with a disability, D.C. United will provide a complimentary shuttle to get you to and from your parking lot. What is the closest Metro Station to Audi Field? D.C. United encourage fans to arrive at Audi Field via the Navy Yard Metro Station (Green Line). It is less than a 10 minute walk. I want to ride my bike to the match, will there be bike parking? Yes, D.C. United will provide complimentary bike valet service on matchdays. Secure bike parking will also be available on the southwest corner of the stadium. SUPPORTER STAND How many seats are located in the supporter section at Audi Field? There are 1,500 seats with the ability to expand up to 2,000 seats. Which sections are for D.C. United supporters? Supporter sections are located in sections 136 and 137 in the North Stands, with the ability to expand into section 135. Will Audi Field have options for supporters who still want a lively atmosphere, but do not want to stand for an entire match? Pending demand, Section 130 will be available for seating.
Why are D.C. United not offering single match tickets in the supporter sections? Based on current demand, D.C. United do not anticipate single match tickets being available in the supporter sections. Full season memberships are selling quickly in these sections, so make sure to reserve your spot in the North Stands today. I have heard about the supporter council, how can I get involved? Please contact Jesse Bell (JBell@dcunited.com) for more information on how to join the D.C. United supporter council for 2018. PREMIUM SEATING What is premium seating? Premium seating includes the field-level and club-level memberships at Audi Field. These membership types give fans the ultimate matchday experience with all-inclusive food and beverage as well as other VIP benefits. How many premium seats are available at Audi Field? 2,000 premium seats are available at Audi Field, comprised of 1,500 club and 500 field level seats. How much does premium seating cost? Please contact a member of our sales and service team today to learn about available pricing. Pricing is based on row and proximity to midfield. Why do I have to sign a multi-year agreement for premium seating? Multi-year agreements lock-in your membership rate against future price increases throughout the duration of the agreement.
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FAQS SUITES How many suites do you have available at Audi Field? Audi Field has thirty-one luxury suites, with various locations and benefits to meet the needs of our community. How many suites are still available? A limited number remain. Field level and corner suites are SOLD OUT.
ONLINE SELECTION PROCESS When can I expect to find out my seat selection appointment time? All D.C. United full season members will receive an appointment time to select their seats for the 2018 season at Audi Field. Your personal appointment time information, as well as your selection site log-in information, will be sent via email no later than October 17, 2017.
How much do suites cost? Please contact a member of our sales and service team today to learn about available pricing.
How long do I have to select my seats? Appointment times will be spaced every five (5) minutes. You do not need to complete your selection in five minutes, that is the head start you have over the next member in line.
I have a business, can I use my suite on non-matchdays? Suite owners will be able to access their suites even on non-event days. Your Account Manager will be able to provide more information on accessing your suite on non-event days.
What happens during my appointment time? During your appointment time, you will be able to view every seat seats available for selection within your price category. You have the freedom of choice to select your seat location wherever you would like, based on availability.
TICKET EXCHANGE PROGRAM How will the exchange program change at Audi Field? Audi Field, will be one of the most intimate venues in MLS, and therefore; we will have a more limited capacity to provide exchanges for all of our valued members. Over the coming months, we will continue to exhaust all options to make our memberships as flexible as possible. Will I still receive buddy vouchers at Audi Field? Buddy vouchers will not be offered.
Will I be able to view available seats before my appointment time? Yes, fans wiill be able to test drive the view from your seats before you make your final seat selection. Have a pen and paper ready to keep track of your favorite seat locations! Will I be able to see specific views from all the seats at Audi Field? The seat selection tool is designed to provide fans with the most accurate site line of what their seat will look like at Audi Field. Do I have to pick my seats in 5-minutes? No. While appointment times are distributed in five minute intervals, you do not need to complete your selection in five minutes. You simply have a five minute head start over the next member in line. For that reason, it is likely that you will see seat inventory changing during your appointment time as members who were able to select before you make their selections. Can I add seats after the seat selection process has closed? All members will be given the opportunity to add additional full season memberships during a second appointment time prior to any sale to the public.
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AUDIFIELDDC.COM
202-587-5000
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