Washington Spirit to play all home matches at Audi Field | OneFootball

The Washington Spirit is set to play all their home matches at Audi Field starting in 2023.

The Spirit reached a multi-year agreement with Major League Soccer club D.C. United to host all home games at the stadium in Washington D.C. The NWSL team previously split local games between Audi Field and the heavily-criticized 5,000-seat Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia.

Though Segra Field plays host to USL Championship Loudon United, D.C United’s affiliate team, the field was called out for lacking amenities and its artificial turf.

Former Gotham FC goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris labeled Segra Field a “high school field” in March.

“It’s an abomination that a professional game has to be played on something like this,” former Spirit coach Kris Ward said of the venue in August.

The team saw a larger turnout in every game hosted at Audi Field, averaging 8,914 fans in six regular-season matches in 2022, compared to 2,991 in five matches at Segra Field.

“I want to thank our fans who have steadfastly supported the club through highs and lows, especially those who came to Segra in the last three years,” added Spirit owner Michele Kang. “Moving all our games to Audi will allow us to build a truly premier, professional and proudly D.C. women’s soccer team.”

The Spirit’s new deal with Audi Field includes all regular-season matches, and any potential playoff and Challenge Cup fixtures, reported the Washington Post.

Additionally, the Spirit will continue to use D.C. United’s training center in Leesburg.

“It is one of the best professional soccer stadiums in the country and it is where our club belongs,” Spirit president of soccer operations Mark Krikorian said of Audi Field. “We are looking to dominate in the District.”