Love is Loud: Everything You NEED for the Orlando Pride Match
Washington Spirit Pride Match: Your Complete "Love is Loud" Game Day Guide
Everything you need to know for Sunday’s big celebration — explained simply, so you can focus on the fun!
Quick Match Details at a Glance
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Match | Washington Spirit vs. Orlando Pride |
| Theme | Love is Loud: Pride Match |
| Date | Sunday, August 23, 2026 |
| Gates Open | 2:30 PM |
| Warm-ups Start | 3:30 PM |
| Kickoff | 4:00 PM |
| Stadium | Audi Field, Washington, DC |
IMPORTANT: Traffic Alert — Plan Ahead!
HEADS UP: The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is happening in DC this same weekend. Expect heavy traffic, road closures, and detours around the stadium area.
Best Way to Get There: Take the Metro!
- Lines: Green / Yellow Line → Navy Yard-Ballpark Station
- Why: Avoids parking stress, sits you right at the stadium entrance
- Bonus: Anacostia Station (one stop away on Green Line) has parking if you prefer to drive partway
Pro Tip: If you must drive, leave extra early and budget 30–45 extra minutes for traffic.
Before You Arrive: Know the Rules
Bag Policy — Keep It Small!
- Max size: 14″ × 14″ × 6″ (about the size of a large purse or small backpack)
- NOT allowed: Backpacks, coolers, luggage, umbrellas
- Exceptions: Medical bags & diaper bags → Email guestexperience@dcunited.com beforehand and use Gate B for faster entry
- Full restricted items list here
March to the Match — Join the Party!
| Time | What’s Happening | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM | Meet up with Spirit Supporters Groups | Solace Outpost (Solace Brewing) |
| 3:15 PM | Walk together to stadium | Traffic Circle (S. Capitol St. & Potomac Ave.) → Gate A |
| After entry | March continues inside stadium & around concourse | Join anytime! |
All fans welcome — come for the chants, stay for the community!
Prematch Festivities: The Fun Starts Early!
Entertainment at Spirit Stage (Inside Gate A) — Starts at 2:30 PM
- DJ Kidd Fresh spinning beats
- Drag Queen Performers: Shiqueeta-Lee, Capri Bloomingdale, Venetian, TrevHer & Delila B. Lee
Special Ceremony & Honorees
| Role | Honoree | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| National Anthem | Shiqueeta-Lee | — |
| Color Guard | MPD Honor Guard | Metropolitan Police Dept. |
| CareFirst Community Captain | Cesar Toledo | Wanda Alston Foundation |
| Honorary Captain | Phillip Alexander Downie | MoCo Pride Family |
| District Diaries Honorees | 4 Scholarship Winners | SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) |
These community leaders represent the heart of DC Pride — give them a loud cheer!
Off the Pitch: Non-Stop Fun All Match Long
Heineken Rooftop — Open All Game
- Drinks, skyline views, perfect pre-match vibe spot
Halftime Showcase — Don’t Blink!
- Spirit Crew + Drag Queens marching in full color
- A vibrant, high-energy celebration of Pride
Spiritville (East Concourse) — Your One-Stop Fun Zone
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Face Painting | Get your Pride look on |
| Photo Ops | Capture the memories |
| Poster Making | Cheer loud with custom signs |
| iHeartRadio Activation | Music, games, giveaways |
| Pride Flag Giveaway | First 12,000 fans — wave it all 90 minutes! |
| Drag Queen Meet & Greet | Get there early — this line will be LONG |
| Bling It Out | Encore Ballroom Couture will crystallize & bedazzle your merch on-site |
Pro Tip: Buy your Love is Loud Tee (part of the Pride collection), then drop it at the Encore table in Spiritville before halftime — they’ll bling it out and have it ready by final whistle!
Items of the Match: Gear Up!
Where to Buy Merch In-Stadium
- Spiritville (East Concourse)
- Section 130
- Club Level
- Section 119
Online Order Pickup
- Go to Spirit Shop in Spiritville
- Use the designated pickup line
- Bring your order confirmation number!
Kit Customization — Same Day Service!
- Drop off your jersey by 4:00 PM (August 23)
- Get any Spirit player’s name & number added
- Ready by end of match
Postmatch: Who Goes Where?
| Ticket Type | Postmatch Field Access |
|---|---|
| Premium (Sections F1–F12, C1–C9, S1–S31) | Allowed on east sideline (F1–F12) |
| General Admission | Head to Sections 135–138 for closest view |
Why? Player & guest safety first. Full details here →
Transportation Options: Pick Your Ride
Metro (Easiest & Most Reliable)
- Stations: Navy Yard-Ballpark (Green/Yellow) OR Waterfront (Green)
- ADA Shuttle: Runs continuous 15–30 min loops from West Entrance → Audi Field Club Shop
- Starts 1 hour before kickoff
- Ends 1 hour after match
Parking
- Members: Book early with your SpotHero discount code
- Public: Anacostia Station (Green Line, 1 stop away) has parking
Bike Valet — Free & Secure!
- Location: Southwest corner — 2nd & T St. intersection
- Opens: When gates open (2:30 PM)
- Closes: At least 1 hour after match ends
- Run by: Two Wheel Valet
Accessibility: Everyone Welcome
Need Help? Contact Guest Experience Before Match Day
- Email: guestexperience@dcunited.com
- Resources: Full accessibility guide →
KultureCity Sensory Room
- Where: Heineken Rooftop
- For: Fans needing a break from lights, noise, crowds
- Quiet, calm space with trained staff
Sensory Bags (Free, While Supplies Last)
- Pick up at: Guest Services
- Includes: Noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards
Text for Help — Anytime During Match
- Number: (202) 888-2375
- Use for: Medical issues, lost items, safety concerns, any assistance
Still Need Tickets?
| Match | Date | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pride Match vs. Orlando Pride | Sun, Aug 23 | Get Tickets → |
| vs. North Carolina Courage | Saturday (day before) | Get Tickets → |
Want the full official guide? View Matchday Guide →
Summary: Your Game Day Checklist
Take Metro (Green/Yellow → Navy Yard-Ballpark) — avoid traffic nightmare
Bag < 14×14×6″ — no backpacks, coolers, umbrellas
Arrive by 2:30 PM — catch DJ, drag queens, & claim your free Pride flag (first 12K!)
Visit Spiritville — face paint, posters, meet drag queens, bling your merch
Drop jersey by 4 PM — get it customized same day
Halftime = Drag Queen March — don’t miss it!
Postmatch: Premium tickets → east sideline; GA → sections 135–138
Need a break? Sensory Room (Rooftop) or Sensory Bag (Guest Services)
Text (202) 888-2375 for any in-stadium help
FAQ: Your Top 5 Questions Answered
1. Can I bring a backpack if it’s small?
No. Backpacks of any size are not allowed. Use a small crossbody, tote, or clear bag under 14×14×6″.
2. What if I have a medical device or diaper bag?
Allowed! Email guestexperience@dcunited.com ahead of time and enter through Gate B for faster screening.
3. Is the Pride flag giveaway really only for the first 12,000 fans?
Yes. Gates open at 2:30 PM — arrive early if you want one!
4. Can I get my jersey customized during the game?
Yes, but drop it off by 4:00 PM sharp (kickoff time). Pick it up after the match at the customization booth.
5. What if I get overwhelmed at the game?
Head to Guest Services for a free sensory bag (headphones, fidgets, cue cards) or visit the KultureCity Sensory Room on the Heineken Rooftop — it’s a quiet, calm reset space.
Final Thought: This Isn’t Just a Match — It’s a Celebration
The Love is Loud Pride Match is about community, visibility, and joy. Whether you’re marching with supporters, waving your flag, meeting a drag queen, or cheering the Spirit to victory — you belong here.
See you at Audi Field!
Go Spirit!