Audi Field plan targets 100-event revenue uplift
Washington DC lawmakers have proposed a US$620m expansion of Audi Field that would add 8,000 seats and a climate-controlled roof while increasing the venue’s capacity for sports, concerts and year-round commercial use.
A US$620m public-private expansion of Audi Field has been proposed by DC Council chairman Phil Mendelson, with the plan designed to increase capacity and turn the venue into a larger year-round sports and entertainment asset.The legislation would add around 8,000 seats, taking capacity from 20,000 to approximately 28,000. A climate-controlled roof and all-weather canopy are also included in the proposed redevelopment.Mendelson said: “The concept is, [DC United] wants a roof because that's where Major League Soccer is going, they want to increase the size of the stadium, not hugely, and to pay for that and some other upgrades, the city would front them the money and would be paid back by the revenues made by the stadium."The District of Columbia would contribute US$300m, with D.C. United expected to provide the remaining US$320m. The stadium is owned by the District and operated by the MLS club.Supporters of the proposal believe the roof and wider upgrades could enable Audi Field to stage around 100 additional events each year. That would expand the venue’s commercial calendar beyond football and create more inventory across concerts, corporate events and other live entertainment.Audi Field opened in 2018 and is home to D.C. United and NWSL side Washington Spirit. The venue also hosts DC Defenders of the United Football League and DC Power FC of the USL Super League.The legislation links the stadium investment to a wider real estate commitment. D.C. United would be required to develop 467 housing units, including 148 affordable homes and 122 units reserved for senior residents.Project backers expect increased event activity and associated tax receipts to generate an economic return exceeding the District’s initial contribution. The proposal is likely to face scrutiny over the scale of public funding and the assumptions underpinning those revenue forecasts.The plan forms part of a wider period of venue investment in Washington DC. The District has also committed public funding to the Washington Commanders’ planned stadium, the renovation of Capital One Arena and improvements at Nationals Park.Council members have yet to take a final position on the Audi Field proposal, while Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration has not publicly endorsed the plan.A full public hearing is expected in the autumn, with council approval required before the expansion can advance.