The NWSL’s Washington Spirit are quickly becoming one of the hottest tickets in the District. The franchise announced Sunday that it broke a franchise attendance record with more than 181,000 fans through 12 matches.
The Spirit still has one home game remaining — an Oct. 18 tilt against the Orlando Pride in a rematch of last year’s NWSL Final.
Since moving to the District’s Audi Field full-time in 2023, Spirit attendance has exploded. The club drew 10,886 fans per game in 2023, 13,934 attendees on average last year and more than 15,000 visitors for each match this season.
The Spirit initially split time between the Maryland SoccerPlex, Audi Field and Segra Field in Northern Virginia before 2023. During their last season in that arrangement, the club averaged just 6,222 fans per game.
Success on the field has created a large devoted following for Washington. Audi Field quickly developed a reputation around the league as “Rowdy Audi” for the raucous crowds that cheer on the Spirit.
Led by U.S. Women’s National Team star Trinity Rodman, the Spirit rank second on the NWSL table this season with three matches remaining. The club has already clinched a playoff berth.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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