Audi Field Seats in Sun & Shade

Audi Field is a soccer-specific stadium in Washington, DC. Even though it was built primarily for Major League Soccer, D.C. United now shares their home with the XFL’s D.C. Defenders and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit. It’s located a short walk from Nationals Park and a great venue to see a game. However if you know Washington DC then you know the summers get brutally hot and humid. As an open-air stadium you’ll want to know where the Audi Field seats in the sun and shade are located.

Where are the seats in the shade and sun at Audi Field?

As a general rule, the seats in the shade at Audi Field are located:

• Along the west touchline of the field
• In one of the 200-level sections directly under the overhang roof

And the seats in the sun at Audi Field are located:

• Along the east touchline of the field in the club level and 100-level
• Behind the north and south goal lines

Most soccer and football games at Audi Field kick off in the evening, though there are plenty of occasional day games mixed in too. Even if you’re planning to attend an evening game, the long summer days in Washington DC mean you need to be aware of the position of the sun no matter the start time.

Audi Field Orientation to the Sun

Audi Field is oriented in a north to south direction. By noon the sun is high in the sky southeast of the stadium. Over the course of the afternoon the sun dips down behind the overhang and structure on the west side of the stadium and eventually sets closer to the north goal line.

The graphic below shows the approximate location of the sun throughout the day on July 1st.

Click or tap here to see an interactive seating chart and seat views at Audi Field.

Seats in the Sun and Shade at Afternoon Audi Field Games

Audi Field is designed with large overhangs that cover the stands on the east and west sides of the stadium. For a day game you’ll want to avoid sitting behind either of the goal lines if you are trying to stay out of the sun. Audi is a stadium with asymmetric seating. There are more seats on the east side than on the west. However, fans who choose the east side are likely to battle the sun throughout the game. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen if you choose a seat here.

To avoid the sun, buy a ticket in sections 123-131. For an early afternoon game the back half of these sections should be shaded thanks to the large overhang. For a later afternoon game the entirety of these sections should be out of the sun. For an early afternoon game the sections 201-210 should also be shaded thanks to their location under the overhang. However be careful with these for a later afternoon game as the sun will be shining directly into your eyes as you try to watch the action on the field.

During an afternoon game sections on the west side of the field will get shade first. Credit: First ever XFL kickoff between the DC Defenders and Seattle Dragons at Audi Field by Patriarca12 (CC BY 3.0)

Seats in the Sun and Shade at Evening Audi Field Games

There are many more choices for seats in the shade for an evening game. Sections 123-131 will be completely shaded by this time of day. Goal line sections 117-122 will also get some shade as the sun dips behind the stadium. The standing room only supporters section behind the north goal line should also be in the shade for an evening game, but make sure to only buy a ticket here if you want to be among the supporters.

Ready to get your United, Spirit or Defenders tickets?

Use the individual game links on the side (or middle of the page on mobile) or click or tap here to see an upcoming list of games at Audi Field. Learn about why we recommend buying tickets on Seatgeek.

Enjoy the game!

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