There were also complaints from some fans about mobile ticketing and long lines for concessionsGETTY IMAGES
Off-field problems at DC United's Audi Field for its opener recently has "prompted the MLS organization to address issues" ahead of tonight's game against the Red Bulls, according to Steven Goff of the WASHINGTON POST. DC United Managing General Partner & CEO Jason Levien said, "We're working out kinks and we're going to make it an even better experience for our fans. We are committed to it. We had an awesome overall opening, and it's going to get better." Goff notes the "most serious concern was a portion of a railing that had not been properly fastened." Before the Whitecaps-DC United inaugural Audi Field game on July 14, a "large piece came loose and reportedly struck" DC United VP/Marketing & Communications Lindsay Simpson, who also "serves as the sideline reporter on the team's local television broadcasts." The club is also "in the process of installing additional game clocks." For the opener, the "only place to check time remaining was on the primary video board above the north stands." A clock "will be added in the south end soon, but the east and west sides will have to wait until next season." There were also "complaints from some fans about mobile ticketing, long lines for concessions and a new security policy requiring transparent personal bags." Additionally, the press box WiFi "did not work properly, preventing reporters from posting updates and filing stories." DC United's front office personnel has "remained at RFK Stadium while work continues on the office space at Audi Field." Levien said of the issues, "It's not like you flip a light switch and the whole world changes overnight" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/25).
