DC United Spending $1M To Install Safe-Standing Areas At Audi Field

DC United is spending close to $1M this winter at Audi Field to "install waist-high, safe-standing railings in Sections 136 and 137 of the north end," according to Steven Goff of WASHINGTON POST. DC United Chief Business Officer Andy Bush said that workers will "complete renovations by the end of January," one month before team's opener Feb. 29 against the Rapids. But Goff notes the new setup will "first be available for XFL games Feb. 8 and 15." MLS safe-standing areas are already in use at the home venues of the Earthquakes, LAFC, Orlando City SC and Minnesota United. Besides DC United, they also are "being installed this year" for the Galaxy and Red Bulls. Without seats in the way, fans "not only are able to stand freely throughout the 90 minutes, they have the flexibility to move in unison, shoulder to shoulder." Bush said that safe-standing areas at Audi Field will "accommodate about 2,000 fans, probably a few dozen more than before because of fewer obstructions" (WASHINGTON POST, 1/20).