_ Eight local Black-owned businesses will receive more than $15,000 in digital and in-stadium exhibit ahead of the June 25 game at Audi Field _

WASHINGTON, DC (June 19, 2021) – DC United announced that the club has set up a Local Business Recognition Program, which will provide visibility and brand exposure for local businesses through DC United’s digital platform and Audi’s digital and physical signage. Field.

The first effort under the new program will reward eight local Black-owned businesses with more than $15,000 in advertising value. This includes inclusion in the DC United email marketing platform, messaging and promotion on club-owned social media properties, physical and video matchday stadium signage at Audi Field, as well as the opportunity to participate in experiential marketing during DC United’s June 25 match at Audi Field against Nashville SC kicking off at 5 p.m. EST.

“We believe football – and sport as a whole – stands alone in its unique ability to unite and foster community,” said Danita Johnson, president of business operations, DC United. “We are excited to be able to use our digital platform and matchday experience at Audi Field to support and amplify the work and offerings of local businesses in our region, starting with several Black-owned businesses.”

The local Black-owned businesses that will be the first beneficiaries of DC United’s new Local Business Recognition Program are listed below:

To learn more about DC United’s Local Business Recognition Program, visit here or to get in touch with DC United’s Community Relations team, please contact them here.

One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, DC United are among the most decorated teams in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies.

DC United has called the district home for the past 26 seasons and plays its home games at Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of southwest Washington, D.C., which opened in 2018. In addition to games from DC United’s 20,000-seat football stadium hosts more than 100 events throughout the year, including the district’s premier arts, food and music festival, Unite the District Fest. Audi Field will soon host America’s number one sportsbook thanks to a partnership with FanDuel Group.

The Blacks and Reds have won the MLS Cup four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), the Supporters’ Shield four times (1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007) and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup three times (1996 , 2008 and 2013).

For more information and club updates, please visit www.dcunited.com and find us on social media @DCUnited.