Audi Field to Host Both Washington Spirit NWSL Semi-Final and Secretaries’ Cup on Saturday, Nov. 14
UPDATE: Audi Field to Host Both Washington Spirit NWSL Semi-Final and Secretaries’ Cup on Saturday, Nov. 14
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 12, 2026) – Audi Field will host two events on Saturday, Nov. 14 with the Washington Spirit’s NWSL Semi-final against Utah Royals FC at 12:00 p.m. ET, followed by the Secretaries’ Cup football game between the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Over the past several days, Audi Field worked closely with the Washington Spirit, the NWSL, and Secretaries’ Cup organizers through the security and logistical requirements of hosting both events. With that work complete, every party has aligned on a schedule that lets the Spirit play at home while keeping Audi Field’s commitment to Secretaries’ Cup.
The day will run as two back-to-back events, with the Audi Field team converting the venue from soccer to football in a matter of hours.
Washington Spirit vs. Utah Royals FC
Gates open: 10:30 a.m. ET
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
Secretaries’ Cup: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy vs. U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Gates open: 3:30 p.m. ET
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
“The Spirit earned the right to play a playoff match in front of their home crowd, and the cadets earned the right to play the Secretaries’ Cup on the stage that was promised to them,” said Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United and Audi Field. “We weren’t willing to choose between them, so we found a way to do both.”
“We are grateful to D.C. United, the Secretaries’ Cup, the NWSL and all the partners involved who came together to make both events happen,” said Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone. “It means a lot to our players and fans to play the most pivotal match of our season at Rowdy Audi on Saturday. This shows the power of what can be accomplished when everyone works together, and we look forward to a festive environment for both events.”
Secretaries’ Cup Ticket Information
All previously purchased Secretaries’ Cup tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled event time, and no action is required if you plan to attend.
If the updated start time no longer works with your schedule, fans who purchased verified tickets directly through Ticketmaster may be eligible to request a refund by logging into their Ticketmaster account, selecting the event, and following the available refund instructions. If you purchased a ticket via resale, you must check with that specific marketplace for available options.
Due to the scheduling change, the Secretaries’ Cup FanFest will no longer take place. Fans who purchased FanFest tickets will be automatically refunded.
Entry, exit and game day details for both events will be shared with ticket holders ahead of Saturday.
About Audi Field
The iconic 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium is nestled in a prime location along the capitol riverfront, the fastest growing area in downtown D.C, and is the permanent home of D.C. United, the Washington Spirit, DC Power Football Club, and the DC Defenders.
Opened in July 2018, Audi Field is a premiere entertainment and event destination and was the host of the 2023 MLS All-Star Game vs. Arsenal FC. Complete with 500 premium field-level seats, 31 luxury suites, and one of the steepest stadium grades in sports, Audi Field offers fans a truly unique gameday experience. The stadium houses various events year-round from corporate outings, music festivals, and world class international sporting events from the Premier League Lacrosse to College Football, and more.
For more information, please visit www.audifield.com and find us on social media at @AudiField.
Secretaries’ Cup
The 2026 Secretaries’ Cup will highlight the enduring role of the nation’s Coast Guard and Merchant Marine services in supporting the country’s national security, economic prosperity and global leadership. The matchup provides a fitting stage to recognize 250 years of American maritime dominance, service and leadership.
Merchant Marine and Coast Guard first met on the football field in 1949, with the schools playing nine times before the Secretaries’ Cup was established in 1981. The 2026 matchup will mark the 54th meeting all-time and the 46th game contested for the Secretaries’ Cup trophy. USMMA holds a 37-16 advantage in the all-time series and owns a 30-14 record in Secretaries’ Cup competition.