There’s action on Audi Field again — but you’re more likely to see a downward dog than a header.

This week, the Southwest stadium that’s home to D.C. United kicked off “Audi Field is Open,” a series of events designed to bring the community together in a safe, fun way. Initially, that means fitness classes, but as restrictions relax, the offerings will expand.

Because of the pandemic, D.C. United isn’t currently playing in the District. For months, as the stadium sat empty, an idea to take advantage of the space fermented, says Harry Hardy, the team’s senior vice president of events and marketing.

“We had a lot of really positive momentum around our field, and it was becoming what we always wanted it to be — essentially a cultural hub within D.C.’s fastest-growing neighborhood,” he says. Since opening in July 2018, the vision has been to host big events including and beyond soccer games. “But obviously, the impact of COVID put a halt to events and mass gatherings. So we had to adapt.”

During the field’s first week open to the public, 202strong hosted a 45-minute strength and circuit training class, and Barre 3 held an hour-long class that blended strength training, cardio, and mindfulness. On Saturday at 9:30 a.m., District Flow Yoga will guide students through a Vinyasa class, emphasizing breath and movement. Other upcoming events include a DJ-fueled workout with Cut Seven and high intensity interval training with F45. Advance registration is required for all classes, and prices vary, not exceeding $20.

Audi Field has lots of space and is an open-air stadium, which makes working out there an appealing alternative to heading back inside the gym. Plus, Hardy is excited to partner with local businesses, as many fitness studios took a financial hit during the pandemic. All of participants’ fees go directly to the studios.

Safety is paramount: Fitness classes will be capped at around 20 attendees to ensure social distancing. Before working out, guests will have to sign a waiver that stipulates, for example, that they’re assuming all risks related to COVID-19. Employees are required to wear masks, and guests will need to follow local government guidelines — which means, right now, wearing a mask. Plus, the stadium implemented employee screening and health training, and increased sanitation measures to keep the venue clean.

“We’ll always be on the really cautious side of things,” Hardy says. “We want to start small and move slowly, and make sure we’re not putting anyone in a compromising situation.”

After months of teaching virtual fitness classes, Maddie Watkins, founder of 202strong, said returning to the outdoors — and especially Audi Field — was thrilling. “Being able to host a class in the center of the field, with the music playing, was surreal and invigorating,” she says. During the event, participants maintained 10 feet of distance each. It made Watkins feel safe, without minimizing “the energy of the group,” she says.

202strong, which specializes in personalized strength and circuit training , will take to the field again on July 13 (the event is currently sold out) and 20.

Once the District enters Phase Three of reopening, restrictions on gatherings will loosen. Potential “Audi Field is Open” events include watch parties for D.C. United games — the team is playing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida. Picnics on the field, movie nights, and “music on Sunday afternoon” concerts are also likely contenders.

For D.C. United, it’s just one way to give back to the city it’s proud to represent.

“We felt like, if there’s an opportunity for us to help the District in terms of providing space to people to be active in a safe and responsible and socially-distant way, we wanted to be part of that solution,” Hardy says. “It’s a unique experience for the guests and a chance to experience Audi Field. With the class sizes being so small, you kind of feel like you have the place to yourself.”