Elliot C. Williams
It’s been a tumultuous season for the Washington Spirit, one that involved abuse allegations against the team’s former coach, infighting among team ownership, and the resignation of the team’s CEO. There have been suspensions, forfeits, and fines for health protocol violations. And yet! The team has been on a winning streak: the Spirit made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and beat OL Reign last Sunday to advance to the final. Amid the chaos, fans have continued to support the players.
On Saturday at noon, the Spirit will face the Chicago Red Stars for the NWSL championship. While a number of fans are headed to Louisville — where the match will be played — there are plenty of opportunities to watch the final in the D.C. area.
From official watch parties to unofficial fan hangouts, here’s a list of places locals can cheer on the team.
Reservations are highly recommended at this Irish pub in Dupont. (The place will also be filling up for the Liverpool vs. Arsenal match.) The pub will be serving brunch until 1 p.m. with $4 Bloody Marys and mimosas, along with other match-day specials.
Dacha will be playing the final on its TVs at its Navy Yard location for a “Spirited Watch Party” with raffles and large, heated tents to keep fans warm. If last week’s watch party is any indicator, there will be a great turnout at the beer garden.
The massive beer hall off 14th St. and Florida Ave. NW will be playing the match for a Meetup event, but will also play it on a large flat screen in the bar area.
The Shaw dive will be playing the final on at least one of its TVs on Saturday.
One of the team’s official watch parties, Metrobar, the Edgewood bar fashioned out of an old Metrorail car, is serving Spirit-themed drinks from Bay Leaf Bitters Co. from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are required, and fans say all 150 spots were snatched up within hours. But there is a waitlist.
The Georgia Ave. beer garden is playing the match, and recommends that fans make reservations in advance.
Another one of the team’s official watch parties, National Harbor in Maryland is playing the match on its jumbo screen. This is a good option for anyone who can’t get a reservation at another watch party.
The popular NoMa beer garden is hosting a watch party and playing the match on all of its TVs on Saturday. For every Atlas Brew Works beer purchased, $1 will go to local youth soccer organization DC Scores.
Know of another watch party or place to view the game? Let us know here.
