With Championship Saturday here, the 2026 United Bowl at Audi Field is set to bring the DC Defenders and Louisville Kings together for the final trophy showdown. From early Fan Fest details and gate rules to Metro directions, ticket help, and major performance
Championship Saturday starts early at Audi Field, and the day is built for fans who don’t want to miss a moment.
The 2026 United Bowl—presented by Credit One Bank—puts the DC Defenders against the Louisville Kings for one final battle with the trophy on the line. With other events running across Washington, D.C. this weekend, fans are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time to get to the stadium.
Getting there is part of the pregame checklist. Fans can take the Green Line to Navy Yard Station. with transfers from other lines available at L’Enfant Plaza. and can check schedules and updates at wmata.com. If you’re coming by bus, the 74 and P6 Metrobus lines provide access. For those rolling in on two wheels. there’s complimentary bike valet at 2nd St SW & T St. plus bike racks around the stadium. Capital Bikeshare is also available nearby.
The first big on-stadium moment begins well before kickoff. Starting at 1:00 PM, United Bowl Fan Fest gets underway outside Audi Field. Fans can settle in with live entertainment. create their own championship poster. and get game-day ready with hair tinsel and face painting. There’s also shopping for official United Bowl. DC Defenders. and Louisville Kings merchandise. along with interactive activities for fans of all ages as the countdown to crowning a champion builds.
At 1:30 PM, all gates open. The first 5,000 fans through the doors will receive a commemorative United Bowl t-shirt.
Before kickoff, there’s a Happy Hour window at Gate A: fans can enjoy $5 Miller Lite and Tecate beers at a pop-up bar, with the offer available only until kickoff.
Merchandise is spread across the concourse for an easy hunt. Official United Bowl, DC Defenders, and Louisville Kings gear is available on the concourse near Gate B and behind Section 119. After the game, fans can buy official Champions merchandise celebrating the 2026 United Bowl winner.
If ticket questions pop up on the way in, Ticket HQ will be waiting on the concourse behind Section F6.
The music lineup is already on the move inside the stadium, too. Grammy Award-winner Mix Master Mike will perform throughout the game, with extended sets during pregame, halftime, and postgame—thanks to Dynasty Financial Partners.
The day’s ceremony comes with the national anthem. Voices of Service, the acclaimed vocal quartet of retired U.S. Army veterans who rose to national prominence with a Top 5 finish on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, will perform.
Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM.
Half-time is headlined by 50 Cent, the global music icon, entrepreneur, actor, and entertainment powerhouse.
After the final whistle, the celebration doesn’t end in the stands. Fans are being asked to stay in their seats for the official 2026 United Bowl Trophy Presentation and championship celebration on the field.
The key is simple: arrive early, get through the doors before the first 5,000 t-shirt run, and plan your route so you’re not stuck fighting the weekend traffic. By 3:00 PM, all attention turns to the trophy.
United Bowl 2026 DC Defenders Louisville Kings Audi Field Championship Saturday Fan Fest Metro Navy Yard Station Mix Master Mike Voices of Service 50 Cent trophy presentation