If you’re going to DC, whether you’re on the bus or driving down yourself, this is what you need to know: BUS: – Bus leaves NYC (in front of Legends 33, 6 W 33rd St, Manhattan) at 11:30am. The bus will not wait for you, so be there early. – Bus leaves Red Bull Arena at 12:00pm Again, the bus will not wait for you. Get there early. – Arrive RFK Stadium: 4:00pm – Security Check/March in: 6:15pm – Game Starts: 7:00pm – Game Ends: 9:00pm – Depart RFK: 9:30pm – Buses drop off at Red Bull Arena: 1:30am – Buses drop off in NYC: 2:00am -If you’re driving to Red Bull Arena you can park in the East Lot (for free). It’s the orange rectangular lot at the end of Cape May St. on the east side of the stadium in the diagram linked here, closest to gate D. -Bring everything you need for a day out with you: food, drinks, weather-specific gear, etc. *No outside food or drink, including water bottles, are permitted inside the stadium. -If you’re bringing a cooler, make sure it’s small enough to fit under your seat on the bus. No large coolers are permitted in the aisle, they will need to be stored under the bus. NON-BUS: – Park in Lot 3. Click here for parking map.– $20 parking fee for cars. – Ticket Pickup: The bus will be arriving around 4pm. We’ll have the tickets shortly after we get off the bus. Ask for Amanda. We’ll distribute the tickets near the bus. – Please be at Lot 3 no later than 6:00pm. We’ll be gathering for security checks and march-in at 6:15pm. We will be going in a different gate this year than previous years (Main Gate instead of Gate F). – If you are running late please try to send us an email (empiresupportersclub@gmail.com). TAILGATE INFO There will be a joint South Ward tailgate before the game. Throw in $5 for all you can eat. IN-STADIUM INFO – We will be in Section 318. Please leave the first 2 rows as a buffer between us and the DC fans. – If you are too intoxicated, you will not be allowed in the game, so please plan accordingly. – There are concessions and bathrooms on the concourse behind the section. – Watch your language during the game. This is a big concern for DC after last year's game, and there will be repercussions at RBA and for future trips. Specifically, this refers to organized chants such as "F DC United" and "RFK is falling down, what a s***hole", not random curses when the ref screws up a call. (IF! I mean IF the ref screws up a call...). As always, follow the capo. – After the final whistle, we will be held in our section for 15-20 minutes to avoid interaction with the DC fans. So just hang in the section postgame until we get the security cordon back to the bus. – Security recommends that you make any last minute bathroom or concession trips by the 75th minute. Policies for visiting supporters are below. We ask that you please read them. If you get taken away by security, your status at RBA will be affected. So don’t be stupid. If you have any questions please email us at empiresupportersclub@gmail.com RFK Visiting Team Supporters Policies and Procedures Prohibited Items Weapons, flares, or fireworks of any kind Illegal substances, drugs, or chemicals of any kind Missile/projectile like objects Metal, plastic, glass, or aluminum containers of any kind Backpacks and large bags exceeding 16” by 16” by 8” Umbrellas (any size or type) Poles and staffs of any kind (metal, plastic, or wooden) – (Unless prior approval has been granted) Confetti and streamers (unless prior approval has been granted) Any outside food/beverages Hard-sided coolers or containers of any size Professional cameras and equipment, including lenses in excess of 8 inches, tripods, monopods Animals (except service animals) Frisbees or inflated balls of any kind Whistles, vuvuzellas, or air horns of any kind Laser pointers Prohibited Items Strictly Permitted For Approved Supporter Groups Drums Banners, signs, flags that meet the following criteria: - Are not commercial, political, offensive, or in poor taste. - Do not unreasonably obstruct the view of the spectators outside of the supporter section, cover existing stadium signage, or present a public hazard by blocking aisles, walkways, or stairs. - Are not taped, glued, or secured using an adhesive of any kind. - Do not in any way damage the stadium walls, paint, railings, glass, or other stadium property. - Are not constructed of wood, metal, or other materials that may cause harm to others as determined by the venue/ event management. - Cannot be used as a projectile. If desired, a sign or banner may be attached to a holding device, provided it meets all of the following requirements. The pole MUST be made out of a hollow ½ (half) inch PVC Pipe no longer then 3.5 (three and one half) feet long. Any pole longer then this must be pre-approved by D.C. United. All items entering RFK with visiting supporter groups need to be approved prior to arrival. Items may be confiscated at Gate F if not previously approved. Quantity restrictions may be imposed on exempt items. Alcohol Policy Adult fans of age that choose to consume alcoholic beverages will do so in a responsible manner. Public intoxication is grounds for ejection from the stadium with no ticket refund. Alcohol service ends at the 65th minute mark of the match. Intoxicated patrons will be denied entrance to the stadium. Security & Safety All guests will be subject to bag checks. Dedicated security personnel (CSC) will accompany you at all times throughout the game, during your entrance and exit from the facility, as well as in the parking lot. D.C. United Fan Code of Conduct Major League Soccer is committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable soccer experience for all guests in and around our stadiums. MLS fans have a right to expect an environment where: Fans are encouraged to cheer, sing, and otherwise support their team while remaining respectful and courteous to their fellow patrons, referees, opposing team fans and players. Fans enjoy the soccer experience free from fighting, *thrown objects, attempts to enter the playing field, political or inciting messages, and disorderly behavior, including foul, sexist, racial, obscene or abusive language or gestures. Fans comply with requests from stadium staff regarding stadium policies and emergency response procedures. Fans promptly and carefully return the ball to a stadium staff member or the ball kid on the sidelines in the event that a soccer ball enters the stands. Alcoholic beverages are consumed in a responsible manner and only by those of legal age. Fans conduct themselves in a lawful manner to avoid incidents in the stadium and in the parking lots. *NOTE: The use of streamers and confetti as an expression of fan enthusiasm is not prohibited, but will be kept under review. Streamers are not to be used to impact the competition and/or thrown at or toward a player, referee or stadium staff member. FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THIS CODE OF CONDUCT IS SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS, INCLUDING EJECTION, BANISHMENT AND ARREST. MLS and its Clubs thank you for adhering to the provisions of this Code of Conduct and for making this event special and memorable to you and your fellow patrons.