DC United opens Audi Field with ribbon-cutting ceremony

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D.C. United has officially opened its brand new soccer stadium with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday afternoon.

Audi Field will host its first Major League Soccer match as D.C. United will face off against the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14.

To help christen the new $200 million stadium, English soccer star Wayne Rooney will likely make his D.C. United debut on Saturday. The team signed the former Manchester United and Everton star to a 3-year, $13 million deal in hopes of helping turn around the struggling soccer club, which hasn't won an MLS Cup since 2004.

"A stadium like this is a major milestone for Major League Soccer, which is one of the most dynamic leagues in all of professional sports," said Jason Levien, Managing General Partner and CEO for D.C. United.

In addition to hosting the home matches for D.C. United, the 20,000-seat Audi Field will also host other sporting and cultural events, along with concerts and community activities. The facility also has 31 luxury suites and will also feature a 500,000 square-foot mixed-use retail and residential space.

"We have made the investments necessary to be the sports capital of the United States," said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.