Colonials Weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to get off your bottom and show your family how well you know D.C. The Hatchet’s cheat sheet will help you seem like quite the Washingtonian, and give you an inside scoop on the lesser-known details of the District. Read up so you can be the tour guide this weekend.
Stepping off the Armory-Stadium Metro stop on game day, you’ll hear the roar of 40,000 fans cheering.
The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium stands in front of you, the iconic home of the D.C. United soccer team.
The stadium is located in the midst of a residential neighborhood, and was first preceded by the construction of the D.C. Armory in 1941, which is now home to the D.C. Rollergirls.
The stadium was not built until 1961, and was originally home to the Washington Redskins, the Washington Senators and the Nationals after that. D.C. United held its first game there in 1996 and has gone on to win four Major League Soccer championship cups.
The main focus of the Armory-Stadium Metro stop is the stadium, but the area still plays host to several scenic parks that are well worth the trip. There are two parks that are within walking distance of the Metro, Lincoln Park and the Congressional Cemetery, which are local gathering spots for joggers, dog walkers and history buffs.
Insider Tips
Get a free scarf
The first 5,000 fans to arrive at the D.C. United game Oct. 15 will receive a free D.C. United scarf.
Relax
Before the game, Lincoln Park is a great spot to lay down a blanket. Enjoy the fall weather and watch locals in the park or fans prepping for the game.
D.C. United Game
What better way to experience this neighborhood than watching a game at RFK Stadium? D.C. United face Chicago Fire Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $23 to $46.
Lincoln Park
Weary of being packed shoulder to shoulder with crazed fans? Take a breath of fresh air at this quaint park near Armory-Stadium. Pierre L’Enfant created it in his original designs for the city, along with many other parks.
East Capitol Street, NE and 11th Street, NE
Congressional Cemetery
This is one of D.C.’s first cemeteries, boasting some of D.C.’s more memorable citizens. It is open to the public for tours and exploration. Presidents John Quincy Adams, William H. Harrison and Zachary Taylor have headstones to look for.
Open during daylight hours. There is an 11 a.m. introductory tour and a 1 p.m. Civil War tour Saturday, Oct. 15.
1801 E St., SE
