Washington,
DC - 2023
September 22-24
Join us in Washington, DC!
Every year the Effzeh USA community hosts a meetup to get together, watch an 1. FC Köln match, and take in a local soccer match. This year we're exploring the nation's capital, Washington, DC! We've got local supporters to show us around, too. Follow @fckoelnUSA on Twitter for up-to-date info during the meetup. Thank you to everyone who came out to the 4th Annual Effzeh USA Meetup last year in Omaha. We hope to see you again this year! Make sure to RSVP at this link here!
Friday Night Drinks 9/22
Everyone will be arriving at different times, but we will have an official welcome party at Whitlow's on U Street. This will be a casual evening to get to know each other, see old friends, and talk about FC. The address is 901 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.
1. FC Köln vs. Werder Bremen
We'll be watching the fifth match of the season at The Brig! You can show up early and watch the Bayern match with the local Bayern group, Mia San District, starting at 9:30am. Our kickoff is scheduled for 12:30pm eastern time. After the match we'll jump into a bar crawl as we make our way toward Audi Field for our local match - DC United vs. New York Red Bulls.
DC United vs. NYRB
DC United host the Red Bulls at 7:30pm eastern. We will be in the supporter section (standing only). Our group will start a bar crawl toward to the stadium after the Köln match wraps up. These sections are GA, so you don't need to purchase in a group. Follow the link here to purchase your tickets before they sell out.
Effzeh Trivia
Effzeh Bar Crawl
Before the Köln-Bremen match one of our members will be hosting a 1. FC Köln trivia contest! This is the same spot we'll be watching the match, so show up early to take part. This will take place before the match and after the conclusion of the Bayern Munich match around 11:30am at The Brig!
Each year we host a bar crawl leading up to the local soccer match. The exact route and bars we hit up are still TBD. The bar crawl will start around 3pm after the conclusion of the FC match and will primarily be in the Navy Yard area.
Brunch on Sunday 9/24
Finally, before everyone heads out on Sunday, join us for brunch! We'll plan on meeting around 10:00am to give people plenty of time to eat before heading home. If you can, try to schedule a later flight out so you can attend the brunch. It's always a great time. Location TBD.
Where to Stay.
There is no official block of hotel rooms or Airbnbs to stay in, but we have recommendations for you!
There are several neighborhoods that will be close to the events we have planned. Since the stadium is located in Navy Yard off of the Green Line, that's an obvious starting point. Neighborhoods located off of the Green Line with plenty of bars and restaurants include Columbia Heights, U Street/Shaw, and Mt. Vernon Square. Capitol Hill is a very walkable area, and not a far walk to Navy Yard. By no means do you have to stay along the Green Line, but we do recommend staying along a Metro line with a shorter trip to Navy Yard to make your trips easier.
FAQs.
Q: Do we buy tickets to the DC United match as a group, or should I get my own tickets?
A: We will be in the supporter section (136-137) at DC United's Audi Field. You can purchase your tickets today by following this link.
Q: I already have tickets to the DC United match. Can I still RSVP?
A: Yes! The RSVP site is for both locals who already have tickets, and for out-of-towners. We want to make sure to have everyone's info so we can keep you updated via email.
Q: I'm not sure if I can go or not, should I still RSVP?
A: Yes, please RSVP. We will email you a few times to remind you to purchase tickets, and we will keep you updated about the event to make sure you are up-to-date.
Q: Is this event family friendly?
A: Absolutely! Kids are welcome at all of the events, though the late night events at bars will likely be 21+. Everything during the day through the DC United match is family friendly.
Q: I don't know much about the team, is that ok?
A: Everyone started somewhere with their Effzeh fandom. Some of us were born into it, others adopted it just this year. We really hope you'll feel welcome regardless of your background. You don't have to be a diehard fan to join us.
Q: You really didn't answer my question. How do I contact you?
A: You can email us at fckoeln.us at gmail or tweet at us at @fckoelnUSA. We're happy to answer any questions you might have!