10-year partnership to provide world-class culinary experience

D.C. United have announced a new hospitality partnership with Levy in conjunction with famed D.C. chef, José Andrés, to oversee all food and beverage experiences at Audi Field—the new home of D.C. United opening in 2018.

Andrés, a passionate soccer fan, will serve as the culinary curator of the Black-and-Red’s new home, providing menu inspiration and guidance for Audi Field fan experiences.

“We are thrilled to work with Levy and renowned chef, José Andrés,” Tom Hunt, United President, said. “We committed to incorporating the District’s distinct culture into our fan experience, and partnering with Levy, the originators of premium quality stadium food and beverage experiences, and José will provide our fans with the ultimate gameday hospitality offerings.”

This 10-year partnership will provide fans with a world-class culinary experience that Andrés plans to use as an opportunity to create a menu that is representative of the global nature of soccer.

Levy is well established in sports venues around the District and has cultivated unique food and beverage offerings at Verizon Center, Nationals Park and FedEx Field.

“The opening of Audi Field is a groundbreaking moment to design and showcase exactly what our next generation fans want,” said Andy Lansing, President and CEO of Levy. “To be side-by-side with D.C. United and José to create that “what’s next” experience in the heart of the District is a remarkable opportunity.”

“Soccer and food are two things that are very close to my heart, so I am excited to be able to work with Levy and D.C. United to reinvent the soccer game experience,” Andrés said. “With Audi Field, together we can reimagine what it means to have a dining experience when you are watching a soccer match. Who says you cannot continue to feed your love of sport and good food at the same time?!”

Andrés is internationally recognized as a culinary expert, innovator, and humanitarian. A native of Asturias, Spain, Andrés grew up with passions for food and soccer, especially FC Barcelona, his favorite club. Andrés opened his first restaurant, Jaleo, in D.C. in 1993 and has since opened 14 additional establishments, including a food truck, in the greater D.C. area. Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” and “Outstanding Chef” by the James Beard Foundation, José Andrés is an internationally-recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup. A pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States, he is known for his avant-garde cuisine and his award-winning group of 27 restaurants throughout the country and beyond. His innovative minibar by José Andrés earned two Michelin stars in 2016 and with that, José is the only chef globally that has both a two-star Michelin restaurant and four Bib Gourmands. Andrés’ work has earned numerous awards including the 2015 National Humanities Medal, one of 12 distinguished recipients of the award from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Audi Field, the new soccer-specific home of D.C. United, is set to open in Southwest D.C. in 2018. The state-of-the-art facility will feature 20,000 seats and 31 luxury suites, and will host the Black-and-Red as well as a variety of other sporting and cultural events, community activities, and concerts.

About Levy Founded in 1978, Levy has pioneered premium sports and entertainment dining and remains one of America’s fastest growing and most critically acclaimed restaurant companies. Named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants, iconic sports and entertainment venues, and convention centers as well as the Grammy Awards, PGA Championship, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, and NHL, MLB, and NBA All-Star Games. Levy’s MLS partners include: LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, Atlanta United, Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake.