May 10, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Washington Spirit News Release
Washington, D.C. – The Washington Spirit will play against the Orlando Pride in its first Challenge Cup game in front of a home crowd this season. The 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup is a multi-stage in-season tournament, played concurrently with the League’s regular season, in which all 12 NWSL teams participate.
This year, in UKG’s first year as the tournament’s title sponsor, the prize pool has been raised to a record-breaking $1 million purse, after the bonus polo was increased tenfold previously in 2022. The NWSL partnered with UKG in its mission to not only bring pay equity to the world of professional sports, but also to shed light on the need for continued commitment by employers across every industry to focus on achieving equity of opportunity and equity of pay for women and other underrepresented groups.
The 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup began on April 19th and features Wednesday night matches throughout the season, concluding with the semifinals on Wednesday, September 6th and the final on Saturday, September 9th. The League’s 12 teams are split into three divisions – East, Central, and West – and each team plays in a six-game double round-robin with its group. Following the group stage, four teams advance to the semifinals on September 6th – the top team from each group, as well as the highest placing runner-up across the three divisions.
Last season, the Spirit advanced to the Challenge Cup final, losing to North Carolina in the championship. Memorably, the Spirit advanced to the final after beating OL Reign 9-8 in penalty kicks. Wednesday will be the second of the Spirit’s six group stage matches.
Tickets Still Available
Tickets are still available to Wednesday’s match, starting at just $15. As always, the Spirit’s expanded premium seating brings fans pitch side for an unparalleled experience. To never miss a match, fans can secure a season membership. Availableâ¯here, the season membership grants fans access to priority seating, an exclusive Trinity Rodman bobblehead, invitations to special events throughout the season and more.
Main Concourse
At the Spirit Stage, DJ J Dream will set the mood pregame from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. On the East Concourse, Spiritville returns with a FIFA Lounge, allowing fans to play as their favorite Spirit players. The kid’s zone, where the youngest fans can safely play on a soft play area or enjoy foosball, face painters, kick…