When you think about Washington, D.C., your mind is not likely to jump to sports. Most people think about politics, historical monuments, museums, parks, and a bustling downtown.
If you have been to the D.C. area, you would know that sports are a significant part of people’s lives in this region. There are so many outstanding sports teams in the D.C. metro area.
Perhaps you want to put in a game bet in DC, perhaps on some of these teams, or you want to watch a game in person when you next visit.
Below is a list of the four best sporting events that take place in the D.C. metro area.
1. Washington Nationals – Baseball
The most popular sports team in the Washington D.C. area is the Washington Nationals. A baseball team that plays in Major League Baseball, the Nationals have been a D.C.-based MLB team since 2005.
They played their games at RFK Stadium for the first two years when they transitioned to D.C., and then went to Nationals Park. Even though you do have to drive away from downtown to get to the stadium, or take several trains, when you get there you can have a wonderful experience.
Baseball games are so much fun to watch, especially if the team you are watching is one of the top performers in the MLB. Those who visit D.C. during baseball season must buy a ticket for a game, as they are very affordable. Since baseball matches happen almost every day during the regular season, you should not have a problem getting to see a game in person.
The Nationals have been successful since relocating to D.C., winning the World Series in 2019 and clinching NL East Division titles in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Fans will be hoping they can go all the way in 2022 to make up for a relatively poor 2021 campaign.
2. Washington Wizards – Basketball
Despite the money that goes into the NBA, and what the Washington Wizards have spent in recent years, they are not the most popular sports team in the D.C. area. That honor either belongs to the Nationals or the Washington Football Team.
Despite being third in the popularity stakes, the Wizards are second on our list. That is because a game of basketball is a wonderful way to experience American and D.C. culture, especially if you have never been to one before. The games happen in an indoor arena, the Capital One Arena, which means bad weather cannot create problems if you are only in town for a specific game.
Those who are visiting D.C. in the coming months are in luck, as the Wizards are experiencing a very good start to the 2021/2022 season. They are among the best teams in the Eastern Conference at present and have a good chance of making the playoffs.
Unfortunately for D.C. sports fans, the Wizards have yet to win an NBA title since relocating to the area. They did, however, win the division title in 2017, and will be hoping to compete for a championship in 2021/2022.
3. D.C. United – Soccer
While most soccer teams around the world have hundreds of years of history, D.C. United is a little different. The team was founded in 1996 as one of the charter members of the Major League Soccer organization.
For many years, D.C. United would play at the famous RFK Stadium, but they now play home matches at Audi Field. The advantage of the stadium switch is that Audi Field is a soccer-specific stadium, which means there are no lines on the field from other sports while a soccer game is happening.
If you are an avid fan of the sport, or you want to watch an American soccer game for the first time, a D.C. United game will be a thrilling experience. D.C. United is one of the better teams in the league and has been the home of stars such as Wayne Rooney in the past.
Among MLS teams, D.C. United has achieved a great deal, as they have clinched four MLS Cups, four Supporters Shields, three U.S. Open Cups, one CONCACAF Champions League, and one Copa Interamericana.
4. Washington Football Team – American Football
One of the most controversial recent events in NFL history involved the Washington Football Team, as they changed their name from the Washington Redskins. Most people still see the team as being the Redskins, but the controversy around their name and the historical treatment of Native Americans in the United States meant that a name change was inevitable.
Despite having a different name, the Washington Football Team still plays at the FedExField, which was initially called the Jack Kent Cooke Stadium. They may not be a recent Super Bowl champion, but the Redskins are usually good enough to get themselves into the playoffs.
Since NFL teams only play 16 regular-season games and then playoff matches, almost every game takes place on a Sunday. If you do want to visit D.C. and watch the Washington Football Team, ensure you are arriving during football season and in D.C. on a Sunday.
The team has won the Super Bowl on three occasions, in 1982, 1987, and 1991. Their most recent honors are being NFC East Divisional Champions in 2012, 2015, and 2020.
Experience sports in the D.C. Way
There are so many engaging activities that you can enjoy in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding cities. Not only is D.C. the home of American politics, but it is also a historically great city.
Countless museums, national monuments, gorgeous parks, bustling cafés, popping nightclubs, and award-winning restaurants are waiting for you to check them out.
If you are a sports fanatic, there are at least four incredible sporting events that you can enjoy in the D.C. metro area. Considering most of the above teams play seasons during different times of the year, you can likely catch one of them playing whenever you next visit D.C.
