Washington, D.C.- Audi Field will host the 2026 United Bowl, the United Football League championship game, on Saturday, June 13, at 3 p.m. ET, airing live on ABC. The announcement on April 24 marks the debut of the United Bowl name for the league title game at the home of the defending champion DC Defenders.
UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole and President and CEO Russ Brandon made the announcement. Repole said Washington is built for big moments and that Audi Field will deliver a championship atmosphere. Brandon highlighted the timing with the 250th anniversary of the United States, calling the nation’s capital the ideal stage to celebrate football’s spirit of unity.
The game will feature the new United Bowl trophy, to be unveiled in coming weeks. It celebrates the league’s mission to connect fans, players and communities. Audi Field has served as the Defenders’ home since 2020, known for its high-energy crowds and traditions like the fan-created Beer Snake, a stack of empty cups forming a snake across sections in the end zone.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser welcomed the event. She noted the excitement of hosting after the Defenders’ 2025 championship and said it fits the summer celebration of American history. Last year, Coach Shannon Harris led the Defenders to a 58-34 victory over the Michigan Panthers at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu earned MVP honors with 390 passing yards, four touchdowns and a rushing score.
Season ticket members for the Defenders can purchase United Bowl tickets first, starting April 24. General public sales begin Friday, May 1. Additional performers, giveaways and events will be announced later.
For Southern Maryland residents in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, the short drive north to Audi Field offers an accessible chance to experience professional spring football. Many local fans already follow the Defenders, as shown by Southern Maryland Chronicle coverage of the team’s 2025 playoff run and All-UFL selections. The region’s proximity to the District, combined with growing interest in sports beyond high school and college levels, makes this championship a regional draw.
Calvert County families in Prince Frederick, Lusby and Chesapeake Beach can plan group outings, while Charles County residents in Waldorf and La Plata benefit from direct routes via U.S. 301. St. Mary’s County fans near Leonardtown and Lexington Park often combine trips with visits to other D.C. attractions. The game provides an opportunity for families to enjoy affordable entertainment during a season when local youth sports wind down.
Southern Maryland’s sports community remains active. Local coverage highlights connections between high school athletes and professional pathways, with the UFL offering a visible next step for talent from the area. The Defenders’ success in 2025, including strong defensive and offensive contributions recognized on All-UFL teams, resonates with fans who value competitive play and community ties.
Audi Field also hosts D.C. United, DC Power FC and the Washington Spirit, creating a multi-sport hub. Its location supports regional travel for Southern Marylanders seeking major events without long-distance commitments. Attendance at Defenders games has drawn consistent support, with the Beer Snake tradition adding unique fan engagement that families can experience firsthand.
The UFL season builds toward this championship amid the league’s focus on innovation and player development. For Southern Maryland, the event aligns with broader efforts to promote outdoor activities and family recreation near the Chesapeake Bay. County tourism offices and chambers of commerce often promote D.C. trips as extensions of local offerings.
Tickets and updates will be available through the UFL website. Southern Maryland residents interested in group sales or fan experiences should monitor Defenders channels for tailored opportunities. The June 13 game caps a season that brings high-level football closer to home for fans across the three counties.
