Highlights

* Featured match to be held in Washington D.C. near Audi of America headquarters in Northern Virginia

* MLS to hold a week of events in the Nation's Capital leading up to the midsummer soccer showcase

* 2023 season to mark sixth year of Audi naming rights partnership of D.C. United's home stadium

HERNDON, Va- Major League Soccer announced Thursday that Washington, D.C. will host the 2023 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target on July 19 at Audi Field, home of D.C. United.

The 2023 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target will be presented live to fans through the MLS streaming service in partnership with Apple. The first-of-its-kind partnership will see all MLS matches, including marquee games and events, streamed live and on-demand around the world. Additional broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

'We are thrilled to bring the MLS All-Star Game and festivities back to Washington, D.C., a city with a rich soccer history, as well as a diverse and vibrant soccer culture,' said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. 'D.C. United and the community have always held a special place in the hearts of everyone who believed in the power and growth of soccer in the U.S., and Audi Field will provide an incredible backdrop for next summer's game.'

While the MLS All-Star Game has been played in Washington, D.C. twice before, in 2002 and 2004 at RFK Stadium, the 27th edition of Major League Soccer's midsummer showcase will be played at Audi Field for the first time since the opening of the stadium in 2018, when Audi of America became the title partner of the region's soccer stadium and D.C. United soccer team. The home of D.C. United, Audi Field features views of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument, and a safe-standing supporters' section that is home to the team's six supporters groups. Located in the Capitol Waterfront, the 20,000-seat LEED-certified stadium is accessible by public transportation and built to engage the community at large.

The 2023 MLS All-Star Game will be the culmination of a week-long series of events throughout Washington, D.C., including community initiatives, concerts, parties, and the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge. The opponent for Major League Soccer's showcase event will be announced at a later date.

'We are excited to help D.C. United welcome MLS All-Star fans to Audi Field and Washington D.C.,' said Tara Rush, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. 'Our presence at Audi Field and support of the sport across the counrty helps Audi connect with passionate soccer fans of all ages and offer experiences like the All-Star Game that elevates their excitement in America's fastest-growing sport.'

In addition to supporting key matches and championships, Audi is helping set the foundation for the future of soccer in North America. Originally launched in 2019, the 'Audi Goals Drive Progress' initiative provides funding to enhance the experience of young players both on and off the field at MLS academies, which play an essential role in developing talented players in the U.S. and Canada.

Since the program was kicked off in August of 2019 at the All-Star Game, Audi has contributed more than $3 million to directly support MLS club academies and its players. Showcasing this diligence and dedication, THE ACADEMY provides viewers with an all-access look as young athletes follow their dreams to become professionals, highlights the development systems utilized in every MLS academy, and illustrates the impact of the 'Audi Goals Drive Progress' program. Season 3 of the docuseries can be viewed on the Bleacher Report app and across B/R Football channels starting on Friday, June 24 at 12 p.m. ET. View the docuseries trailer: https://youtu.be/AF916x-vDWg

At Audi of America, we believe the Future is Electric. By 2025, our U.S. model lineup will be 30 percent electrified, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Globally, we are committed to net CO2 neutrality by 2050. In 2021, Audi sold 196,038 vehicles in the U.S. and more fully electric models than ever before, with electric vehicle deliveries up by more than 50% over 2020. Learn more about who we are and how we're working to create a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future at audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com.

(C) 2022 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire