World Cup Soccer In National Harbor?

Well, sort of….the Harbor will host property-wide events celebrating the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This issue went to press several days before a media preview is being held but I have some good basic information I received from the Harbor Public Relations gurus. Don’t know what I would do without our longtime pals at Bendure Communications!

The Capital Wheel will have a celebratory new look including custom-wrapped gondolas representing the 24 countries participating in the Cup and there will be many activities taking place, including the opportunity to meet the new Washington Spirit mascot, soccer skills clinics along with special fan events, embassy events and meet ups with the D.C. Fray are slated to take place. Food and beverage specials will be offered throughout the Harbor and viewing parties in the “Waterfront District” on the Plaza will also be featured. Special VIP stadium seating – translation: a shipping crate transformed into a VIP Box located on the Plaza facing the big screen – will be installed later next week.

The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup is the eighth edition of the quadrennial event, contested by women’s national teams of the member associations of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association. In March 2015, France won the right to host the event; the first time a country will host the tournament and the third time for a European nation to host. Matches are planned for nine cities across France. The United States is in the competition as defending champions.

I’m not a soccer fan in general so really didn’t know that women’s soccer was as prominent in the area as it is. The PR experts tell me that women’s soccer is taking off worldwide, including in the U.S. where the women’s national soccer team has now won three World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals. They’ll defend their title at the upcoming tournament in France. “We are so excited for this,” said Deborah Topcik, Marketing Director at National Harbor. “Women’s soccer has gained a large following in the U.S. and we can’t wait to cheer them on with one of the largest viewing parties in the region.” National Harbor is extending an invitation to the entire D.C. community including the embassies of the countries represented in the tournament.

With its large viewing screen, National Harbor has become the perfect location to watch major sports. From March madness to Stanley Cup finals, Olympics and World Cup events, National Harbor has developed a large sports following. “Sports fans love to come out, wear their team jerseys and root for their favorite teams,” according to Topcik. “The atmosphere becomes electric with all of the fans!”

The group matches start on June 7 and go until June 22 when the round of 16 begins. Quarter finals start on June 27. Semi-finals are on July 2 and 3 (July 4 and 5 are rest days with no games being played.) The match for third place is on July 6 with finals on Sunday, July 7.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets. Check out the National Harbor Facebook page or website – nationalharbor.com/events – for the full schedule of games and times.

What’s With the Construction on the Corner of Waterfront and National Plaza?

Taking over the parking area that housed hookups for electric vehicles and additional parking is where ground was broken on the new Hyatt Place National Harbor in early May. Slated to open in late 2020, the seven-story waterfront hotel will be the first Hyatt-branded property in Prince George’s County.  It is being met with very mixed reviews as it with take away the view from many units in the One National Harbor Building. Feel free to email us your thoughts at office@oldtowncrier.com.

The LEED Certified Hyatt Place National Harbor will feature:

• • 156 rooms, with more than half overlooking the Potomac River
• • 1,700 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space
• • 24/7 fitness center
• • 24/7 business center
• • Original-concept restaurant/bar with indoor and outdoor seating
• • Walkable location with easy access to National Harbor’s restaurants, retail and recreation
• • Convenient access to Bolling Air Force Base, St. Elizabeth’s Department of Homeland Security, Old Town Alexandria, Reagan Airport and Andrews Air Force Base