Destination DC is highlighting its sport offerings, which local rep Corey Marshall says resonates with Kiwis given we are such passionate sports fans.
Marshall, Destination DC’s ANZ director, says there is an opportunity for sports to be part of the Washington, DC experience for Kiwi travellers. For many visitors, he adds, seeing a major American sporting event live is about more than the game itself—it’s about experiencing the atmosphere, the traditions and the culture.
“DC is particularly well placed because visitors can combine a game with the city’s iconic monuments, museums, dining and neighbourhoods, making it an easy addition to a broader US itinerary,” says Marshall.
Kiwis could spend the day exploring the National Mall and Smithsonian museums, enjoy dinner and then head to a game, or build an itinerary around a major sporting event.
DC offers a range of sports. American football is an obvious draw because of the scale and spectacle of the NFL experience, while Marshall says basketball, baseball and ice hockey are a unique experience, and soccer has a natural crossover given the strength of the game in New Zealand and recent spotlight during the FIFA World Cup.
“The appeal is really the variety. Depending on the season, visitors can build a trip around a Washington Commanders, Washington Capitals, Washington Nationals, Washington Wizards, D.C. United or Washington Spirit game.”
. . . Advice
For agents looking to capitalise on DC’s sporting offering, Marshall’s advice is to think beyond just adding a game ticket to an itinerary and look at making it a real highlight of the trip. He urges Kiwis to watch the Nationals at Nationals Park, which offers views towards the Capitol and Washington Monument, or head to Capital One Arena in the Penn Quarter/Chinatown for a Capitals or Wizards game. “For soccer fans, D.C. United and the Washington Spirit at Audi Field offer a particularly lively, local fan experience,” he adds.
Next year DC will host the NFL Draft 29 Apr-01 May. See more details HERE.
