Gallery: D.C. United’s topping off ceremony at Audi Field

 

 

WASHINGTON – D.C. United fans of all ages poured into the construction site of Audi Field for an opportunity to sign the final steel beam. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

 

WASHINGTON – After about an hour, the ceremonial steel beam was covered in different signatures and messages from fans and season-ticket holders. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

 

WASHINGTON – Lindsay Simpson, D.C. United’s director of media and communications, thanked the fans in attendance for their continued support during the construction process. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

 

WASHINGTON – Construction workers prepared to raise the signed steel beam by securing it to a crane. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

 

WASHINGTON – Construction workers used a large crane to carry the final steel beam to the top of the stadium as fans cheered and took photos. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

 

WASHINGTON – The signed steel beam overlooks the area as construction on the new soccer stadium continues. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

 

WASHINGTON – With a spruce tree in the center, a D.C. United flag on one side and an American flag on the other, the final steel beam was secured in place. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

 

WASHINGTON – Although the soccer field is still all dirt, the stands appeared to be much closer to resembling actual stadium seating. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

 

WASHINGTON – Construction vehicles and equipment covered the site. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

 

WASHINGTON – With another phase of construction at Audi Field completed, the stadium is one step closer to being finished. (Juan Herrera/Capital News Service)

WASHINGTON – Fans of D.C. United gathered near the construction site of Audi Field on Jan. 26 to commemorate the placement of the final steel beam in the team’s new soccer stadium that is set to be up-and-running on July 14.

The photographer, Juan Herrera, is a journalist in the Capital News Service Washington bureau. He has worked as a digital media intern for NBC Sports Washington, a contributor for the MLS Multiplex website and a collegiate wrestling reporter for WMUC Sports.