D.C. United’s move to Audi Field will bring with it many changes. The investment on the field has already increased, which seems bound to continue this winter and in the future. Fans are mentally preparing for the differences, including supporters sections relocating behind the goal, possible changes to the tailgating scene, and much more. Not everything is going to change, though, as José Andrés confirmed last night that there will be pupusas at United’s new home at Buzzard Point.
@dcunited Message from Jose Andres! pic.twitter.com/QFJ3bs10dB
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) September 21, 2017
Let’s bring everyone up to speed here. For non-United fans who might be puzzled over why fans would care about one food item, the fact is that RFK’s pupusa stands are widely revered among supporters. They’re also a link to the region’s Salvadoran community, and it doesn’t hurt that they’re really good. It’s safe to say that pupusas are part of fan culture here.
José Andrés, meanwhile, is overseeing food and drink at Audi Field. You might know him from his many D.C.-area restaurants and his appearances on TV. He’s kind of a big deal.
Yesterday, we were given a solid report that a meeting between supporters and folks with the club included a question about the fate of the pupusas, and that the answer was that it could still happen, but was unlikely without fans demanding it. We spread the word, but José Andrés was quick to assert that this was not the case:
Fake news!!!
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) September 21, 2017
While we do not doubt what we were told is an accurate account of the meeting, it is also worth noting that this was an information session concerning ticket sales than anything else. No one making decisions in the food and beverage department was present. As José Andrés himself said, it looks like something was simply “lost in translation:”
Lost in translation! Let's have a meeting and tasting with fans soon!....I will organize it....yes?
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) September 21, 2017
This is not a departure for Andrés, who has been consistent in saying that the pupusas are not going anywhere.
So, in summary, you’ll be able to eat as many pupusas as your heart desires at Audi Field.