José Andrés Brings Arepas, Pupusas, and Gourmet Tortas to Audi Field

Hungry soccer fans will have their choice of fancy tacos, overstuffed arepas, and upscale burgers while watching games at D.C. United’s shiny new stadium, Audi Field.

The highly anticipated 20,000-seat sporting arena, which is scheduled to open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, includes built-in concession stands coordinated by tastemaker José Andrés and Compass Group USA affiliate the Levy restaurant group.

Andrés’ direct contributions include: select Spanish offerings reserved for suite holders; as well as multiple outposts and roving carts supplying food from Think Food Lab alums Butterfly, and La Pepa, the latest iteration of his gourmet food truck, Pepe. But he also had a hand in securing spots for other area restaurants.

Here’s what to expect at the food stands:

• Arepa Zone: Founder Gabriela Febres says her Venezuelan kitchen (section 125) will serve three types of stuffed corn cakes — the shredded chicken and cheese-filled catira; shredded beef and plantain-stuffed pabellon; and a plantain and cheese combo — as well as cheese-filled yucca fritters. She notes that all of the featured items are gluten-free.
• Black-and-Red Grill: Details are limited, but this appears to be a gourmet burger operation.
• Butterfly: Andrés’ Mexican street food operation (section 117) is scheduled to serve assorted tacos, tortas, and sides including its mole-covered fries. There are also two roving carts: one (south end) will sell chips and guacamole, the other (east side) zesty, cheese-covered corn.
• District Dog Co.: Sounds like this standalone operator will deal in gourmet sausages.
• La Pepa: Andrés’ sandwich shop (section 118, section 404) is expected to serve specialty offerings made with the extra crusty “pan de cristal,” as well as cold items. There will also be a roving cart offering ham-filled tortillas and panini-style sandwiches.
• Maria’s Pupuseria Factory: This vendor will handle Salvadoran food.

D.C. United’s inaugural game at Audi Field is at 8 p.m. on July 14 against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

• Mayor Bowser cuts the ribbon on D.C. United’s new Audi Field [Curbed]
• José Andrés’ Slimmed Down Mexican Spinoff Is Here [EDC]
• José Andrés Eyes Rapid Expansion Thanks to New Partnership [E]