Weeklong Celebration Features Unique Events Devoted to Ghanaian Art, Culture, Business, Tourism, Sports, and Food
DC Ghana Week Culminates with “Capital City Africa Cup,” a Historic Soccer Match Between D.C. United and 24-time Ghanaian Premier League Champions Asante Kotoko on October 12 at Audi Field
DC Ghana Week, a series of events devoted to the celebration of Ghanaian art, culture, business, tourism, sports, food and more, is taking place October 7-12, 2024 in Washington, DC. Hosted by the Ghana Tourism Authority, LIQUID SOUL-DC, Events DC and D.C. United, the full schedule of events was revealed today, including the “Capital City Africa Cup,” a historic soccer friendly on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Audi Field between one of Major League Soccer’s most decorated clubs, D.C. United, and 24-time Ghana Premier League champions, Asante Kotoko.
“D.C. United is proud to be part of DC Ghana Week celebrating Ghanaian art, culture, business, tourism, and sports right here in Washington, DC," said Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations at D.C. United. "The Capital City Africa Cup embodies the unifying power of soccer, and we were thrilled to host the Ghanaian Premier League Champions, Medeama SC, at Audi Field last fall. It's important for our club to create meaningful opportunities within our city and to support the vibrant Ghanaian community here. We’re excited to welcome Asante Kotoko, another esteemed Ghanaian Premier League team, for what promises to be an exciting match for our fans."
For the first time, DC Ghana Week will also feature African Restaurant Week, offering the community an opportunity to experience the rich and diverse flavors of Pan-African cuisine, including African, African American and Caribbean delicacies, with special discounts and prix fixe menus at several local restaurants. Featured restaurants and food establishments include Bukom, Hezdole, Port-au-Prince Haitian Cuisine, Appioo, Serengeti Restaurant Lounge and more. For more information on African Restaurant Week and the full list of participating restaurants, go to AfricanRestaurantWeek.com.
- Monday, October 7 (6 - 9 p.m. ET): DC Ghana Week & Capital City Africa Cup Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception
- The official kick-off to the week of events
- Speakers are slated to include Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority; Mark Addo, Vice President, Ghana Football Association; Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations, D.C. United; Paxton Baker, Managing Partner, LIQUID SOUL-DC; Angie M. Gates, President and CEO, Events DC; Aly Kaba, Executive Director, DC Mayor’s Office of African Affairs
- Note, this event is by invitation only and not open to the public
- Tuesday-Friday, October 8 (10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET): Ghana Hospitality, Travel, & Tour B2B Forum
- Connect with Ghanaian Government and private sector professionals from the hospitality, travel and tour sectors to discuss trends, challenges and innovations in the industry. Whether you are a hotel owner, travel agent or tour operator, this event is perfect for expanding your network and gaining valuable knowledge.
- Note: Interested businesses should email annabelle@beyondthereturngh.com for an invitation to attend the event.
- Tuesday-Friday, October 8-11 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET): Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
- Ghanaian art is on display in the Visionary: Viewpoints on African Art exhibition
- Location: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560 - Admission is free
- Thursday, October 10 (7 a.m. - 9 a.m. ET): Asante Kotoko and Howard University soccer team clinic
- Howard University men’s and women’s teams train with 24-time Ghana Premier League Championship team, Asante Kotoko
- Location: Howard University football field
- Note, this event is not open to the general public; media can RSVP to attend to katrina@marcglobalcommunications.com
- Thursday, October 10 (9 a.m. - 7 p.m. ET): Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo
- Under the theme 'Diligently Building Wealth Through Ghana Real Estate: The Future of Property Investment,' this expo aims to provide valuable insights and opportunities for property investment in Ghana
- In addition to the impressive array of properties on display, the expo will feature popular, informative and engaging panel discussions covering various topics related to the Ghanaian property and lifestyle market
- Location: The Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle Hotel
2121 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037 - Register for the conference here
- Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11 (time TBD): Team Media Availability
- D.C. United training and Asante Kotoko training will be open to the media. Additional details to be shared separately.
- Saturday, October 12 (1 p.m. - 5 p.m. ET): Investment Forum
- A discussion of opportunities for investing in Africa, as well a panel discussion on sports ownership.
- Partners include D.C. United, Prosper Africa, Events DC and others
- Note, this event is by invitation only and not open to the public
- Saturday, October 12: Game Day at Audi Field
- First-ever African Restaurant Week Festival at 2 p.m. ET
- Food trucks, music and other cultural activities
- Asante Kotoko vs D.C. United at 6 p.m. ET
- The week is anchored by the “Capital City Africa Cup,” bringing sports to the forefront as an important connective tissue that binds us and provides a critical platform for celebration, shared values and amplification of diaspora ties
- Post-game media availability featuring both coaches and key players
- Tickets available here
- Official After Party: DC Afrobeats Block Party
- The after party features a full-scale music and food festival designed to put various elements of popular African culture on full display for a global audience in the nation's capital.
- Location: Karma DC - 2221 Adams Pl NE, Washington, DC 20018
- Tickets available here: DCAfrobeatsBlockParty.com
- First-ever African Restaurant Week Festival at 2 p.m. ET
“Following a successful first year, we are excited to bring DC Ghana Week, a massive celebration of African culture, back to our nation's capital,” added Liquid Soul-DC Managing Partner Paxton Baker. “We hope the events held throughout the week, like African Restaurant Week and especially the Capital City Africa Cup, will increase awareness of Washington, DC's international footprint, create excitement about Africa and its culture, and inspire more Americans to visit Ghana and other African countries in the future."
For the latest event details and more information, please visit CapitalCityAfricaCup.com.
# # #
About DC Ghana Week
The 2024 DC Ghana Week is devoted to the celebration of Ghanaian art, culture, business, tourism, sports, food and more in Washington, DC. Hosted by the Ghana Tourism Authority, LIQUID SOUL-DC, Events DC and D.C. United, DC Ghana Week offers a variety of cultural, economic and sporting events in the nation’s capital focused on fostering economic engagement, cooperation and investment in Africa. The week is anchored by the second annual “Capital City Africa Cup,” played this year between 24-time Ghanaian Men’s Premier League champions, Asante Kotoko, and one of Major League Soccer’s most decorated clubs, D.C. United, at Audi Field. The match brings sports to the forefront as an important connective tissue that binds us and provides a critical platform for celebration, shared values and amplification of diaspora ties. For more information, or for tickets to the Capital City Africa Cup, please visit www.capitalcityafricacup.com.
About D.C. United
One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, D.C. United are among the most decorated teams in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies.
D.C. United have called the District home for the last 28 seasons and play their home games at Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Southwest, Washington, D.C, which opened in 2018. In addition to D.C. United games, the 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium hosts over 100 events year-round and is home to America’s number one sportsbook through a partnership with FanDuel Group.
The Black-and-Red train at the Inova Performance Complex, a state-of-the-art training facility and performance center located in Leesburg, Va. The 40,000 square foot 30-acre training facility, that opened in 2021, features four outdoor practice fields, and a training center equipped with a weight room and recovery facilities.
The Black-and-Red have won the MLS Cup four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), the Supporters’ Shield four times (1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times (1996, 2008 and 2013). For more information and club updates, please visit http://www.dcunited.com and find us on social media @dcunited.
About Audi Field
The iconic 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium is nestled in a prime location along the capitol riverfront, the fastest growing area in downtown D.C, and is the permanent home of D.C. United, the Washington Spirit, and the DC Defenders.
Opened in July 2018, Audi Field is a premiere entertainment and event destination and was the host of the 2023 MLS All-Star Game vs. Arsenal FC. Complete with a state-of-the-art FanDuel sportsbook, 500 premium field-level seats, 31 luxury suites, and one of the steepest stadium grades in sports, Audi Field offers fans a truly unique gameday experience. The stadium houses various events year-round from corporate outings, music festivals, and world class international sporting events from the Premier League Lacrosse to College Football, and more.
For more information, please visit www.audifield.com and find us on social media at @AudiField.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Katrina Younce | T: 310-995-3619
katrina@marcglobalcommunications.com
Martine Charles | T: 206-295-9114
martine@marcglobalcommunications.com
Sam Legg | T: 703-346-5209
