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San Diego Wave FC Hosts Washington Spirit for AANHPI Night in NWSL Showdown

Dorthy Routt Millsap·May 11, 2026·3 min.

San Diego Wave FC hosts Washington Spirit at Snapdragon Stadium on May 15 for AANHPI Night — a top-three NWSL matchup paired with cultural performances and limited-edition Aloha shirt giveaways.

Introduction

May 15 isn't just another home game. Washington Spirit visits Snapdragon Stadium for San Diego Wave FC's annual AANHPI Night, presented by Alaska Airlines — a Friday night that pairs elite NWSL soccer with a celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Cultural performances, limited-edition Aloha shirts at the gate, and a top-three matchup with real playoff implications. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. PT.

Washington Spirit Travels to San Diego for Friday Night Battle

Washington Spirit arrives second in the NWSL standings (4-1-3). San Diego Wave FC sits third at six wins, zero draws, and three losses. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, and recent history between them is tight — draws dominate the last eight meetings, including a scoreless result at Snapdragon on June 22, 2025, and 1-1 finishes on September 1 and June 15, 2024. Washington's last win came October 5, 2025, a 2-1 at home.

San Diego has been excellent this season, winning 67% of matches, scoring 1.44 goals per game, and conceding just one. The away record (4-0-1) is strong; the home record (2-0-2) is where Friday's test lies. The Wave finds the net every 63 minutes on average — Washington's defense will be busy.

Wave FC Celebrates Asian American Heritage with Special Theme Night

AANHPI Night honors the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities who have shaped San Diego's history and culture. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines provide limited-quantity Wave FC Aloha shirts to fans entering the stadium — first come, first served.

Pre-game and halftime feature cultural performances from San Diego's AANHPI community, turning a standard match into a community gathering. It's the kind of theme night that's become a hallmark of San Diego Wave home games and the NWSL more broadly: sports as a platform for representation and connection.

How to Attend and What Fans Need to Know

Tickets for the May 15 match start at $20 through the Wave's official website, with general admission and reserved seating available. Parking passes are sold separately — buy in advance, since drive-up is pricier and limited. Each lot has a designated entry route, so a Yellow Lot pass won't get you into the Orange Lot.

For the full matchday rundown, the Wave's Know Before You Go page covers gates, bags, and entry details.

Key things to know:

  • Parking lots open: 5 hours before kickoff
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff (arrive then or earlier for the Aloha shirt)
  • Tickets: Digital only via the Wave FC app — save the barcode to your phone wallet; screenshots won't scan
  • Bags: Clear bag policy (max 12" x 6" x 12") or small purses (max 4.5" x 6.5")
  • Payment: Snapdragon Stadium is cashless; reverse ATMs available onsite
  • Watching at home: Broadcast on Victory+

Conclusion

Friday night brings elite soccer and cultural celebration together at Snapdragon Stadium. Two top-three teams, real playoff implications, and a celebration that honors the AANHPI community — grab tickets, arrive early for the Aloha shirt, and settle in for women's soccer at its best.


FAQs

Q1. What time does San Diego Wave FC vs Washington Spirit kick off?

7:00 p.m. PT on May 15 at Snapdragon Stadium.

Q2. What is AANHPI Night and how is it being celebrated?

AANHPI Night, presented by Alaska Airlines, celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with cultural performances, halftime festivities, and limited-edition Aloha shirt giveaways for fans who arrive early.

Q3. How much do tickets cost?

Tickets start at $20 through the Wave's official ticket page. General admission and reserved seating are available; parking passes are sold separately.

Q4. What can I bring into Snapdragon Stadium?

Snapdragon is a clear bag venue. Permitted: clear plastic or vinyl bags up to 12" x 6" x 12", one-gallon freezer bags, or small purses up to 4.5" x 6.5". See the full policy on the Know Before You Go page.

Q5. When should I arrive to get the free Aloha shirt?

Arrive at gate opening (two hours before the 7:00 p.m. kickoff) or earlier — Aloha shirts are limited and run out fast.

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