WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of D.C. United's "Blackout" playoff campaign, a total lunar eclipse will take place beginning at 9:14 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 27th. United fans in the Washington, D.C. area can watch as the moon passes through the shadow of the earth, becoming totally obscured and adopting a deep red shade amid the black of night.
"I'd like to credit the D.C. United marketing team for coordinating this special event," said Stephen Zack, Senior Vice President. "D.C. United is pleased to partner with this celestial happening in preparation for our crucial playoff match."
While October's full moon has traditionally been known as the "Hunter's Moon" or "Blood Moon," this year Mother Nature will betray her neutral façade and show her allegiances to the Black-and-Red as the Hunter's moon will punctuate the black sky with a deep red cast, mirroring the affectionate name United's supporters have bestowed upon the team.
Just after 9:00 p.m., the fringes of the earth's shadow (umbra) will begin to pass over the moon's surface. For nearly 90 minutes - the same duration as the upcoming D.C. United match - beginning at 10:23 p.m., the moon will be totally within the umbra, giving the moon a deep red tint, with the eclipse concluding at 12:54 a.m on October 28th.
The eclipse is part of the buildup to the second leg of United's first-round MLS Cup Playoff series with the MetroStars. Kickoff for the return leg is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, October 30th. The Black-and-Red were victorious in the road leg of the series and hold a 2-0 advantage in the aggregate goals series for this weekend's return leg. With a win or tie, or a loss by one goal, United will advance to the Eastern Conference Final on Saturday, November 6th.
D.C. United is offering a special Blackout playoff package of four tickets and four Blackout 2004 MLS Cup Playoff t-shirts for as low as $88. Groups of 10 or more and D.C. United plan holders can also purchase tickets at a reduced rate by calling D.C. United at 202-587-5000 or by visiting the Tickets section of dcunited.com. Individual tickets for United's home match are now on sale through all TicketMaster outlets, Charge by Phone and ticketmaster.com, as well as through dcunited.com. Great seats will be available from $22 to $45.
