How to Get Involved in DC College Sports: What You Need to Know to Start

College sports programs across Washington DC open registration for volunteer shifts and fan memberships on July 15 for the upcoming season.

The timing aligns with the end of summer training camps and the start of ticket sales for Division I events at area universities. Residents who missed last year's games now have a direct path to attend matches or support operations at sites along the Potomac.

Georgetown University runs its Hoyas athletic department from the Hilltop campus in the Georgetown neighborhood. Howard University operates its Bison teams from the Burr Gymnasium on the edge of the Shaw district. Both schools list open positions for game-day ushers and scorekeepers through their athletics offices on 37th Street Northwest and Georgia Avenue Northwest respectively.

Entry points for new participants

Prospective volunteers must submit an online form with proof of a background check completed within the past 12 months. The process takes about two weeks and costs $25 for the check through the DC Metropolitan Police Department. American University in the Spring Valley neighborhood also accepts applications for its Eagles club sports program starting August 1.

Attendance at Capital One Arena events reached 1.2 million fans across college basketball and volleyball games in the 2025 calendar year according to venue records. Single-game tickets for Georgetown home contests begin at $18 for upper-level seats. Howard University sells student rush tickets for $10 on game days at its main box office.

Next steps after sign-up

New participants receive an orientation packet that includes parking instructions for the Verizon Center lot and a schedule of training sessions held at the Charles E. Smith Center on 22nd Street Northwest. Those who complete the first three shifts gain access to discounted season passes for the remainder of the fall schedule.