Nationals Park Sports Fan Tips
Nationals Park is a venue in or near Washington DC that is most often used for Baseball
Best giveaways at Nationals Park?
The Nats have given out T-shirts, Presidential memorabilia, coolers, watches, baseball cards, posters, hats, bobble heads, baseball cards.
Best pre-game bars at Nationals Park?
New restaurants like Bluejacket and Nando's Peri-Peri get quite packed on game days. Bluejacket even brews their own beer. Closer to Union Station, fans can check out Gordon Biersch or have a greasy meal at Five Guys Burgers & Fries, which got its start in DC
Best and worst seats at Nationals Park?
Best seats- The best seats in the house are either down the third base line or directly behind the plate. If you choose the behind the plate option you can purchase an add on for all you can eat food and drinks which make it for a memorable time.Worst seats- There aren't a lot of bad seats at Nats Park but I would avoid the lower right field seats in Nationals Park are completely covered by the second deck overhang and certain sections are tucked underneath the second deck behind the bullpen. The only advantage of such seats would be being able to watch pitchers warm up, which isn't a bad thing, but otherwise you should avoid these seats.
Best bars after the game at Nationals Park?
Want to escape the pre and post-game fray? This waterfront Italian from New York restaurateur Michael White has a spacious bar for sipping wine and snacking on small plates (great for dates, games with parents). The outdoor patio is particularly pleasant in warm weather. Home opener specials: Happy hour runs all night long at the bar beginning at 4, and includes $5 draft beers, $7 tap wine, $20 bottles of vino, and a menu of special bites. Regular season deals: The bar television will be tuned to the games, and you'll also find the return of the White Label burger and drink deal.
Stores to hit up at Nationals Park?
Guests can purchase Nationals merchandise and apparel at any of the ballpark's Clubhouse Team Stores and at portable booths along the concourse. Nationals Clubhouse Stores can be found in the following locations: The Main Clubhouse Team Store, located in the Center Field Plaza is accessible throughout the year. An additional Clubhouse Team Store is located on the third base side of the Norfolk Southern Club. The 47 Brand Store is located at Section 114. The New Era Store is located at Section 131. The Women's Clubhouse Store is located at Section 140.
Artifacts to look for at Nationals Park?
In September 2013, the community came together in response to the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. On Opening Day 2014, a private plaque unveiling was held for the victims' families in Center Field Plaza. Ceremonies were dedicated to honoring and remembering the lives lost, as well as recognizing and celebrating the resolve and compassion demonstrated by so many in the aftermath of the tragedy.On April 15, 1997, former Commissioner Allan H. "Bud" Selig announced the baseball-wide retirement of Jackie Robinson's uniform number 42. Robinson's number is displayed on the Terrace Level façade. To date, no Nationals players' numbers have been retired.World-renowned husband and wife artists Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt, along with Jody Rotblatt, Sean Bell and Oscar Leon, worked hundreds of hours to bestow on Nationals Park the likes of Josh Gibson, Frank Howard and Walter Johnson in white bronze. These Negro League Baseball, Major League Baseball and D.C. sports icons have now staked claim near Home Plate Gate where they can be seen, admired, discussed and argued over by all who enter the gates of Nationals Park. Known for many types of art mediums, the team from the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany in Highwood, Ill. has created such artistic immortalizations as Michael Jordan, "Magic" Johnson, Gordie Howe, Ty Cobb and - Mr. Take Me Out to the Ballgame himself - Harry Caray.
Best food at Nationals Park?
The food choices are tremendous at Nationals Park, and while DC may not be known for a signature food item like other big cities, there is one place that is very popular and well-known to locals. Ben's Chili Bowl has been an institution since 1958, and their famous "Half Smoke" ($7.50) is available at the ballpark. The famous chili sauce slathered on a hybrid sausage/hot dog can get messy, but it is a favorite with many. Another District favorite is Shawafel, and down near Section 102, fans can try some very good falafel or shawarma. It's hard to not miss something, but if you want some choices for an excellent meal, head to the Scoreboard Walk section in the outfield. Though brought in from New York, the Shake Shack and Blue Smoke are places to get excellent burgers and barbecue, respectively (just be prepared to stand in line for awhile). Despite costing over $10, I didn't use the term "meal" loosely earlier, as this is the spot to get great value for your dollar. Also near this section is the Jammin' Island BBQ, where the Jerk Chicken and Jerk Ribs are pretty good. In addition to all of the ballpark classics, other options include crab cakes, sushi, burritos and a salad bar. Last, but not least, is a new stand in 2014 featuring elaborate sandwiches from Top Chef participant, Mike Isabella. Another underrated aspect of Nationals Park, and the Washington area in general, is the beer. Just like the rest of the country, the microbrewing industry continues to explode and for a taste of DC, check out District Drafts. Locally made products include beers from DC Brau, 3 Stars, Mad Fox and Atlas. Enjoy every sip, because it will cost you a ridiculous $9.75! Other nationally known beers are widely available, while the soft drink provider is Coca-Cola. If you're looking to save money, food and bottled water can be brought into the park from the outside.
Parking at Nationals Park?
Though the amount of lots are limited, with around 65 percent of fans using the Metro, these lots are often not full. The best one is just a 10-15 minute walk away at the corner of M St and 7th St. That area typically goes for $15 or less. Most other parking lots charge a ridiculous $30 - $50. Traffic is, as advertised, often brutal. The notorious DC traffic leads to frequently jammed roads, and that will probably be the case at some point on a car ride in.
Safety at Nationals Park?
This is the nation's capital and there is a plethora of police officers on lookout for suspicious activity. When high profile politicians come you can expect extra security as well.
Things to check out around Nationals Park?
Guests are invited to watch batting practice upon the opening of gates. The Center Field Gate will open approximately 2 1/2 hours prior to the start of each game. All other gates will open approximately 1 1/2 hours prior to the start of each game. Batting practice times are approximate and subject to change without prior notification and at the discretion of either team. See GATE OPENING TIMES.Nationals Park has 14 Kwanzan Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees, eight of which are located in the Center Field Plaza. The remaining six Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees are located on the Main Concourse beyond the left field seating area. These trees were grown in southeastern Pennsylvania and were transplanted to Nationals Park on March 6, 2008, in an official dedication ceremony.
Getting to Nationals Park?
The driving and parking situation may hinder the access to Nationals Park; however, the mass transportation option is excellent. The subway system throughout DC is known as the Metro, and it is well designed, along with being highly accessible. On the Green Line is the Navy Yard station, and that sits just a few minutes from the stadium. Two stops from the Green Line, the L'Enfant station enables for transfers from several other lines.Though it gets quite crowded after games, the Metro is the easiest way to reach the area.While the warnings not to drive to Nationals Park seem scary, in actuality, it is not as bad as many lead to believe. Driving in from Virginia is easier than Maryland, as the route is more direct. Running through the city, I-395 leads to I-695, and there is an exit for the Southeast neighborhood that houses Nationals Park. Skip the congested exit for South Capitol Street and instead use the one for 6th St SE (or 8th St SE if coming from I-295). From there, you can start to look for parking in the area
Dealing with scalpers at Nationals Park?
I would not recommend talking with scalpers. There are a lot of scams going on around the ballpark so it is worth the peace of mind of dealing with a ticket service or a Nats distributor for tickets
What to expect from the Nationals Park crowd?
The fans themselves are a little on the tepid side, and there is not a lot of naturally generated noise or enthusiasm. It takes a bit of prodding to get them going; however, good plays and team hits produce decent cheers. Many in the lower deck will stand up after a run is scored, while the uppers seem more reserved for applause. Overall, the fans create a nice atmosphere that naturally gets better late in the season when the team is contending.
Traffic around Nationals Park?
The traffic after the game is atrocious as well as trying to get on the Metro. The Metro for some reason doesn't run that many trains after a game and you can be standing there waiting for a train for what seems like hours. I suggest possibly taking a water taxi across the river or going to a local bar for an hour.
Best insider tip for Nationals Park?
One note on attending a Nats game - be sure you are in your seat in the middle of the 4th inning! That is the time for the Presidents Race, where Tom (Jefferson), Abe (Lincoln), Teddy (Roosevelt), Bill (Taft) and George (Washington) run towards first base in a race from the outfield. These large characters with big heads are funny just on their own. Each race features some sort of antics and the popular running even has its own following.