Show Your #Natitude at a Nationals Baseball Game
Nationals games are a huge part of my DC summer. Baseball is one of my favorite sports to watch live but #natitude unites DC in a unique way outside the world of sports. The energy from the 2019 World Series win is still alive even when the Nats aren’t scoring as many big runs. You can tell that this city loves this team through the inviting game-day atmosphere and the way fans cheer for game-day rituals (Racing Presidents!) like we’re all part of a special club.
Even if you don’t love sports, the concessions at Nationals Park are next level. Grab some cheap tickets, get there early, and enjoy DC local favorites like Roaming Rooster, Electric Kool-Aid, Arepa Zone, and so many more.
Game Highlights
There are so many things to enjoy around the park during the game! I love getting to the park a little earlier in order to walk around, enjoy the different views of the field, and check out all of the food. Plus, it often feels like we have bonus mascots! While Screech the bald eagle is the main mascot, Abe, Teddy, Thomas, and Washington (aka the Racing Presidents) get just as much love.
- Brews and Views: Michelob Ultra Loft and the Budweiser Terrace are open for standing room, hanging out, and great outfield views.
- Racing Presidents: Enjoy the famous Racing Presidents run in the middle of the fourth inning. They enter the field through center field and race along the right field warning track and down the first-base line.
- Pics with the Presidents: The Racing Presidents and Geico Gecko are available for photos behind Section 131 during the fifth inning and 30 to 60 minutes before the game at Center Field Plaza.
- First Game Souvenir: No matter your age or how many other ballparks you’ve been to, if today is your first game at Nationals Park, stop by the Guest Services locations behind Sections 103, 131, and 320 to get a free First Game Certificate.
- Can’t Miss Cheers: After every run scored, Nationals fans cheer “N-A-T-S! NATS! NATS! NATS! WOOO!”
- Get on the Board: Jump Around in the middle of the sixth inning for a chance to get on the video board.
- 7th Inning Stretch: Sing along with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “Take On Me” in the middle of the seventh inning.
- Pre-Game Happy Hour: Enjoy $5 12oz cans of Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob ULTRA, plus $6 12oz cans of Nultrl and Skimmers before every game. Non-alcoholic Michelob ULTRA is also available. Happy hour runs 80 minutes prior to the first scheduled pitch
- Kids Run the Bases: Little ones are invited to run the bases after every Sunday home game.
What to Eat
One of my favorite parts of a Nationals game is all the local food featured. You can enjoy a lot of these snacks around the city, but I love enjoying these district favorites right in the park. This year, 40 businesses had the chance to compete for a spot in the park and the stadium welcomed many great new concessions! There are so many great food options in Nationals Park, but here are a few of my favorites:
- Roaming Rooster (section 239): don’t miss their Nashville Hot or Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich
- Ben’s Chili Bowl (sections 110, 141, &307): a true DC treasure. Enjoy a Half Smoke “All the Way” and if you have time, stop by their original location on U Street.
- Haute Dog & Fries (sections 105, 231, & 315): take your hot dog order to the next level with these specialty dogs
- Arepa Zone (sections 148 & 304): great handheld options for the game.
- Capo Italian Deli (section 136): Italian sandwiches
- Ice Cream from South Mountain Creamery (sections 115 and 136): a family-owned farm and creamery in Maryland. Try delicious soft serve that comes in a souvenir helmet.
New for 2025:
- Cotton and Reed Rum Distillers (section 109): cocktails
- Electric Kool-Aid (sections 102 & 147): frozen drinks and cocktails
- Mush (section 137): vegan sandwiches
- Lucky Dagger (section 238): Chinese food
- Maracas Ice Pops (roaming cart): fruit pops
- Taqueria Picoso (section 117): Mexican food
Deals and Steals
- District Tickets are available for $5 on most games during the regular season with proof of DC residency. You can purchase up to 4 tickets and bring your friends.
- Tuesday Value Days features tickets as low as $12 and pre-purchased parking in Lot W for $14. Plus, find deals on hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, nachos, soda, and Bud Light beers.
Summer Concert Series and Non-Baseball Events
Nationals Park hosts a variety of events throughout the season that are not baseball-related. Join them for the Summer Concert Series, which features artists on the field about 30 minutes after the scheduled game ends. Concerts are included in the cost of a regular ticket, and guests are allowed to move closer to the field after the game. Plus, check out food festivals, the Savannah Bananas, the Congressional Baseball Game, and other music events throughout the season.
Summer Concert Series 2025:
- O.A.R: May 9
- Natasha Bedingfield: June 6
- Nelly: June 13
- Sam Hung: August 15
- Ja Rule and Ashanti: August 29
- Riely Green: September 26
Festivals and Special Events 2025:
- DC Beer Fest: Saturday, April 12
- Uncorked DC: Saturday, April 19
- Tacos and Tequila: Saturday, May 17
- Shakira: Las Mugers Ya No Lloran World Tour: May 31
- Congressional Baseball Game: Wednesday, June 11
- 2025 Banana Ball World Tour with the Savannah Bananas: Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28
- Stray Kids World Tour: June 23
- Billy Joel and String: One Night, One Stage: September 5
- The Lumineers: The Automatic World Tour: September 6
Getting There & Need to Know
There is parking located near the park, but if you can, I recommend taking the metro to Navy Yard (green line). It can get crowded when leaving the game, so you may want to plan one last drink or snack at a bar while the crowds thin.
Plan to get to the game a little earlier to enjoy the park, grab food, and be seated before the first pitch. For 6:45 pm games, gates open at 5:30. Nationals Park has a clear bag policy, but when you go through the scanner, you don’t need to remove hats or jackets or take anything out of your pockets. Clutch-sized bags that are not clear are allowed. Don’t worry if you see long lines! This bag policy keeps things moving quickly. Fans with medical or diaper bags can use the ADA/family lanes at the Center Field and Home Plate Gates.