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 their 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.

If you haven’t been to a game yet this season, use code: DAYCATION for 30% off your ticket price through the end of the 2022 regular season. I do not get a commission for these purchases but was invited to a game to write this blog post. See the schedule here. Play ball!

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.

• Do it for the gram: Don’t miss the Washington DC mural painted by local artists No Kings Collective near the right field escalator
• 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.
• 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 $4 Off 25oz cans of Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob ULTRA before every game. Happy hour starts 90 minutes prior to the first scheduled pitch and ends 30 minutes prior to first pitch

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. There are so many great food options in Nationals Park but here are a few of my favorites:

• Roaming Rooster (section 238): don’t miss their Nashville Hot or Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich
• Ben’s Chili Bowl (section 141): 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 (section 105): take your hot dog order to the next level with these specialty dogs
• Arepa Zone (Center Field plaza): great handheld options for the game.
• Grazie Grazie (section 113): Italian sandwiches + Dolci Gelati gelato
• Lots of local seafood options: Jimmy’s Famous Seafood (sections 114, 140 and 307), Lobster Shack (section 107) and Harris Creek Oysters (section 107)
• Ice Cream from South Mountain Creamery: (sections 115 and 135) a family-owned farm and creamery in Maryland. Try delicious soft serve that comes in a souvenir helmet.

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 7:05 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. Don’t worry if you see long lines! This bag policy keeps things moving quickly.

There are a few entrances to the park but the Center Field Gate on N street is the “main” entrance. It’s where most fans enter, and the Racing Presidents and Screech are there to greet fans. Families should note when entering the ballpark with a diaper or medical bag, they can use the ADA/Family lanes at the Center Field and Home Plate Gates to have their items inspected.

Don’t let this season go by without checking out a Nationals game. And use my code (DAYCATION) at check out for 30% off any 2022 regular season game!