The Braves and Nationals have been in the same division since 1994, but the rivalry between the two didn’t really take off until recently. From 2012 to 2014 the two teams consistently fought for division titles, and as a result, there is lots of animosity between the two sets of fans. There is always a lot at stake when the Braves and Nationals meet, even if one of them is in the basement.
Right now the Mets are the Nationals biggest competition for the NL East title, which means there’s a lot at stake whenever the Mets and Nationals square off. Don’t miss it when the Mets come to town as any game between the two end up deciding the division.
Philadelphia and Washington D.C. are located within three hours of each other meaning you’ll find plenty of both teams fans at matchups between the Phillies and Nationals. The mixed crowd and the bragging rights make attending a Phillies-Nats game a can’t miss experience for any baseball fan.
Nationals Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating at Nationals Park is very simple, thanks to the Nats setting up “The Bullpen” in the empty lot behind the stadium. The Bullpen features lines of cornhole games, domestic and imported brews, and game day favorites out on the grills before the stadium opens for batting practice. The Bullpen is a great move by the team as most of the area around the stadium is undeveloped and it takes all of the hassles of bringing your grill to the game out of the equation. The Bullpen also hosts live concerts, which provides some incredible entertainment for you while you have a drink and a dog.
Additionally, the Red Porch is another great place to spend pregame. The Bullpen is located outside and doesn’t provide much shade, so if you are looking to watch some of the earlier games that day or live coverage of golf, the Red Porch is the spot for before, during, or after the game.
To make things even easier, driving isn’t necessary either as the North Yard DC Metro station is located about three blocks from the stadium and connects you to the entire DC Transit Network. While in DC you can make a full day out of seeing the sights of the nation’s capital and catching an explosive Nationals team at night thanks to the Metro connection.
Celebrate Washington’s rich baseball history by checking out the statues of Walter Johnson, Frank Howard, and Josh Gibson as you make your way into the stadium. The statues are located outside the home plate entrance and are a must-see for baseball fans.
Make sure to check out the D.C. baseball timeline. The timeline is located near the player statues and does an excellent job of telling the story of baseball in D.C.
The Bullpen features lines of cornhole games, domestic and imported brews, and game day favorites out on the grills before the stadium opens for batting practice. If you’re looking to get the traditional tailgating experience at Nationals Park, then look no further than The Bullpen.
The BullpenThe Bullpen features lines of cornhole games, domestic and imported brews, and game day favorites out on the grills before the stadium opens for batting practice. If you’re looking to get the traditional tailgating experience at Nationals Park, then look no further than The Bullpen.
The Red PorchIf you are looking to watch some of the earlier games that day or live coverage of golf, the Red Porch is the spot for before, during, or after the game. Additionally, the Red Porch is located inside the stadium, so if you’re looking to grab a beer and watch batting practice stop by the Red Porch.
Neighborhood Bars and RestaurantsFor those of you who traditional tailgating isn’t your thing, you’ll be in luck as Nationals Park is located in a growing neighborhood that is home to many new bars and restaurants. Stop by one of the favorite watering holes in the Navy Yard neighborhood to celebrate a Nats game day with your fellow fans.
Nationals Stadium Guide
In Game
Nationals Park is one of the newest stadiums in baseball and is home to one of the hottest and youngest teams; the stadium matches up with the level of play the Nats have become accustomed too. One of the best things about Nationals Park is the Red Porch located in the batter’s eye in center field. The party deck is a great place to grab food or drinks at the ballpark and offers an incredible view of the entire stadium; you can easily see the entire field of play as well as both bullpens making it a place where lots of Nats fans congregate during the game.
If you like the view from your seat or are looking for something a bit different than what the Red Porch offers, you’ll find plenty of other great concessions around Nationals Park. The concessions here are a notch above the rest of the MLB thanks to the presence of local restaurants like Shake Shack, Ben’s Chilli Bowl for mouth-watering chili dogs, and Flippin Pizza where you can get a slice that’s about the size of your head.
Those of you looking to get concessions will want to stay glued to your seat during the middle of the 4th inning as you won’t want to miss the Presidents Race. The race pits Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and Teddy Roosevelt against each other and is a must-see for anyone making the trip to Nationals Park.
Finally, if you get the chance make sure to attend a game on Signature Sundays. Sunday has become one of the best days to go to MLB games across the country as most teams play 12 pm games and set up special events for the kids and families. The Nats Signature Sundays allow kids to get autographs from their favorite players and is an excellent opportunity for them to meet their heroes.
One of the best things about Nationals Park is the Red Porch located in the batter's eye in center field. The party deck is a great place to grab food or drinks at the ballpark and offers an incredible view of the entire stadium; you can easily see the entire field of play as well as both bullpens making it a place where lots of Nats fans congregate during the game.
The Chair of Honor is left empty at every game and serves as a reminder of those who went missing in action. Stop by and see the Chair of Honor to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the military.
Cherry blossom trees are one of the iconic parts of Washington D.C. and you can see the beautiful trees inside of Nationals Park. The trees are located in the Center Field Plaza and left field, so check them out during your trip to Nationals Park.
The race pits Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and Teddy Roosevelt against each other and is a must-see for anyone making the trip to Nationals Park. Make sure to stay in your seat during the middle of the 4th inning, so you don’t miss this Nats tradition.
Sunday has become one of the best days to go to MLB games across the country as most teams play 12 pm games and set up special events for the kids and families. The Nats Signature Sundays allow kids to get autographs from their favorite players and is an excellent opportunity for them to meet their heroes.
Screech is the official mascot of the Washington Nationals and can be seen entertaining fans young and old at Nationals games. The fans love Screech especially kids, so if you see him make sure to get a picture.
We’re nuts! (Nuts!)
About the Nats!
We’re nuts about the Nats!
We’re crazy ’bout the Nationals!
And nuts about the Nats! (Nuts about the Nats!)
We love to see them play
Our baseball fans will say
“We’re crazy ’bout the Nationals and nuts about the Nats!”
Nation’s capital, home of the Nats
The game’s a ball and it’s driving us bats!
So let’s go red, white and blue
We’ll go nuts for every curly “W”! W!
Come on and sing it loud!
Come on and sing it proud!
“We’re crazy ’bout the Nationals, and nuts about the Nats!”
Let’s go Nats!
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