Nationals Overview

Fast facts

League: MLB

Head Coach: Dave Martinez

Team Mascot: Screech

Year Opened: 2008

Capacity: 41339

City / State: Washington / DC

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Nationals vs Braves

Rival Team: Atlanta Braves

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.

Nationals vs Mets

Rival Team: New York Mets

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.

Nationals vs Phillies

Rival Team: Philadelphia Phillies

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.

Traditions

Player Statues

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.

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D.C. Baseball Timeline

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

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

Things to check out

The Red Porch

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.

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Chair of Honor

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

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.

Racing Presidents

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.

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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.

Screech

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.

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NatPack

The NatPack hosts a variety of promotions throughout the game. Keep an eye out for the NatPack and your chance to win some great prizes.

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Fight Songs

  1. Nuts About the Nats

    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!

Nationals Bars & Restaurants

  1. Pi Pizzeria

    Pi Pizzeria

    Home of irrationally delicious deep dish and thin cornmeal crust pizza, and prime craft beers.

    910 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

    202-393-5483

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  2. Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza

    Ellas Wood Fire Pizza

    Bustling pizzeria serving thin-crust pies, sangria & craft beer that's popular with happy-hour set.

    610 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

    202-638-3434

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  3. The Big Stick

    Big Stick chicken barbecue

    The Big Stick is a rustic, lodge-themed restaurant & sports bar serving a unique menu focused on specialty sausages,sandwiches and a robust craft beer selection.

    20 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-750-7724

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Scarlet Oak

    Scarlet Oak bar drink

    Scarlet Oak offers fresh seasonal cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner in a comfortable setting. The menu is focused on providing locally-sourced produce, meats and seafood, in addition to house made pizzas and pastas.

    909 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-780-0140

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The Bullpen at Half Street Fairgrounds

    The Spoke beer bottles

    Enjoy free admission, live music, the Bullpen bar, food trucks and dogs hot off the grill!

    1299 Half St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-244-0592

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Osteria Morini

    Osreria Morini Washington DC

    Osteria Morini brings the soulful cuisine and convivial spirit of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy to the historic Navy Yards in Washington, D.C.

    301 Water St SE #109, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-484-0660

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  7. Bonchon

    Bonchon fried chicken

    Bonchon Chicken is cooked-to-order, made with the highest quality ingredients. Come try our handcrafted fried chicken, along with our other amazing dishes!

    1015 Half St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-488-4000

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  8. TaKorean Korean Taco Grill

    Takorean

    Made from scratch with fresh ingredients. A bold, colorful & healthy experience.

    1212 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    Bar website

    asian - $

  9. Agua 301

    Agua tacos

    Agua 301 celebrates the culture and cuisine of Mexico taking contemporary Mexican cuisine and infusing it with modern flair.

    301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-484-0301

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  10. Leo’s Eatery

    burger

    Have an extraordinary experience with the usuals- juicy bites that you will love!

    7 N St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

    202-808-9441

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $

  11. Ice Cream Jubilee

    ice cream on a cone

    "I started Ice Cream Jubilee to share my passion with others and encourage people to explore the pursuits that make them as happy as ice cream makes me."

    301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-863-0727

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  12. Nando’s Peri- Peri

    roasted chicken

    Our legendary PERi-PERi chicken is pretty special – flame-grilled to order to suit your taste.

    300 Tingey St SE #150, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-554-1920

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Bluejacket

    Blue Jacket sandwich

    Bluejacket was built to be a brewery without boundaries, creating beers across the broadest range of styles and flavors possible.

    300 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

    202-524-4862

    Bar website

    american - $$