Planning on attending a Washington Nationals game? Here are some tips and hacks to help you get the most out of your Nationals Park experience.

Washington Nationals Baseball Tips & Hacks

1. Don’t drive

At a lot of Major League parks the transportation works the same: you drive, pay, park your car, and walk straight into the game. For Washington Nationals games there is parking nearby, but it’s limited. This means that prices are pretty high. For the closest lots $30 – $40 per car is pretty standard.

The way that most fans arrive at games is by Metro. The Navy Yard-Ballpark station is only one block north from the center field gate, so it’s very convenient. You can also bike. There is a huge Capital Bikeshare station nearby, and a bicycle valet if you have your own. If none of these options work you can always take a taxi, or an Uber or a Lyft. However, if you’re trying to cross downtown during rush hour, the traffic can be brutal. Make sure to factor that in so you don’t arrive late.

2. Bring your own food

One of the biggest complaints about attending Major League ball games is that the food is expensive. A lot of people do not know is that many MLB parks actually let you bring outside food. It is perfectly withing the rules, just usually not very well advertised. Nationals Park is one of them.

Check out the fast casual restaurants lining First Street SE. RASA is a local Indian restaurant; Roti has excellent Mediterranean dishes; and Chopt is great for those looking for a healthier option.

If you do pick a food that requires a fork, do no forget to grab the silverware! It is hard to find a plastic fork inside the ballpark. Also, while you are allowed to bring in your own food, you are not allowed to bring in drinks. The one exception is a plain, unopened bottle of water. If you try to bring any other type of drink, or a refillable water bottle, they are going to make you dump it before you come in.

3. Check out the Washington Nationals official happy hour

If you are the kind of person who likes to get to the park early for batting practice, then you can take advantage of the inside the park happy hour. This is offered only in one spot, the bar under the scoreboard in right field. In 2018 you can get a 16 ounce can of Bud or Bud Light for $5. The most important thing to know is that happy hour ends 35 minutes before the scheduled first pitch, so if it is a 7:05 start, you have to have your beer in hand by 6:30.

4. Sit in the shade

Washington, DC summers are brutally hot and humid. Generally speaking for a Washington Nationals day game, you want to sit in the shade, unless you are a fan of the heat. Don’t worry, we have a guide for Nationals Park to help you find the shaded seats.

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