MLB
Stadium Guide
·
Washington, D.C.
Opened
March 30, 2008
Capacity of
41,313
Best way there
Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark
5-minute walk to the gates.
Tickets
Mobile, in the MLB Ballpark app
Arrive by
Gates open 80 min early
75 min early for 6:45 p.m. games.
Bag policy
No bags, except small clutches
Clutches up to 5" × 7". Medical and diaper bags up to 16" × 16" × 8".
Food & water
Yes: single-serve food and one sealed water
Water up to 1 liter. Food in an approved bag or in hand.
Parking
$25–$45
Navy Yard area lots.
Nearest airport
Best value seats
Upper deck sections 302–318
Mid-infield.
Nationals Park opened in 2008 on the banks of the Anacostia River in Washington D.C.'s Navy Yard neighborhood and gave the Nationals a modern, purpose-built home after years at RFK Stadium. It holds just over 41,000 fans with excellent sightlines throughout and a clean, contemporary design. On clear days, the Capitol dome is visible over the left field stands — one of the more striking ballpark views in baseball.
The Navy Yard neighborhood has undergone a dramatic transformation since the park opened, becoming one of D.C.'s most active areas for bars and restaurants. The Yards Park along the waterfront and Half Street's collection of sports bars are right outside the gates. The Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station on the Green Line is directly adjacent to the stadium, making it one of the easiest MLB parks to reach by transit. Arrive a bit early to take in the neighborhood before heading in.
DCA is just 4 miles from Nationals Park. Take the Metro Yellow Line to L'Enfant Plaza and switch to the Green Line for Navy Yard-Ballpark, about 15 minutes. Rideshare runs $15–25. Take the Metro.
ADA spaces are in nearby lots. Drop-off is on N St SE near the main entrance. Accessibility services: (202) 675-6287 or nationals.com/accessibility.
On-site parking is limited. Lots and garages in Navy Yard and Capitol Riverfront are expensive and fill fast on game days. Most fans skip parking and take the Metro Green Line.
Tailgating isn't the Nationals Park style. The pregame draw is the bars and restaurants along Half Street just outside the park, and a walk along the Yards Park waterfront.
The Navy Yard-Ballpark Green Line station is a 5-minute walk from the main gates. It's about 15 minutes from DCA and under 20 from the Mall or downtown DC. WMATA extends service on game days.
The Half Street bars, Yards Park waterfront and Anacostia River promenade are all an easy walk. Eastern Market and Capitol Hill are a 20-minute walk north.
Bike parking is near Nationals Park. Capital Bikeshare has stations throughout Navy Yard and Capitol Riverfront, and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail connects from across the district.
One factory-sealed water bottle, one liter or less.
Single-serving food is allowed if it fits in an approved bag under the current Nationals bag policy or is carried in your hands for security screening.
No bags, except (i) clutch bags 5” x 7” x 3/4” or smaller, and (ii) diaper bags and ADA/medical bags 16" x 16" x 8" or smaller.
The lower bowl has good infield sightlines, and sections behind home plate give clean views both ways. The Nationals dugout is on the first base side.
A clean elevated view of the full field at a big discount. Weeknight upper deck prices can drop significantly.
Skip the upper deck corners: steep and distant, especially left field. There are no pole obstructions. Mid-infield at any level is a safe choice.
Home plate points roughly north. Afternoon sun hits right field and first base, while the third base side gets upper deck shade earlier. From June through August, third base is noticeably more comfortable for afternoon games.
Nationals Park is fully open-air. Summer heat, humidity and afternoon thunderstorms can cause delays, so check the forecast for July and August games. April games can be cold at night. September and October are often excellent. The Anacostia River location brings some humidity and a breeze.
Sections 114 & 307 - Crab cakes.
Sections 109, 141 & 318 - The local half-smoke, beef and pork on a bun with onions, mustard and chili.
Sections 210, 243 & 302 - BBQ.
Section 143 - Cheese-stuffed pupusas with chicken, pork or bean.
Section 135 - Steak sandwich topped with fries and a secret sauce.
The PenFed Kids Fun Zone (also called the Nationals Park Kids Zone, on the concourse next to the Right Field Gate) has a play structure for kids 10 and under. It's open from gates-open through the 7th inning, weather permitting, with adult supervision required. The Family Fun Area (behind the outfield) has simulated pitching and batting cages, a jungle-gym playground, a picnic area, photo booths and penny press machines.
The Racing Presidents (and the GEICO Gecko) pose for photos outside Section 131 during the 5th inning of every home game. Kids can run the bases after Sunday home games. The Jr. Nats MVP Club gets front-of-line access for that, team store discounts and a lanyard. Get a free "first game" certificate and a child ID tag at Guest Services just inside the Center Field gate.
Nursing: Lansinoh Nursing Lounge, just off the First Base Line adjacent to Section 223 (some sources cite Section 22/222). Air-conditioned, with gliders, pump-friendly outlets, a sink, refrigerator, diaper-changing stations, privacy curtains, TVs and a toddler play area.
Strollers: Allowed in concourse areas. They must fit under your seat when folded, or check them at Guest Services or Center Field Plaza.
Tip: $5 tickets (Sections 401–402) are often available at the box office on game day. Standing-room space elsewhere in the park adds viewing options.
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