Explore Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals
Welcome to Nationals Park, the home of the Washington Nationals, and located in the Navy Yard neighborhood of the nation’s capital.
Washington Nationals
Established: 2005 (relocated from Montreal, 1969-2004)
Division Name: National League East
Ballpark: Nationals Park (opened 2008)
The Nationals played their first three seasons at RFK Stadium after relocating to Washington, D.C., in 2005. Mayor Anthony Williams, the Nationals and the D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission broke ground for Nationals Park on May 4, 2006.
Two years later, Ryan Zimmerman welcomed the DMV to Nationals Park by pummeling a walk-off home run in the first game ever played there on March 30, 2008. President George W. Bush threw the ceremonial first pitch that night.
Nationals Park
Nationals Park location (via Google Maps)
Nationals schedule
Nationals roster
1500 South Capitol St SE
Washington, DC 20003
Capacity: 41,373
Dimensions: Left field, 336 feet; center field, 402 feet; right field, 335 feet
Park factors (2024)
100 = league average
Runs: 98 | Homers: 93 | Hits: 100
Nationals Park was designed by a joint venture team of Populous (formerly HOK Sport) and Devrouax-Purnell Architects. The design was inspired by architect I.M. Pei’s East Wing of the National Gallery of Art.
To build Nationals Park, approximately 34,095 truck loads of soil were excavated. During the construction process, crews discovered layers of fill and bricks 12 to 14 feet below grade. This led to the likelihood of roads and habitation there in the 1800s.
Nationals Park became the first major pro sports stadium in the country to be LEED Silver Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Sustainable features include energy-efficient LED field lighting, more than 4,000 solar panels, water-conserving plumbing fixtures and the minimization of water pollution given its proximity to the Anacostia River.
The natural grass field is a three-way blend of Kentucky Bluegrass from Tuckahoe Turf Farms (Hammonton, N.J.). The infield clay and the crushed red lava stone for the warning track are from DuraEdge Products (Slippery Rock, Pa.).
Nationals Park welcomed its 25 millionth fan through its gates on Opening Day 2016. That milestone fan received two Opening Day tickets for the next 25 years.
Experiences and features
• Batting practice: On-field passes to watch batting practice are available for purchase at nats.com/battingpractice.
• Champions Club: The Commissioner’s Trophy from the 2019 World Series and other awards and accolades are displayed in the 33,000 square-foot indoor dining lounge and bar.
• First Game Certificates: Commemorate your first visit to Nationals Park with a special certificate from Guest Services located behind Sections 103, 131 and 320.
• Giving Garden: More than 25 varieties of fruits, herbs and vegetables are grown on the rooftop across from Section 105 to provide free produce to underserved communities.
• Kids Run the Bases: Following every Sunday afternoon home game, children ages 4-12 can run the bases at Nationals Park.
• Signature Sundays: One hour prior to first pitch on Sunday home games, two Nationals players sign autographs for fans at the top of the Nats dugout. Free vouchers are distributed in Section 103 (first-come, first-served basis).
• Summer Concert Series: Live postgame concerts, included with the game ticket, began during the 2024 season and have included Flo Rida, Carly Rae Jepsen, Teddy Swims, Two Friends and Lady A.
• Scoreboard Messages: Fans can display their messages on the NatsHD scoreboard by making a donation to the Washington Nationals Philanthropies at nats4good.org/scoreboard.
Home run markers
Memorable home runs are commemorated by special plaques or painted red seats as a tribute to the white seats at RFK Stadium that designated home runs hit by Frank Howard. Here is Where to find them inside Nats Park:
• March 30, 2008: Ryan Zimmerman inaugural walk-off vs. Braves; Section 100, Row A, Seat 14
• Oct. 11, 2012: Jayson Werth Game 4 NLDS walk-off vs. Cardinals; Back wall of visitors’ bullpen (plaque)
• July 20, 2012: Michael Morse longest home run at Nationals Park as of the start of the 2017 season (465 feet), vs. Braves; Budweiser Brew House back railing (plaque)
• April 5, 2014: Adam LaRoche upper deck vs. Braves; Section 236, Row A, Seat 14
• April 9, 2014: Bryce Harper upper deck vs. Marlins; Section 234, Row F, Seat 11
• Oct. 3, 2014: Harper Game 1 NLDS Game 1 upper deck vs. Giants; Section 234, Row C, Seat 5
• April 18, 2015: Harper batter’s eye vs. Phillies; Batter’s eye green wall (plaque)
• May 26, 2016: Harper upper deck vs. Cardinals; Section 236, Row A, Seat 11
• July 20, 2016: Harper upper deck vs. Dodgers; Section 236, Row J, Seat 12
• May 26, 2017: Harper upper deck vs. Padres; Section 236, Row A, Seat 6
• April 28, 2019: Matt Adams upper deck walk-off vs. Padres; Section 234, Row E, Seat 2
• May 29, 2021: Kyle Schwarber upper deck vs. Brewers; Section 236, Row C, Seat 9
• June 28, 2021: Schwarber upper deck vs. Mets; Section 234, Row H, Seat 6
• April 1, 2023: Keibert Ruiz upper deck vs. Braves; Section 234, Row B, Seat 8
Ring of honor
Unveiled on Aug. 10, 2010, the Ring of Honor pays tribute to baseball Hall of Famers and those with notable impacts on the Nationals, Washington Senators, Homestead Grays, Montreal Expos and the game of baseball in Washington, D.C. This honor can be seen directly behind home plate and extending to the right and left field facades.
• James “Cool Papa” Bell: Grays outfielder
• Ray Brown: Grays pitcher
• Gary Carter: Expos catcher
• Joe Cronin: Senators shortstop
• Andre Dawson: Expos outfielder
• Rick Ferrell: Senators catcher
• Josh Gibson: Grays catcher
• Goose Goslin: Senators outfielder
• Clark Griffith: Senators pitcher, manager and owner
• Bucky Harris: Senators second baseman and manager
• Frank Howard: Senators outfielder, first baseman
• Walter Johnson: Senators pitcher
• Harmon Killebrew: Senators first baseman
• Buck Leonard: Grays first baseman
• Ted Lerner: Nationals founding principal owner
• Heinie Manush: Senators outfielder
• Cumberland Posey: Grays outfielder, manager and owner
• Tim Raines: Expos outfielder
• Sam Rice: Senators outfielder
• Frank Robinson: Expos/Nationals manager
• Ivan Rodriguez: Nationals catcher
• Jayson Werth: Nationals outfielder
• Jud Wilson: Grays third baseman
• Early Wynn: Senators pitcher
• Ryan Zimmerman: Nationals first/third baseman
Concessions
From traditional ballpark food to specialty fare, Nationals Park has a wide range of culinary offerings.
Looking for a local-owned option for your DMV dining experience? Check out Arepa Zone, Ben's Chili Bowl, Capo Deli, Capitol City Mambo, Char Bar Kosher Grill, Eli's Crepes, Haute Dog & Fries, Hard Times Café, La Casita Pupuseria, Los Cinco Tacos, Roaming Rooster, Rocklands BBQ, Ssongs Korean Hot Dogs and Swizzler.
Nationals Park also provides a list of dietary information for restrictions and allergies.
Mascots
Screech the eagle “hatched” as the Nationals' mascot on April 17, 2005, at RFK Stadium. According to his bio, Screech’s position on the Nats is 10th man, his favorite food is gummy worms and his favorite song is “Fly Like an Eagle.”
The Racing Presidents -- George, Tom, Abe and Teddy -- debuted the following season on July 21, 2006. They compete in the GEICO Presidents Race in the middle of the fourth inning every home game. There are several ways you can meet and take photos with the Racing Presidents and GEICO Gecko.
Tour Nats Park
Behind-the-scenes ballpark tours are available during the season through Oct. 31.
Pregame tours held ahead of select 6:45 p.m. games explore the clubs, suites, concourse, and more.
The two-hour Governor's Tour is offered on non-game days and includes the Shirley Povich Media Area, FIS Champions Club, Terra Club, PNC Diamond Club, Washington Suites, warning track, dugout, bullpen and visiting team clubhouse (subject to availability).
Getting to Nationals Park
• Driving and parking
• Metro
• Metrobus and D.C. Circulator
• Taxis and rideshare
• Bicycles and Motorcycles
Gate times
• First pitch 11:05 a.m.: 9:45 a.m. gates
• First pitch 12:05 p.m.: 10:45 a.m. gates
• First pitch 1:05 p.m.: 11:45 a.m. gates
• First pitch 1:35 p.m.: 12:15 p.m. gates
• First pitch 3:05 p.m.: 1:45 p.m. gates
• First pitch 4:05 p.m.: 2:45 p.m. gates
• First pitch 6:45 p.m.: 5:30 p.m. gates
Where to stay
The Navy Yard offers several hotels right in the ballpark neighborhood: AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard; Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard; Hampton Inn & Suites Washington DC-Navy Yard; Homewood Suites By Hilton Washington DC Capitol-Navy Yard; Residence Inn by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard; Thompson Washington D.C., by Hyatt.