Opening Day for the Washington Nationals is April 5th. If you’ve never been to Nationals Park before and are looking to enjoy our national pastime in the Capitol, you’ll want to know a few things first. Here’s a first timer’s guide to Nats Park.

How to Get There

Navy Yard Station photo courtesy of dbking

It’s the opinion of many (including myself) that the Metro is the best way to get to Nats Park. Sure, it gets crowded and busy, but Navy Yard station is steps away from the stadium, making it one of the most convenient options available. Be sure you know when the hours of operation are, though — you wouldn’t be the first to end up missing the last train of the night due to extra innings.

Ride shares have changed the game for a lot of folks travelling around the city, and services like Uber and Lyft are a solid option for getting to Nats Park. You can also use a bike-share service or ride your own and valet it. 

If you’d rather fight the traffic and drive yourself, there are 14 parking lots dedicated to Nationals Park, and quite a few third-party garages available as well. 

The most important thing to remember is this: Getting to Nats Park almost always takes longer than you expect. Plan accordingly and leave a little early if you can.

What to Do in Navy Yard

Photo courtesy of Top of the Yard’s

If you make it to the game early, no need to worry about being bored. Take some time to enjoy the surrounding area a bit ahead of time. You can enjoy a drink at Top of the Yard’s rooftop bar, or catch a different game at Buffalo Wild Wings. If you need a jolt before the game gets going, you can swing in to Starbucks or Philz Coffee.

However, arguably the best pre-game hangout is the Bullpen. While it’s been scaled back in recent years, the Bullpen will be open for all home games throughout the 2018 season. This outdoor space is family-friendly before 9 p.m., after which time you must be 21 to enter (you can still purchase alcohol at the bar before 9 p.m., you’ll just have to dodge kids on your way to and from it). The bar is open two hours before and after each home game, and frequently features local D.C. bands.

The Best Seats in the Stadium 

Nationals Park photo courtesy of Mr.TinDC

The best thing about attending a game at Nationals Park is how affordable tickets are. You can get decent seats for around $30 each if you plan right. But if you’re particular about seating at sporting events, Will Kubzansky, a writer for SB Nation’s Federal Baseball, has some tips.

The 300s behind home plate offer a clear view of the entire field, Kubzansky told Curbed DC. He also suggests the Budwiser Brewhouse, which offers a reprieve from the sun on hot day, and the Delta Sky360 Club Seats, which include a gourmet buffet (though, those seats will put you back about $370 each). If you’re willing to stand, grandstand tickets are available for $5.

What to Eat

No baseball game is complete without some guilty grub, and Nationals Park is not lacking in that at all. Treat yourself to some sloppy eats at D.C.’s iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl (sections 109, 140, 301, and 315), snag a slice at Enzo's Pizza (sections 115, 214, 225, and 310), or enjoy a sweet treat at District Doughnut (section 107) or Dolci Gelati (sections 112 and 136).

If you have dietary restrictions, no need to fret. Field of Greens (section 136) offers a menu of meatless dishes. Gluten-Free Grill (center field plaza) serves up exactly what its name promises, including beer and wine. 

If you’re looking for your baseball standards, no need to worry. Hot dogs are available throughout the stadium, with Haute Dogs and Fries (section 106) being a District favorite. You can find a cold beer at Goose Island Pub (section 113), Base Line Brews (sections 108, 115, 129, 133, and 136) and District Drafts (section 104), to name just a few spots. 

Opening Day at Nationals Park is April 5th. The Nationals will play the New York Mets at 1:05 p.m. You can purchase tickets through the MLB website.