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Home › Stadiums › Nationals Park

Nationals Park

Washington Nationals

Navy YardCapacity: 41,339Opened: 2008

Overview

Nationals Park sits along the Anacostia River in Southeast DC with views of the Capitol dome and Washington Monument. Known for Presidents Race, the Red Porch deck, and Ben's Chili Bowl stands.

Stadium Highlights

  • Views of Washington Monument and Capitol dome
  • Red Porch deck beyond right field
  • Presidents Race between innings
  • Green ballpark with sustainable features

Unique Features

  • Red Porch right field party deck
  • Center Field Gate with water features
  • PNC Diamond Club behind home plate
  • Gallery with local DC art
  • Navy Yard location on Anacostia River

Shade & Sun Protection Guide

Best Shaded Sections by Time

Morning Games

  • Third base side 130-142
  • Diamond Club
  • Infield Box 20-34

Afternoon Games

  • First base side sections 108-120
  • Terrace Level 300-315
  • Gallery Level

Evening Games

  • Most infield sections after 6 PM
  • Upper deck provides shade below

Shade Tips

  • First base side best for afternoon shade
  • Diamond Club stays cool with AC
  • Red Porch can be very sunny
  • Upper deck provides shade for lower levels

Monthly Weather Patterns

April

61°F 60% 25% rain

Cool spring weather

Mild sun, light layers recommended

May

71°F 65% 25% rain

Pleasant temperatures

Shade starts becoming important

June

80°F 70% 30% rain

Getting warm and humid

First base side for afternoon games

July

84°F 75% 25% rain

Hot and humid

Shade essential for day games

August

83°F 75% 25% rain

Peak summer heat

Upper deck or shaded areas recommended

September

76°F 70% 20% rain

Cooling down

More comfortable, less shade needed

Seating Guide

Premium Seating Options

Club Levels

PNC Diamond Club

Behind home plate

  • All-inclusive dining
  • Premium bar
  • Climate control
  • Field access
Terrace Club

Upper level behind plate

  • Club dining
  • Premium concessions
  • Padded seats

Seating Tips

PNC Diamond Club

Best amenities and field access

experience

Sections 128-135

Great views behind home plate

view

Red Porch

Fun party atmosphere but hot

experience

Gallery 408-420

Best budget seats with good views

value

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Gallery 400s
  • Outfield Reserved
  • Grandstand 330s-340s

Food & Drink

Signature Items

  • Ben's Chili Bowl half-smokes
  • Shake Shack burgers
  • DC-03 pizzas
  • Blue Jacket beer

Local Favorites

  • Hard Times Cafe chili
  • Chesapeake crab cakes
  • District Chicken
  • Capitol City Brewing

Beer & Beverages

  • Blue Jacket
  • Port City
  • 3 Stars
  • DC Brau

Local breweries: Blue Jacket, Port City, 3 Stars, DC Brau, Atlas Brew Works

Getting There

Address

1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Parking Options

Lot A-E (Stadium)

Distance: AdjacentPrice: $25-45

Most convenient but fills up early

Navy Yard Lots

Distance: 3-8 blocksPrice: $15-30

Walk through Navy Yard area

L'Enfant Plaza

Distance: 1 milePrice: $20✓ Covered✓ Shaded spots

Metro accessible parking

Alternative Transportation

Public Transit

  • Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark
  • Blue/Orange/Silver to L'Enfant then bus

Ride Share: South Capitol St designated area

Game Day Tips

Take Metro Green Line

Navy Yard station is closest

Try Ben's Chili Bowl

DC institution in the ballpark

Watch Presidents Race

Between 4th inning entertainment

Explore Navy Yard

Restaurants and bars pre/post game

Typical Game Day Schedule

  • Gates Open: 2 hours before (Center Field), 90 minutes (others)
  • First Pitch: 7:05 PM weekdays, 7:05 PM Saturdays, 1:35 PM Sundays
  • Batting Practice: Nats BP 2.5 hours before

Neighborhood: Navy Yard

Rapidly developing waterfront district with new restaurants and apartments

Before the Game

  • Bluejacket Brewery
  • Due South
  • Gordon Biersch
  • Vida Fitness rooftop

After the Game

  • The Bullpen (seasonal)
  • Agua 301
  • Osteria Morini
  • Capitol Riverfront

Insider Tips

Pro Tips

  • Metro Green Line easiest way to stadium
  • Ben's Chili Bowl half-smoke is must-try
  • Red Porch fun but gets very hot
  • Navy Yard restaurants great for pre-game
  • Diamond Club worth splurge for amenities

Best Value

  • Gallery sections 408-420
  • Grandstand corners
  • Metro cheaper than parking
  • Weekday games have promotions

Hidden Gems

  • Gallery level views of Capitol
  • Budweiser Brew House craft selection
  • Anacostia River walking paths
  • Presidents statues around stadium

Things to Avoid

  • Driving during rush hour - traffic terrible
  • Red Porch for day games - no shade
  • Parking without pre-purchase
  • Leaving right at game end - Metro crowds

Stadium History

Timeline

2008Nationals Park opens
2012First division title
2019World Series championship

Stadium Traditions

Presidents Race

Racing presidents between 4th inning

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

7th inning stretch tradition

Retired Numbers

#11Ryan Zimmerman(2022)
#42Jackie Robinson(1997)