After beginning the 2024 season with a weekend series in Cincinnati, the Washington Nationals open their home schedule with a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by a three-game set vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. The first homestand of the season features several fun promotions and events for fans of all ages, including an Opening Day reversible bucket hat giveaway, the first of six Pups in the Park Days, National Guard Day, two College Day Series games and Girl Scout Day. Today’s game is officially sold out, but standing room tickets are still available on nats.com/Tickets at and the box office.
The Nationals will start their home campaign on Monday, April 1, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET and gates will be open to fans at 2:00 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on MASN and broadcast on radio at 106.7 The Fan FM and in Spanish on DC 87.7 FM and La Pantera 100.7 FM/1220 AM.
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MONDAY, APRIL 1 vs. PITTSBURGH PIRATES (4:05 PM ET)
- Opening Day Reversible Bucket Hat presented by PenFed
- 20,000 fans will receive an Opening Day reversible bucket hat presented by PenFed.
- The Nationals have a full slate of pageantry scheduled for the team’s home opener. Highlights include:
- The World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales, with Nationals mascot Screech riding the Clydesdales Hitch, will take a tour around the Navy Yard neighborhood beginning at 1:15 p.m. and conclude at the Nationals Park Center Field Gates.
- Once the Clydesdales reach Half St., they will be joined by the Blue Styles NOLA 2nd Marching Band for the final procession to Nationals Park.
- The Clydesdales will remain at the Center Field Gates for photos until 2:00 p.m. when all gates open.
- Fans can take photos with a Clydesdale in front of the Budweiser Brewhouse from 3:00-3:30 p.m.
- DJ Stylus Chris will perform at the First Base Gate at 2:00 p.m.
- The Family Picnic Area will feature face painters, caricature artists and balloon twisters beginning at 2:00 p.m.
- Photo opportunities for fans with a special balloon display will be available in the Center Field Plaza at 2:00 p.m.
- Live entertainment from 19th Street Band from 2:00-3:20 at Budweiser Terrace.
- Hoop Tea will provide complimentary samples of their spiked iced teas near Section 143 zone beginning when gates open through the seventh inning, while supplies last. Fans must be 21 years or older to participate in the tasting.
- Each game during the first homestand, Cutwater will provide complimentary samples of their canned cocktails next to the Center Field Team Store, while supplies last. Fans must be 21 years or older to participate in the tasting.
- NUTRL will provide complimentary samples of their vodka seltzer beverages at Section 105, Section 136 and on the Budweiser Terrace once gates open through the sixth inning, while supplies last. Fans must be 21 years or older to participate in the tasting.
- The 2024 home opener pregame ceremony will include:
- America the Beautiful performed by the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants.
- Unfurling of a giant American flag.
- Red carpet player introductions featuring Nationals Youth Baseball Academy Scholar Athletes and the UMD Drumline.
- Our Nation’s colors presented by the United States Coast Guard Honor Guard.
- National anthem performed by D.C. Washington.
- Flyover by the 7th Fighter Training Squadron.
- Ceremonial First Pitch thrown by former Washington, D.C., mayor Anthony Williams.
- Play Ball! announced by current Washington, D.C., mayor Muriel Bowser.
- God Bless America performed by the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 vs. PITTSBURGH PIRATES (6:45 PM ET)
- DCPS Night
- The Nationals will host over 2,000 members from DC Public Schools (DCPS).
- Principals and teachers who have won the Standing Ovation Excellence Award will be honored during a pre-game ceremony.
THURSDAY, APRIL 4 vs. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (4:05 PM ET)
- Budweiser Happy Hour Entertainment
- DJ Stylus Chris presented by Budweiser at the Budweiser Terrace beginning when gates open at 2:45 p.m.
- The Nationals expanded happy hour includes $5 12-oz. cans of Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra and $6 12-oz. cans of Bud Light Seltzer. Happy hour prices are available at the Budweiser Brew House, Budweiser Terrace and ULTRA Loft beginning when gates open up until first pitch.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5 vs. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (6:45 PM ET)
- Friday night’s series opener against the Phillies will be a dual broadcast on MASN and as MLB.TV’s Free Game of the Day. Fans in the D.C. area can also listen to the game on 106.7 The Fan FM and in Spanish on DC 87.7 FM and La Pantera 100.7 FM/1220 AM.
- Pups in the Park presented by PEDIGREE Foundation
- Friday’s event is the first of six Pups in the Park games this season. Fan’s best friend can enjoy a day at the ballpark with the purchase of a special ticket, which benefits the Humane Rescue Alliance.
- PEDIGREE Foundation will hand out bandanas to all pups in attendance.
- Visit nats.com/Pups to purchase tickets and download the waiver.
- Military Branch Series – National Guard Day
- During Branch Days, the Nationals dedicate a special game to honor and celebrate each of the six branches of the military, as well as the National Guard.
- Representatives from the National Guard will participate in the pregame ceremonies and the Salute to Service.
- Military discounts and programs continue throughout the year. Visit nats.com/Military for more information.
- Pregame assets include:
- National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from the National Capitol Region will line the field.
- Flyover by four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
- Budweiser Happy Hour Entertainment
- Live music presented by Budweiser at the Budweiser Terrace beginning when gates open at 5:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6 vs. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (4:05 PM ET)
- Blossoms & Baseball: National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration
- The Washington Nationals celebrate the best parts of spring in D.C. – the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the start of a new baseball season. Saturday’s game will feature cherry blossom-themed activations throughout the ballpark.
- Penn State University Day
- A record 21 colleges and universities will be celebrated at Nationals Park this season during the College Day Series.
- The series kicks off with a celebration of the Penn State Nittany Lions.
- Fans who purchase a special ticket will receive an exclusive co-branded jersey. Visit nats.com/PennState for more information.
- Budweiser Happy Hour Entertainment
- DJ Stylus Chris presented by Budweiser at the Budweiser Terrace beginning when gates open at 2:45 p.m.
- City Connect On-Field Wear Date
- The Nationals sport their cherry blossom-themed City Connect uniforms during. Friday and Saturday home games apart from Brand Days and Patriotic Series games. To learn more about the City Connect series, visit nats.com/CityConnect.
SUNDAY, APRIL 7 vs. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (1:35 PM ET)
- Howard University Day
- The Nationals College Day Series continues with Howard University Day. With the purchase of a special ticket, fans will receive an exclusive co-branded jersey.
- Visit nats.com/Howard for details.
- Girl Scouts Day
- Girl Scout associations, service units, troops and families are invited to join the Nationals for Girl Scout Day.
- Fans who purchase a special ticket will receive a limited-edition Nationals Girl Scout Day patch and an exclusive pregame photo opportunity on the field. For every ticket sold, $5 will be donated to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital.
- Visit nats.com/GirlScouts for more information.
- Signature Sundays
- Every Sunday home game, two Nationals players, coaches or broadcasters will be available for autographs down the first base line near the Nationals dugout prior to the game.
- The Nationals will provide vouchers at Section 103 on a first-come, first-served basis for fans to take part, weather permitting.
EXPANDED HAPPY HOUR
- Nationals Park has expanded its happy hour this year, it might just be the best deal in D.C. – after all, what can beat a brew with a view to America’s national pastime?
- From gates open until the scheduled first pitch, fans can purchase:
- 12-oz cans of Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra beers for just $5
- 12-oz cans of Bud Light Hard Seltzer for $6
- Fans can order from either Budweiser Brew House, Budweiser Terrace or ULTRA Loft to take part in this great happy hour deal, no code necessary.
- Visit nats.com/HappyHour for more information.
NATIONALS PHILANTHROPIES 5050 RAFFLE
- The 5050 Raffle returns for all home games this season, offering fans the chance to win big cash prizes while supporting the community impact work of Nationals Philanthropies. New ticket prices and additional prizes give fans more ways to win.
- Early Bird Prizes will be featured at every game this homestand. During the Pirates series, fans have the chance to win a 2024 team signed ball. During the Phillies series, fans can win a Josiah Gray signed “bloom” ball.
- Online ticket sales will open three hours before first pitch, and tickets will also be available inside Nationals Park at the kiosks located by sections 108, 138, 240 and 312 or from roving sellers through the middle of the 7th inning.
- Tickets can be purchased using cash, credit and debit cards at the following price points: 3 for $10, 30 for $20, 120 for $40, and 400 for $100.
- Fans can also purchase Raffle tickets from their computers or mobile devices anywhere within the District. For more information and to purchase Raffle tickets online, visit nats4good.org/5050.
NATIONALS PARK ENTRY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
- Go-Ahead Entry
o A new addition to the entry process, the Nationals are incorporating MLB Go-Ahead Entry at the ballpark this season.
o Go-Ahead Entry is an alternative option to the traditional ticket scanning process and is optional for fans.
- Go-Ahead Entry uses facial authentication technology to streamline the ticket-scanning experience, allowing ticket holders who have opted-in to the service to enter the ballpark at dedicated gates at full walking speed without stopping.
o Nationals Park has four Go-Ahead Entry stanchions: two at Center Field Gates, one at Right Field Gate and one at First Base Gate.
- Along with the optional Go-Ahead Entry, all fans will still go through the CEIA OPENGATE™ security screening, implemented in 2022 and used at all entrances.
o More information on MLB Go-Ahead Entry can be found at nats.com/GoAheadEntry.
- Water Bottles
o Nationals Park continues to allow clear, factory-sealed or empty plastic water bottles no larger than one liter. Metal and glass water bottles are not allowed, nor are frozen water bottles. Only one water bottle per person is permitted.
o Water bottle refill stations are available throughout the ballpark.
- Bag Policy
- All bags larger than a clutch must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and may not be larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches. Fans may bring a clutch (5” x 7” x ¾” or smaller) in addition to or instead of a clear bag.
- Fans with diaper or medical bags may use ADA/Family lanes at the Center Field and Home Plate gates to have their items inspected.
- Binbox is available for fans whose bags do not comply with ballpark regulations.
- To learn more about Nationals Park entry policies and procedures, please visit nats.com.
GETTING TO THE BALLPARK
- Parking is sold out for the Opening Day game vs. the Pirates. Parking options for Nationals fans are available online at nats.com/Parking. Fans are encouraged to purchase parking in advance to ensure a space in their desired location.
- Fans using Metro to travel to or from Nationals Park are encouraged to review the Metro schedule at wmata.com/Schedules.
- Fans should also consider alternate forms of travel to and from the ballpark, including the D.C. Circulator from Union Station, biking to the ballpark, or the baseball boat from Alexandria. Visit nats.com/WayToGo for information on parking and transportation options to Nationals Park. To receive up-to-date WMATA service notifications on a mobile device, fans are encouraged to register for Alert DC at http://hsema.dc.gov/page/alertdc.
- Fans traveling to the ballpark should be aware that there are construction projects underway in the surrounding area. To ensure safe crossings, please be mindful of signage and directions given by public safety officers.
BALLPARK SAFETY
- Nationals Park is a completely non-smoking and tobacco-free facility per District of Columbia law. There is no exception for electronic cigarettes or any other type of smoking device, or for smokeless tobacco or any other type of tobacco product.
- MLB and the Nationals require that all people entering Nationals Park walk through a metal detector or be screened with handheld metal detectors to search for prohibited items. This includes a thorough inspection of all jackets, coats, packages, bags, purses, and any other containers brought to any of the Nationals Park entry gates.