The Washington Nationals, formerly known as the “Montreal Expos” represent the National League (NL) in Major League Baseball (MLB). While the team have managed to become the World Series Champions only once till now, in 2019, they have won the NL East Division championship five times and the NL pennant once so far. Popularly known as the “Nats' ', they contest the Beltway Series with the Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, they also share a rivalry with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Washington Nationals are currently owned by Mark Lerner. Mike Rizzo is both the President of baseball operations as well as the General Manager of the team. On the other hand, Dave Martinez is serving as the manager for the team. In the 2023 MLB season, the team ranked #5 in the NL East Division while achieving a record of 71-91-0.
What is the name of the stadium for the Washington Nationals?
Nationals Park is the official stadium for the Washington Nationals in Major League Baseball (MLB). It’s located in Washington, D.C., United States. This has been the home stadium for the Washington Nationals since 2008. It is notable for being the first LEED-certified green ballpark in the United States.
Nationals Park’s History/Nationals Park Construction and Cost
The Montreal Expos were looking for a suitable place to relocate. Accordingly, Washington, D.C., in 2004, decided to make a new baseball stadium to attract the team to relocate to the city. Accordingly, The Montreal Expos relocated and became the Washington Nationals in 2005 until the new baseball stadium was complete, while playing in the RFK Stadium for the time being. The construction of the Nationals Park started in May 2006, after its design was revealed in March 2006. The construction was completed in 2008 and the Nationals Park was opened to the public on March 22, 2008 for a collegiate baseball game. This was followed by an exhibition baseball game on March 29, 2008. The Washington Nationals played their first MLB game on March 30, 2008.
Nationals Park is the 8th largest baseball stadium in the United States. It has 79 suites with an impressive view that provides a fantastic experience of staying and watching the game for the fans. There is the Norfolk Southern Club spanning 33000 square feet which provides a beautiful view of the Anacostia River and also has an indoor lounge. The upper deck of the Nationals Park provides an impressive view of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. The stadium has a scoreboard of 103 feet on the right field wall, considered to be one of the largest ones in baseball stadiums in the United States.
The beauty of the stadium is further increased by a grove of cherry blossom plants near the left field. There are also LED boards which display different kinds of information to the fans. Wi-Fi is also provided for the fans along with guided tours of the stadium. For kids, there is the PenFed Kids Fun Zone where kids below 11 years old can enjoy a day playing baseball. Besides, there is also a Strike Zone over 1500 square feet that has restaurants, karaoke stations, baseball cages and other entertainment. The concession stand is notable for having the Budweiser Brew House, which is famous for its burgers and hotdogs with salad. Fans can also watch the game while eating through retractable glass windows.
The field is made up of Kentucky Bluegrass. The left field is 337 feet and the left center field is 377 feet. The right field is 335 feet while the right center field is 370 feet. The center field is 402 feet. The construction of Nationals Park cost $693 million in 2008, which was equal to $942 million as of 2022. It was constructed by Populous and Devrouax & Purnell Architects-Planners.
National Park’s Capacity
Nationals Park has the capacity to support 41,339 fans as of 2024. However, for a baseball game, the stadium witnessed a record of attendance of 45,966 on October 12, 2012 during a Washington Nationals vs St. Louis Cardinals game. However, the Washington Nationals lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 7-9.
Nationals Park Seating Chart
The following is the seating chart available for the Washington Nationals baseball games at Nationals Park:
Terra Club (Sections A-E), PNC Diamond Club (Sections 119-126), Sections 109-118 and Sections 127-135 are the areas that have some netting or screening to protect the fans. Despite this, there is still risk of injuries to fans from bats or bat fragments, ball thrown or hit. They should contact the Washington Nationals ticket office for better seating options. The Washington Nationals Baseball Club can accordingly increase its use of netting.
What is the parking cost at Nationals Park? Parking Map
The following is the parking map available for the fans at Nationals Park:
The Washington Nationals have updated their fans to purchase their parking passes in advance. Driving up parking will only be available for limited games. The parking lots will open 2 hours and 15 minutes before each game starts. These lots will close 1 hour after the conclusion of each game. The Nationals Park is totally cashless and payments are accepted only via credit or debit cards. The price range for parking at Nationals Park for Washington Nationals games range from $21 to $49.
Nationals Park’s Notable Events
Nationals Park has also been witness to several notable events related to baseball games. Some of those events have been listes below:
| Dates | Events |
| March 22, 2008 | The first collegiate baseball game was played at the stadium. The Geroge Washington Revolutionaries defeated the Saint Joseph’s Hawks 9-4 |
| March 29, 2008 | The first exhibition baseball game was played at the stadium. The Washington Nationals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 3-0 |
| March 30, 2008 | The first MLB game was played at the stadium. The Washington Nationals defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-2. Former President of United States of America George W. Bush threw the ceremonial pitch. This game broke ESPN records for the first game in a baseball stadium |
| 2011 | The D.C. Sports Hall of Fame was introduced at the stadium |
| 2012 season | The Washington Nationals won their 2nd NL East Division championship at the stadium (first championship in the stadium) |
| September 28, 2014 | Jordan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals scored his first no-hit |
| October 22, 2019-October 30, 2019 | The Washington Nationals became the World Series Champions for the first time in their stadium. They defeated the Houston Astros 4-3. They also gained their first NL pennant |
Other Sports
NHL
The 2015 NHL Winter Classic was hosted at the Nationals Park on January 1, 2015. In the event, the Washington Capitals defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2.
Papal Mass
Pope Benedict XVI organized Mass at Nationals Park on April 17, 2008 during his visit to the United States. It saw a record attendance of 47,000.
Music Concerts
Nationals Park has also been the home of several music concerts by prominent performers. These include Billy Joel & Elton John (2009), Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (2012, 2016), Paul McCartney (2013), Billy Joel (2014), One Direction (2014, 2016), Taylor Swift (2015), Green Day & Weezer (2021), Motley Crue & Def Leppard (2022), Lady Gaga (2022), Bad Bunny (2022), Red Hot Chili Peppers (2022), Elton John (2022) and P!nk (2023). Additionally, Taylor Swift’s performance on July 13, 2015 was attended by a record number of 85,014 fans.
Green Day will be performing at Nationals Park on July 29, 2024 as part of The Saviors Tour.
FAQ's On Washington Nationals Stadium
A. The official stadium for the Washington Nationals is Nationals Park.
A. The opening date for Nationals Park was on March 22, 2008.
A. The construction cost of Nationals Park was $693 million in 2008.
A. The Nationals Park can support 41,339 fans (as of March 2024).
A. October 30, 2008 was the date of the first MLB game at Nationals Park.
