Nationals announce earlier start time for evening games

This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

The clocks in Washington, D.C., just turned back for the end of Daylight Saving Time, and the Nationals are turning the clock back for home games next season, too.

First pitch for 2024 evening games at Nationals Park will be 6:45 p.m. ET, 20 minutes earlier than the previously scheduled 7:05 p.m. ET start times. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. ET for such games.

“Our goal is always to deliver a top-tier ballpark experience to our fans -- that includes making sure that attending a game at Nationals Park is as convenient as possible,” said Alan H. Gottlieb, chief operating officer of Lerner Sports Group. “Starting our evening games 20 minutes earlier, combined with MLB rules that have significantly shortened game times, makes it easier for fans to stay the full nine innings -- even on a school or work night.”

What about day games?

You can look for the schedule to remain the same for the majority of home day games -- 1:05 p.m. ET, 1:35 p.m. ET or 4:05 p.m. ET.

The traditional Fourth of July game will still be played at 11:05 a.m. ET.

Gates will open at Nationals Park 75 minutes before first pitch on day games (unless noted otherwise).