Fans' guide to Opening Day at Nats Park
Opening Day will be the first time fans will be back inside the stadium since the 2019 World Series, and Washington will honor the title-winning team during its pregame ceremonies. The Nationals will re-raise the World Series championship flag in Center Field Plaza, where an empty pole currently stands.
Additionally, the pregame ceremonies will include our nation’s colors presented by the United States Capitol Police Ceremonial Unit, the national anthem performed by Sgt. Major Bob McDonald of the United States Army Chorus, “God Bless America” performed by D.C. Washington and a previously recorded performance of “America the Beautiful” by the United States Navy. The 113th Wing, Capital Guardians from the D.C. Air National Guard, also will conduct a flyover in F-16 jets, and Juan Soto will be presented with the 2020 National League batting title and Silver Slugger awards.
For those who will be at Nats Park on Opening Day, there are updates to attending games this season. Check out some of the latest changes, including photos from Tuesday’s media tour of the stadium.
Ballpark entrance
Gates will open two hours prior to first pitch. Fans will receive digital, color-coded tickets that denote which gate to use for entering and exiting Nats Park. This was designed to avoid long lines and adhere to social-distancing rules. Once inside, the use of staircases and ramps is encouraged, and elevators are limited to four people at a time.
Face coverings
Face coverings are required for all those ages 2 and older inside the ballpark. Bandanas, gaiters or masks with an exhalation valve will not be permitted. Disposable face coverings will be available at the gates for those who arrive without one, or who have a face covering that does not meet requirements.
The only time the removal of the face coverings is permitted is when fans are eating or drinking at their seating pod. In the case fans do not follow the face-covering policy, they will receive a verbal warning and then be subject to potential removal from the stadium.
Bag policy
Bags will not be allowed in Nats Park, with the exception of clutch bags (5” x 7” x 3/4” or smaller), diaper bags and bags utilized for ADA/medical reasons (16" x 16" x 8" or smaller). There will be lockers located outside the right-field gate and outside home plate for storage.
Seating
Seats are sold in pods of 1-6 people (not including suites), and there are a maximum of three pods per row spaced out by at least six feet.
Concessions
All payments are cashless and can be made through the Ballpark app. Options for purchases include ordering from the seats and picking up at concession stands, where there will be dedicated pickup lines for mobile orders. Fans also can pay for orders at portable concession stands (smartphone required), or order in real time in socially distanced lines with touchless payment options.
Food orders will be served in covered packaging, and there are touchless condiment dispensers to reduce contact. Concessions will include Arepa Zone, Fuku, Grazie Grazie, Harris Creek Oyster Co., Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Taqueria del Barrio, Cutwater Spirits and District Drafts. Menus that will not be available include Medium Rare, See You Tater and Haute Dogs & Fries.
Fans are permitted to bring single-serving food items that are either carried by hand or in an approved bag (see above) inside Nats Park. Clear water bottles will be allowed, and they can be filled at stations with nanoseptic self-cleaning surface covers located around the stadium (water fountains will not be in use).