What's new and fun at Nationals Park for 2024
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Nationals Park. Photo: Scott Taetsch, Getty Images
The Washington Nationals' 2024 season kicks off April 1, and there are a bunch of new fan-friendly features, fun events, and discounts at the stadium.
Why it matters: Nationals Park is finally back in full swing after pandemic years — though it's still facing declining ticket sales — so expect more enticements than ever (even if you're not a baseball fan).
The intrigue: Unlike certain teams, the Nats are proclaiming their D.C. love this season (it's mutual). For the home opener vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates, former Mayor Anthony Williams — a major player in bringing MLB back to the city — will throw out the first pitch, while Mayor Muriel Bowser calls, "Play ball!"
What's new: More tech, swag, and food.
➡️ Speedy entry
- The Nats just launched four MLB Go-Ahead Entry lanes, which allow registered fans to walk (briskly!) through using facial authentication technology — an estimated 68% faster rate than traditional lanes (strict bag rules still apply). People can register on the ballpark app.
💰 Deeper discounts
- Cheap $5 tickets for D.C. residents have been a thing since 2008, but the team is making them more widely available via the District Tickets program — offered to anyone with proof of residency. Pre-purchase is available at the box office anytime (up to four tickets a game, and four games per transaction).
- On Tuesdays, all tickets start at $9 and parking is only $10. Vendors sell $3 pretzels, $4 hot dogs, and $5 pizza. A kids (under 12) eat free promo will launch later.
- "Happy hour with a view" is expanded with no code, and includes $5 12-oz Bud and Michelob beers, and $6 Bud Light seltzers from gate-open to first pitch.
🌭 Fresh food and drink vendors
- The Nats launched grab-and-go alcohol and snack kiosks last season. Quick-grab hot food (dogs, nachos, vegan crunch wraps, etc.) is now available at three locations, plus DIY Icee slushies.
- Three new businesses join the 40+ local food vendors, including Eli's Crepes (Section 114), Los Cinco Tacos (Section 136 and 309), and Ssongs Korean Hot Dogs (Section 130).
- Premium tequila and mezcal — to the tune of $25 margaritas — are on tap at the Casamigos Sky Deck (Section 222) which rebranded later last season.
- New super-sized options include "beer bats" and lifesize helmets loaded with nachos.
🎸 More concerts and festivals
- Music and baseball fans will welcome the relaunch of the Nats Summer Concert Series, where the postgame show is included in the ticket price. Headliners include Flo Rida (June 7) and Carly Rae Jepsen (July 19).
- Big-name musicians are also booked for non-game nights, including Bruce Springsteen (Sept. 7) and Green Day (July 29).
- Food and drink festivals like DC Beer Fest are back (April 13) with new ones like Tacos & Tequila (May 18).
- The wildly popular Savannah Bananas are coming (July 13).
Between the lines: If the park seems brighter and livelier, you're not dreaming.
- The Nats replaced their massive scoreboard with a new high-tech model that encourages more fan interaction — think ballpark selfies — as well as LED energy-efficient field lighting and an upgraded sound system.