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  • Washington Nationals fans get ready for Opening Day
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Washington Nationals fans get ready for Opening Day

Tonight, baseball returns to the district as the Nationals kick off the 2020 MLB season at Nationals Park.

By Michele Kettner July 23, 2020 at 12:52 pm

After almost four months of delay, the 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals take the field tonight against the New York Yankees to kick off Opening Day at 7:08 p.m. on ESPN. 

While this year’s celebration will look a little different, with no fans in the stadium, there is still plenty to be excited for.

Happy Opening Day y’all… especially to the World Series Champion Washington @Nationals #NATITUDE #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/lxvDFNoRXC

— Bam Bam (@BeardedNatitude) July 23, 2020

Tonight’s game will feature a variety of special ceremonies that you won’t want to miss. After months of waiting, the team will finally be able to unveil the 2019 World Series Champion sign in center field and raise the 2019 championship pennant above the scoreboard.

F I N A L L Y

️ IT’S BASEBALL DAY!#OpeningDay // #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/J2s5wy7jEG
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 23, 2020


Players and coaches will also be wearing special gold jerseys and hats to commemorate their 2019 championship, which are also on sale at the Nats Team Store just outside the stadium.

Ladies and gentleman, now introducing the World Series Champions Gold Collection! ✨ pic.twitter.com/bl2mEwmWUP

— Nats Team Store (@NatsTeamStore) July 23, 2020

Fans can also expect to see some famous faces at the ballpark. It was announced earlier this week that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser will also be a part of the special gameday, making the Play Ball! announcement before the players take the field.

I’d like to remind everyone that the World Series Champion Washington Nationals are STILL the best team in baseball since May 24, 2019. Have a pleasant day. pic.twitter.com/5oEf44LfKe

— The Natidude (@TheNatidude) July 18, 2020


When the players hit the field, expect pitcher Max Scherzer on the mound for his fifth Opening Day start in six seasons with the Nationals. On the other side of the field, the Nats will be facing Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who pitched against the Nationals in the 2019 World Series.

As 7 p.m. approaches and the first pitch gets closer, fans, players and other local teams are celebrating the return of baseball in the District.

It’s only 8am but this crew is ready to cheer for the WORLD SERIES CHAMPION WASHINGTON @NATIONALS on #OpeningDay! #Natitude #Scherzday pic.twitter.com/ukqTiFjBBY

— Julie (@jhodgso1) July 23, 2020

Opening Day tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/jjWhnj7Xgl

— Trea Turner (@treavturner) July 22, 2020

Now more than ever, we all need the getaway that is sports. Even if we can’t be there in person, BASEBALL IS BACK. #OpeningDay #WashingtonNationals

— Andy Scott (@andyscott_sc) July 23, 2020

Defend the District
, ,
, , #ALLCAPS x #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/noZ691VOZT

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) July 23, 2020

For more information on tonight’s game, visit mlb.com/nationals.

Keep up to date on all things Nats by subscribing to our newsletters.

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

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