Boys of Summer
Sitting in the stands and taking in a game and a hot dog aren’t the only forms of entertainment to be had at Nationals Park. Mark these dates on your calendar to get the full experience of the stadium.
By Matthew Tracy
Behind-the-Stadium Tour
July 2-Aug. 31 | Fans get exclusive access to the park’s clubs, press box, dugout and visiting team clubhouse. Throw a pitch in the bullpen and fool around with the five-story HD scoreboard, too.
Freedom Fireworks
July 3 & Aug. 7 | Following games against the Giants and Rockies, Nationals fans can enjoy a bright evening of fireworks shows featuring military pageantry and patriotic music.
Patriotic Series: Independence Day
July 4 | During a game against the Giants, the ballpark will honor Operation Homefront for its assistance to military families and salute the volunteers with a flag unfurling during the National Anthem.
Great Moments in Nationals History: Debut Game of Stephen Strasburg
July 5 | To commemorate superstar pitcher Stephen Strasburg’s 2010 debut game as a National, the first 25,000 fans to arrive to the game will receive a special Strasburg bobble head.
Kids Run the Bases
July 5, 19; Aug. 9, 23 and 30 | After regular season home games played on Sundays, kids ages 4-12 can experience the field up close by running the bases. Become a Junior Nationals MVP member to get in line before everyone else.
Signature Sundays
July 5, 19; Aug. 9, 23 & 30 | Every Sunday, fans who obtain a free voucher when the gates open will have the opportunity to get autographs signed by two Nationals players from the top of the dugout.
10-Year Tuesday: Lapel Pin
July 7 | Celebrating their 10th year in D.C., the Nationals will give out free lapel pins with the team insignia and a special “Ten Years” commemoration to the first 10,000 fans to arrive.
Taylor Swift
July 13 & 14 | Due to overwhelming demand, Taylor Swift extends her stop at Nationals Park to two special days, when she’ll perform songs from “1989,” the hottest album in the country on its release. Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy will open the show.
Star Wars Day
July 19 | The Nationals celebrate their first-ever Star Wars Day against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Costumed Star Wars characters will mingle with fans, who are invited to come dressed as their own favorite characters. There’ll also be special Star Wars food and drinks, themed face painting and more.
U.S. Marine Corps Day
July 21 | Celebrate the Corps at Marine Corps Day as the Nationals take on the Mets. Marines stationed in the area will receive discounted tickets, and a distinguished Marine will throw the opening pitch.
10-Year Tuesday: Replica 2005 Ticket
Aug. 4 | Continuing the 10th anniversary celebration of the team’s move to D.C., the Nationals will give out a replica of the team’s first 2005 game ticket to the first 10,000 arrivals in a game against the Diamondbacks.
Zac Brown Band & The Avett Brothers
Aug. 14 | The Zac Brown Band will celebrate its newest album, “JEKYLL + HYDE,” featuring its highest chart debut, “Homegrown,” and will be accompanied by The Avett Brothers.
Pet Day
Aug. 27 | The Nationals celebrate all pets with a Presidents Race featuring presidents and their pets. Fans receive a Nationals Player Pet Calendar featuring members of the team and their pets.
’80s Night
Aug. 29 | The Nats take on Marlins in an ’80s-themed evening. Fans will receive a special Nationals Rubik’s Cube.
Pups in the Park
Sept. 3 | Pups that are up-to-date on shots are welcome in the Family Picnic Area at this event, and $10 of every ticket will go to the Washington Humane Society. Pet sitters are available to wait with your dog while you grab concessions.
For more info visit washington.nationals.mlb.com.
(July 2015)