Nationals Park a Winter Wonderland

A huge Christmas display is lighting up the Washington Nationals baseball stadium in the nation’s capital through Dec. 29.  Some two and a half million Christmas lights, a 30 meter high artificial Christmas tree, and an ice skating trail have turned the stadium into a glowing winter wonderland.  Read more and watch video here.  Learn more details here.

Comparing the 2019 World Series Ballparks

As the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros prepare to meet in Game 1 of the 2019 MLB World Series on Tuesday, Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com has posted his annual comparison of the two ballparks we’ll see in this year’s Fall Classic.  Read more here.   View World Series game schedule here.

Nationals Unveil New Food Items

Aside from peanuts and Cracker Jacks, fans of the Washington Nationals will be reaching for Korean fried chicken wings and oysters on the half shell at Nationals Park this year.  Read more here and here.  Read about more new food items around the Majors here.

2018 MLB All-Star Game Tonight

The 2018 MLB All-Star Game is Tuesday at 8:00 pm (Eastern) at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.  View details and lineups here.  Washington Nationals’ star Bryce Harper won the Home Run Derby in dramatic fashion Monday night.  Read more and watch video here.

Congressional Baseball Game Tonight at Nationals Park

The annual Congressional Baseball Game for charity will take place on June 14 at 7:05pm at National Park, home of the Washington Nationals.  Learn more here and here.  Visit Facebook page here.  Visit Twitter page here.  U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was shot during a practice for the game last year, plans to take the field.  Read more here.

DC Could Retire Debt to Build Nationals Park a Decade Early

According to the District of Columbia’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the bonds used to build decade-old Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals, could be paid off as soon as 2026, a decade earlier than required.  Read more here.

Emotional Tribute Highlights Congressional Baseball Game for Charity

Lawmakers went forward and played the annual Congressional Baseball Game Thursday night at Nationals Stadium after a gunman opened fire on congressional Republicans practicing in Northern Virginia early Wednesday morning.  Read more and watch game here.  Talking less acrimony here.  Watch disturbing video of shooting here.

James Taylor to Play Four MLB Ballparks

James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt will team up for four shows at various baseball stadiums around the country, beginning with his debut at Washington’s Nationals Park on July 14 and continuing with a return to Chicago’s Wrigley Field, a stop in San Francisco at AT&T Park and a finale close to home at Boston’s Fenway Park.  Read more here and here.

Green Light for Ballpark Square Development Near Nats Ballpark

Building permits have been approved for three of the four buildings slated for the Ballpark Square development near Nationals Park, including a two-story retail building, a 13-story apartment building, and a 12-story hotel.  A 235,000-square-foot office building is also on its way and could be permitted soon.  Read more here.  View aerial rendering here.

NHL’s Winter Classic Today at Nationals Park

College football bowls games will take center stage today, but don’t forget the National Hockey League’s 2015 Winter Classic at Nationals Park.  The Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals will face off in the outdoor game starting at 1:00 p.m. EST on NBC.  Get more information here.  View Nationals Park makeover here.

NHL’s Winter Classic to be Played at Nationals Park

The National Hockey League’s 2015 Winter Classic outdoor game between Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals will be played at Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals.  Read more here.  View press release here.

 

Ballpark Quirks: Nationals Park’s Views of D.C.

In a series called “Ballpark Quirks,” Sports Illustrated takes a look at the distinctive features and oddities that make up each of MLB’s 30 parks. Up now: Nationals Park’s views of D.C.  Read more and view photos here.

It’s ‘Opera in the Outfield’ at Nationals Park

The Washington National Opera is presenting a free, live simulcast of its new production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” this weekend at Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals.  This is the sixth year the company has offered “Opera in the Outfield” at Nationals Park.  The event is free and draws thousands of people each year.  Read more here.

“Opera in the Outfield,” Washington National Opera Facebook photo

Nationals Owner: Roof Over Ballpark Just An Idea

During an NBA game on Friday, Washington Nationals owner Mark Lerner addressed the idea of putting a roof over National Park.  No surprise here, but Lerner says it’s unlikely to happen.  As you recall, the idea was quickly dismissed by D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray.  Read more and watch clip here.

Nationals Want Retractable Roof Over Nationals Park

The Washington Nationals reportedly approached D.C. officials about putting a $300 million retractable roof over Nationals Park.  Read more here.  Watch news report here.

Baseball Caucus Formed to Ease Congressional Tensions

RollCall.com is reporting that Republican coach Roger Williams of Texas and Democratic manager Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania are forming the first-ever Congressional Baseball Caucus “with the idea being to take the edge off the tension that we have every day” by talking sports, sharing baseball stories and maybe having “hot

Branded Headphones for Fans Tonight at Nationals Park

The Washington Nationals in partnership with T-Mobile will be giving away nifty team-branded headphones to the first 20,000 fans through the gates tonight at Nationals Park.

Tragic Shooting in D.C., Nationals Postpone Game

As most already know, a gunman killed a dozen people at the Washington Navy Yard near Nationals Park on Monday.  The Washington Nationals postponed their game against the Atlanta Braves last night and will play a double header Tuesday.  Read more here.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

Ballpark Boathouse Opens

Boston Outdoor Recreation has opened the new Ball Park Boathouse — the first kayak rental business to launch along the Anacostia River.  It is located at Diamond Teague Park behind Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals.  Read more here.

Fire at Nationals Park, Game Goes On

In case you missed it, a light tower in right field at Nationals Park caught fire Thursday night in the 11th inning of a game between the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks.  Nobody was hurt, and the game was not delayed.  Read more and watch video here.  Thanks to Joe Mock for the link.

Taking the Ferry to Nationals Park

Dan Malouff, a professional transportation planner for the Arlington County Department of Transportation, has posted photos of his ferry trip aboard an American River Taxi from Washington Harbor to the ferry docks at Diamond Teague Park near Nationals Park.  Looks like a great way to travel to a game.  Read more here.

It’s ‘StrasBurger’ Mania in D.C.

The Washington Nationals have unveiled a massive new 8-pound menu item at Nationals Park called the “StrasBurger,” named after pitcher Stephen Strasburg.  View photo here.  Read more here about the new burger and other famous food items around the Majors.  The Nationals are not the first to venture down the Strasburger path, as restaurants around the D.C. area have come up with their

Silver Balls, Silver Balls…

The Washington, D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities apparently commissioned local sulptor/artist Thomas Sayre to design giant silver baseballs that were installed on Friday at Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals.   Read more and view photo here.

Dems Defeat GOP in Annual Congressional Baseball Game

The Democrats slammed the Republicans 13-5 with a nine-run 6th inning rally at the 49th Annual Congressional Baseball Game on Tuesday at Nationals Park, home of the MLB Washington Nationals.  The usually well-attended game is played each year for fun and charity.  Read more and watch video here.