Scott first saw the Nationals play at RFK Memorial Stadium in 2005, where the awkward, multipurpose layout – built for football and soccer – never felt suited to baseball. When Nationals Park opened in 2008, we expected a dramatic transformation. Its steel, glass, and precast‑concrete façade and LEED Silver certification do signal modernity and sustainability, but the overall impression remains somewhat generic compared to more iconic ballparks. Nestled in the Navy Yard along the Anacostia River, the park’s open outfield frames the riverfront and the nearby Fairgrounds container market, anchoring a broader urban revitalization of the neighborhood. Inside, the concessions deliver: Ben’s Chili Bowl and Shake Shack satisfy classic cravings, Jammin’ Island BBQ brings smoky jerk ribs, and Fluffy Thoughts Cakes steals the show with its Bryce Harper–themed HarpCake. The Presidents Race remains a fan‑favorite spectacle. Though the fan base is still growing – and weekday crowds can feel sparse – the Nationals’ young talent and these curated experiences promise a livelier atmosphere in seasons ahead.

We assessed the ballpark Design, Location, Concessions, Amenities, and Culture and finished with a Summary and Scoring.

Design

While Nationals Park’s steel, glass, and precast‑concrete façade was intended to echo Washington’s monumental architecture, it feels surprisingly muted – more utilitarian than majestic when compared with the city’s grand historic landmarks. On the other hand, the ballpark’s LEED Silver certification – a first for any major professional stadium – speaks volumes about its commitment to sustainability. By integrating a host of green features and anchoring an ongoing urban‑renewal effort, Nationals Park not only outshines the outdated RFK Stadium in design, but also in environmental stewardship and neighborhood revitalization.

As spoiled Cardinals fans, we’re used to sweeping skyline vistas – so this ballpark feels surprisingly barren by comparison. From our seats, the only landmarks peeking over the outfield walls were a lone construction crane and a forest of parking garages. Though Nationals Park – like Busch Stadium – was designed with an open outfield to frame its city backdrop, the much‑touted Capitol view from the upper decks is largely blocked by ongoing development. You can just make out the riverfront and the Navy Yard, but with so much construction in progress, even that glimpse falls short of picturesque.

The HD videoboard at Nationals Park soars above center field, delivering crisp replays, live stats, and fan cam moments across its massive LED display. Flanking the screen on both sides is the iconic Curly W logo, instantly recognizable as a symbol of D.C. baseball. Below it, the lineup board, pitch clock, and inning-by-inning score strip keep fans informed at a glance, while the scoreboard’s dynamic animations and social‑media integrations ensure every moment feels both modern and connected.

Location

Arriving by Metro, we entered through the center‑field gate and were greeted not by storefronts but by the Fairgrounds shipping‑container complex – a food, market, and events space that opened in 2012. Those containers pay homage to the Navy Yard neighborhood along the Anacostia River, but beyond them there’s little to see…yet. A cluster of new restaurants and entertainment venues is currently under construction – likely gearing up for the 2018 All‑Star Game – so we’ll have to return once those projects are finished to truly judge the area.

Concessions

After researching the park’s concessions, we couldn’t wait to dive in. Alongside local legends like Ben’s Chili Bowl and New York’s Shake Shack, we skipped the latter to sample the signature Ben’s Original Half Smoke – an epic chili‑laden dog with a perfect balance of heat. The chili was rich and spicy without overpowering, though I’d have preferred a classic hot dog over the coarser half‑smoke. Sarah, meanwhile, gravitated toward the smoky jerk ribs at Jammin’ Island BBQ, which delivered bold jerk seasoning but could have been more tender.

Later, we discovered our favorite ballpark indulgence: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes, a McLean, VA bakery that bakes fresh treats and delivers them before every game. Sarah savored a whimsical layered cake push pop, while I couldn’t resist the HarpCake – a Funfetti cupcake iced to resemble Bryce Harper. It was easily the highlight of our culinary tour.

Amenities

Nationals Park’s amenities cater to every fan: family-friendly areas like the America’s Pastime Playground behind center field; a selection of luxury suites and party suites, including the all‑inclusive Lexus Presidents Club; and numerous free social areas – from the lively NatsTown picnic zone (complete with TVs, games, and live music) to the open Centerfield Waterfall Patio and expansive concourses – provide casual gathering spots where fans can mingle without extra fees.

Culture

One of the ballpark’s most beloved traditions is the Presidents Race, where oversized mascots of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft dash around during the 4th inning. As we arrived, the five “racing presidents” were dancing at the center‑field entrance – Sarah happily posed with Abe, only to have George hilariously photobomb her shot. Screech, the bald eagle mascot, cheered on the presidents in the race.

The game featured a small crowd and a muted atmosphere, thanks in part to a rainy weekday matchup and an unfortunate loss. As a relatively new franchise in D.C., the Nationals are still cultivating their fan base, but with a winning roster, we expect those stands to fill up soon. Clad in Cardinals red, we blended right in with the friendly home supporters, and since we were cheering for the Nats, we didn’t encounter any hassles.

Summary & Scoring

Date Visited: Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Game Played: Nationals 0, Rays 5 – WP Andriese, LP Zimmermann. We left when it started raining late in the game.
Design: – Design was supposed to reflect Washington DC architecture, but we felt it fell somewhat short of this. First LEED Silver Certified professional stadium. A view of nothing is better than a view of the interstate, as is the case in KC. From the upper levels you can spot some of the Washington monuments, the riverfront and Navy Yard.
Location: – Easily accessible, but in an area formerly regarded as the bad part of town.
Concessions: – Excellent food options, with Shake Shack and Ben’s Chili Bowl as the highlights.
Amenities: (0 / 5) – America’s Pastime Playground and social areas like Centerfield Waterfall Patio and NatsTown.
Culture:  – Low attendance and fan excitement at the game we attended but factors such as weekday game, rain, and the loss likely impacted this. The Presidents were very entertaining!
Overall: – Somewhat unimpressive looking but had great food and very entertaining President mascots. This is certainly better than the Nationals’ first stadium (RFK) and is clearly revitalizing the area.

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