Located along the Capitol Riverfront, Nationals Park in Washington D.C is a modern sports facility for MLB games, conventions, festivals, and more. When catching an event here, you’ll want to know how to get there, the bag policy, and nearby accommodations. Read on to find out!
About Nationals Park
Nationals Park is a facility in southeast Washington D.C, located along the Anacostia River and the fast-developing Capitol Riverfront. It’s best known as a baseball stadium and home to the MLB’s Washington Nationals. Upon completion in 2008, it was the first LEED-certified and green professional sports stadium in the U.S. Besides baseball games, the venue also hosts festivals, conventions, corporate events, concerts, holiday parties, and more.
With the food options at the stadium, you won’t go hungry on game day, ranging from steak sandwiches and backyard BBQ to banh mi dogs and soft-serve ice cream. Fans can also order concessions ahead using the mobile ordering feature. The stadium also has both game-day and non-game-day tours for a behind-the-scenes experience of Nationals Park.
Nationals Park Bag Policy
For MLB games, the Nationals Park bag policy requires all bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches to be clear plastic, PVC, or vinyl. These can be clear tote bags and on-gallon plastic freezer bags. Non-clear bags must be 5 x 7 x 0.75 inches or smaller, such as a clutch. If you have medical bags or diapers, you must use the ADA/Family lanes at the Home Plate and Center Field gates to enter. All non-clear bags will be subject to search.
Items that are prohibited from entering the stadium during game days include:
- Camera bags
- Camera lenses
- Computer bags
- Luggage
- Hard coolers or ice chests
- Weapons
The stadium offers Binbox services for fans with noncompliance bags. There are medium or large lockers to drop off your belongings. They are located outside the Home Plate and Right Field gates. You can drop off belongings two hours before the first pitch and one hour after the last pitch.
Luggage Storage Near Nationals Park
Avoid the hassle of the security line when catching an event in Nationals Park by finding a secure place to store your belongings. Stasher offers safe, affordable, and fully insured luggage storage near Nationals Park, starting at only $6 per day. Search on Stasher for locations!
Nationals Park Transportation
When driving to Nationals Park, you can park at the garages and lots available around the stadium. Tailgating is not allowed. The parking lots are cashless and only accept credit card payments. You can also reserve a parking pass in advance to ensure you get a spot. There are also over 250 bike racks and valet will accept bikes 2 hours before game time and one hour after the last out.
For Capital bike-share docks, there are four within a 10-minute walk of Nationals Park. These are located on:
- 1st Street & K Street SE
- 1st Street & N Street SE
- M Street & New Jersey Avenue SE
- 3rd & Tingey Street SE
Getting to Nationals Park is also easy with public transportation. Options include:
- Water taxis from Old Town to Diamond Teague Park Pier
- Metro Bus red, orange, silver, or blue lines
- D.C. Circulator bus from Union Station to the stadium for only $1
- Metro green line to the Navy Yard station or the blue, orange, or silver lines to the Capitol South station
Hotels Near Nationals Park
Catching a game or event at Nationals Park means you’ll want to find some nearby accommodations. While the options nearby aren’t necessarily budget options, you can still find deals online depending on your trip dates. For convenience, here are 3 hotel options that are all within walking distance of the stadium.
Hampton Inn & Suites – Closet
A 1-minute walk to Nationals Park, the Hampton Inn & Suites Washington DC- Navy Yard gives you views of the stadium from the rooftop bar, Top of the Yard. A stay here also comes with free hot breakfast, free WiFi, and access to the fitness center. The hotel is also pet-friendly.
Residence Inn by Marriott – Highly Rated
The Residence Inn by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill / Navy Yard features spacious suites in a centralized location nearby shopping, dining, and nightlife. You can expect a free full American breakfast, fitness center, kitchenette, and meeting spaces during your stay. The hotel is also only a 3-minute walk to the stadium.
Cambria Hotel – Luxury
Closer to the waterfront but still only a 6-minute walk to the stadium, is the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront. The hotel features plush beds, luxury bath products, free WiFi, and ergonomic workspaces. They also have an in-house restaurant and are pet-friendly, offering welcome amenities for your pet.