photo by Lorie Shaull
From the Nationals:
“STREAMLINED BALLPARK ENTRY
The Washington Nationals have updated entry procedures to streamline access to Nationals Park.
Ballpark gates open 90 minutes prior to first pitch, and parking garages open 2.5 hours prior to first pitch.
New Technology
Fans will enjoy expedited entry with the implementation of CEIA OPENGATETM technology at all entrances.
Fans entering the ballpark no longer need to remove keys and wallets from their pockets or have their bags searched, but instead will walk through the screening system in a single file line before presenting their tickets.
Bag Policy
As part of the new entry procedures, all bags coming into Nationals Park larger than a clutch must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and may not be larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches.
Fans with medical or diaper bags may use the ADA/Family lanes at the Center Field and Home Plate Gates to have their items inspected.
Fans may bring a small clutch (5 x 7 x 3⁄4 inches or smaller) in addition to or instead of a clear bag.
Fans concerned about carrying personal hygiene items in clear bags should know that new machines located inside all public Nationals Park women’s restrooms will dispense complimentary feminine hygiene products.
Visit nationals.com/BagPolicy for more information.
NATIONALS PARK CONCESSIONS & BEVERAGES
Cashless Payments
As was the case last year, the Nationals will not accept cash in the ballpark at parking, ticketing, retail or concession locations.
Fans can purchase items using eCash, touchless payment options like Apple Pay, QR codes or online ordering through the MLB Ballpark App, or a credit or debit card.
Fans who only have cash can exchange it for eCash with a box office representative at Advanced Ticket Sales (located across from Sections 104/105) or Guest Services locations at Section 131 or 319.
Because the ballpark is almost completely cashless, guests are encouraged to download the MLB Ballpark App and enter their payment info into the mobile ordering section prior to coming to the ballpark.
Mobile Ordering
To avoid waiting in concession lines, guests are strongly encouraged to use their mobile devices to order food and beverages in one of the following ways:
1) Order from their seats and pick up food and beverages at concession stands and bars.
2) Use the Ballpark App to pay for food and beverages at portable concession stands. o Guests that place a mobile order will have a dedicated pickup line for their items, saving time and eliminating the need to wait in the normal concession queue.
For more information and instructions for mobile ordering at Nationals Park, visit nationals.com/MobileOrdering.
Although fans are encouraged to order their food and drinks before arriving at a concession stand, guests who choose to order in real-time will stand in line and pay for their items with touchless options like Apple Pay or by completing a credit or debit card transaction.
Many concession stands at Nationals Park will also have a “beverage only” lane.
Single-serving food items may be brought into the ballpark as long as they are contained in an approved bag per the bag policy, or carried in-hand.”
And here’s the WASHINGTON NATIONALS OPENING DAY ROSTER
The Washington Nationals announced their Opening Day roster and corresponding roster moves on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.
Selected the contracts of right-handed pitcher Víctor Arano, infielder Maikel Franco and infielder/outfielder Dee Strange-Gordon.
Recalled infielder Lucius Fox from Triple-A Rochester.
Placed infielder Ehire Adrianza (left quad strain) and right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg (recovery from thoracic outlet surgery) on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to April 4).
Recalled left-handed pitcher Seth Romero and placed him on the 60-day Injured List (left calf strain).
Placed right-handed pitcher Will Harris on 60-day Injured List (right pectoral surgery).
Designated right-handed pitcher Gabe Klobosits for assignment.
The Nationals’ 28-man roster is comprised of 15 pitchers, two catchers, six infielders, and five outfielders. Please see the attached document for the updated 40-man and 28-man rosters.”