Opening Day 2014: What’s New at Nationals Park


For the Washington Nationals, the new baseball season brings new developments. Besides the new coach and players, check out these new options at National Park, which has new clubs, concessions, menu items, ticketing platforms and eCash apps.

“This is baseball. We’re blessed to work here,” said Valerie Camillo, who was recently appointed chief revenue and marketing officer for the Washington Nationals. Camillo was explaining what is new for the fans in the stands this season. It is all about making the best fan experience with “team service,” she said.

For season plan holders, here are some ballpark upgrades: a redesigned webpage and use of a personal dashboard, along with mobile apps and “eCash Only Lines,” a quick way to purchase. With their special access cards, fans can earn Red Carpet points, which can get them practice passes, autographed items and more.

Bobbleheads are popular, and the Nats have increased the give-aways to seven. There are redesigned stands with digital menus — and even an increased farm-to-table program.

The new concessions and food made the most news.

There is G at National Park from chef Mike Isabella with his sandwiches at Section 136. While there is a cauliflower veggie sandwich, there’s also the Drewno, centered on kielbasa, and called “a hot dog on steroids.”

There are Intentional Wok, a great name for stir fry noodles, Chesapeake Crab Cake (great crab nachos), Bullpen Burrito — and even South Capitol Sushi.

The Nats expanded Ben’s Chili Bowl, Hard Times, Change Up Chicken and Field of Greens.

For sophisticated drinks, there are aged bourbon at various spots and “Firkin Friday” with special beers in the Red Porch.

The team store will be expanded and moved to the right of center field plaza. There will also a shop dedicated to women’s wear with original designs.

As for new clubrooms in the suite level, Norfolk Southern Club replaces the Star & Stripes Club, along with the newly built Gold Glove Club and Silver Slugger Club.

The Heineken Red Star Bar, located near Section 205, should be a popular destination as D.C. is the number-one market for Heineken for volume per capita.

The Levy Restaurant Group runs the concessions for the stadium and manages other food businesses at many other stadiums and event arenas across America, including Wrigley Field and Verizon Center, as well as O2 Arena in London.

Meanwhile, Sport Illustrated and ESPN Magazine have picked the Washington Nationals to win the World Series. Now, that’s “Nothing But Natitude.”

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