Washington Nationals: Tips for visiting Marlins Park

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Are you visiting Marlins Park in Miami this weekend to cheer for the Washington Nationals? Here are a few tips from a Nats fan in South Florida.

South Florida is a welcoming place for fans of the Washington Nationals. With the team’s Spring Training home in West Palm Beach and plenty of D.C. area transplants living between there and Miami, rooting for the Nats in paradise is sure to be a fun, memorable experience.

D.C. sports had a memorable time in the state of Florida on Wednesday night. The Washington Capitals beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Nationals will look to continue the success their hockey brothers had in the state.

The Nats come into this series fresh off of a series win over the much-improved San Diego Padres. The Marlins, on the other hand, aren’t exactly the hottest of teams lately, so the Nationals could continue their momentum.

They also line up some of their big guns in the rotation. Max Scherzer, Tanner Roark, and Stephen Strasburg are all set to take hill down at Marlins Park.

It’s the first time they’re going to face the fish this year despite it being towards the end of May. And last year the Nats went 13-6 against them, so we will be hoping for more of the same in 2018.

For those of you lucky enough to be heading to the sunshine state for this series, we want you to make the most out of the experience.

Having attended the 2017 MLB All-Star Game and many Washington Nationals games at Marlins Park since moving here, these helpful hints will hopefully enhance your holiday weekend visit.

Planning the trip to the ballpark

First things first, you actually have to get to the ballpark. Now in its sixth season as the Miami’s home stadium, it’s pretty difficult to miss from afar. So here are some tips to take before the game.

Don’t buy your tickets in advance

None of the series’ three games will come close to selling out. Save money on expensive fees by buying your tickets in person at the Marlins Park box office, which is located at NW 6th Street and opens at 9 a.m. on game days.

Going to Friday night’s game? Allow extra time

Friday evening traffic on I-95 in South Florida is a lot like the Beltway, especially at the start of Memorial Day weekend. If you’re staying in Fort Lauderdale or any points north of the ballpark, make sure to leave early. If you’re staying in Miami, be advised that city traffic can be brutal on weekdays as well.

Take Uber

There are plenty of parking decks around Marlins Park, but side streets in Little Havana can be clogged and confusing, especially on weeknights. Uber is probably your best bet before and after the game. Here is more information on the stadium’s “Uber Zone,” which is in the E2 parking lot on Marlins Park’s third base side.

Now you’re inside Marlins Park

One of the largest stadiums in all of baseball, there are plenty of things to do when you get inside. So what do you need to bear in mind if you’ve got time to kill before first pitch?

No raincoats, but sunscreen just in case

Marlins Park has a retractable roof that’s almost always closed this time of year. With day games on Saturday and Sunday, however, it might be worth bringing a small bottle of sunscreen just in case new Marlins owner Derek Jeter sees an opportunity to lower his air conditioning bill.

The bobblehead museum

While there was some talk of former Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria eliminating the park’s bobblehead museum, it appears to have survived. Set aside ten minutes to visit the unique attraction, which is near Section 15 on the promenade level.

Kids run the bases on Sundays

Bringing the little ones on Sunday? They can run the bases for free after the game and hopefully high-five the team’s mascot, Billy the Marlin. It’ll be a great occasion for the whole family, and your mini-Nats can pretend to be Trea Turner.

So, who’s round is it?

No trip to the ballpark would be complete without a beverage, alcoholic or otherwise. So which are the best spots to grab a drink before or during the game?

Need a drink? Try The Batting Cage

I visited this establishment before and after last year’s Home Run Derby and had a great time. Happy Hour at The Batting Cage, located on NW 7th Street, begins at 5 p.m. on Fridays. It’s a quick, easy walk from the stadium’s main gate.

Still thirsty? Saturday is Beerfest

Marlins Park’s “Beerfest” starts at 2 p.m. at the club in left-center field, The Clevelander, before Saturday’s 4:05 p.m. first pitch. Here is more information.

Speaking of The Clevelander

You can eat, drink, dance and swim – yes, swim – at The Clevelander, which you’ve probably seen on TV during games. It’s definitely an experience unique to Marlins Park, even with overpriced food and drinks.

The Clevelander opens 90 minutes before games and stays open one hour after the last pitch, although the procedure will be different on Saturday due to Beerfest. You must be 21 to enter The Clevelander except on Sundays, when age restrictions are waved, according to the Marlins website.

Hungry? Try a Cuban sandwich.

I had never tried a Cuban sandwich until last year’s All-Star Game. They are fantastic! I got mine at “Taste of Miami” in the stadium’s left-field corner. All of Marlins Park’s solid cuisine options can be found here.

Overall, you should find the atmosphere in Miami to be much more welcoming to Washington Nationals fans than other NL East stadiums. Be sure to keep your eye out for family members of Nats shortstop Trea Turner and center fielder Michael Taylor, both of whom are South Florida natives. You’ll often see Trea’s grandfather wearing a “Turner’s Grandpa” shirt.

Next: Adam Eaton recovering quickly

Enjoy your visit and go Nats!

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