Nationals Park is...mid.
I think most Nats fans could agree that Nationals Park is a middle-of-the-road venue in the major leagues; not awful, not spectacular. Take a look around at different ballpark rankings from various outlets, and you'd likely find Washington slotted in somewhere around the 15-20 range, hovering right around the middle.
I've been to 7 MLB ballparks. After a recent visit to Truist Park in Atlanta, and thinking about my visits to other ballparks (including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and both Chicago teams), I found myself thinking:
What can Nationals Park do better?
While we'd all like to sit here and dream of a new ballpark, the Nationals are tied to their Navy Yard home at least through the 2038 season -- their lease with the city of Washington D.C. and their stadium runs until then.
Also, Nationals Park is only 18 years old -- MLB's seventh-newest ballpark (not including Sacramento's Sutter Health Park, where the A's currently play). Long story short, the Nationals are not moving any time soon.
The Good
We need to acknowledge some of the things the Nats park does well -- this certainly isn't a Tropicana Field, Oakland Coliseum, or minor-league ballpark situation -- you can still have an enjoyable experience at a ball game in Navy Yard.
Cherry Blossoms - These are a great tie to the city, especially during early season games during peak cherry blossom season. The blossoms fit in well behind the left field seats.
Center Field Gate - the fairy lights by the Budweiser terrace are a nice touch during night games.
Half St./Metro - Nationals Park is very accessible to public transportation -- a two-block walk to the Metro. Also, I always enjoy the excitement and camaraderie that you feel walking down Half Street.
D.C. Resident Discount - It's pretty cool that you can get into a Nats game for 5 bucks. But that doesn't apply to everyone.
And honestly... that's about it.
Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Nationals Park. I've attended countless games, and have so many great memories there. But common sense, and experiencing other games elsewhere, tell me that the Nationals can certainly improve their ballpark experience in a few tangible ways.
The Bad
Tickets (for everyone else) - This was especially annoying during the last few seasons of rebuilding. During the 2023 season, I paid over $100 for four upper-deck seats to watch two eventual last-place teams, the Nats (71 season wins) and the Rockies (59 wins). Those seats were closer to the roof than the upper concourse.
Now that the Nats are winning again, tickets may be a little bit more expensive, and that's fine. But tickets are far from cheap.
Concessions - Food at Nationals' Park is very expensive -- I cannot remember the last time I willingly paid for food at the ballpark. Thanks to a post to r/Nationals, let's take a look at some of these prices, shall we?
Cheeseburger: $16.
Fries: $8.
Beer: $16 a can.
20 oz Dasani Water: $7.50
Plain Hot Dog: $7.50
Those prices are unbelievable. Yes, the Nationals do have value days with $5 hot dogs, popcorn, beer, and more. Regardless, prices for concessions at Nationals park are not cheap. Next time, you can find me at the Half St. Chipotle; I'll be taking my $12 bowl into the game.
Honestly, if the Nationals can address these two (hello permanent value menu locations!), the fan experience in Nats Park would improve greatly. I still love going to games there, but it is rather frustrating having to pay so much for tickets and concessions.
Then again, if the Nats keep winning, I'm not sure anyone will really care.
Feel free to debate in the comments of this article, or tweet me: @andrewpindc
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