A Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Nationals Park

Put me in, Coach!

True story: Every single Nats game I’ve been to since last season, they’ve lost. And I caught quite a few of them last year — during that amazing season! — and have been to three so far this time ’round. Not a single win. I’m seriously starting to think it’s me.

So, it was actually kind of a relief to be at the ballpark yesterday, when there was no game going on, hence no chance of jinxing it. Good friends of ours won a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium for 25 people in a raffle, and we were among the lucky crew who were invited to join them (thanks, Elsa & Sam!).

Kids are psyched the big tour

View from the Red Porch

What a treat it was for all of us. We got to visit parts of the park that either aren’t open to the public or that I’ll probably never make it to (unless anyone out there with connections wants to hook me up with sweet seats 😉 ). Our tour guide also pointed out neat features of the park that I might not have noticed on my own and gave us some history of DC’s baseball teams and former stadiums.

View from the sweet suite seats

In the press box

Hanging out in the visiting team’s clubhouse

We got to see the Diamond Club, President’s Club, a luxury suite, and the press box, and take in the sweeping views from all of them. We saw the opposing team clubhouse and Shirley Povich media center. And throughout most of it, we saw many great photos — shots of old timers, presidents throwing first pitches, and more momentous images. Artifacts from years’ past, like President Kennedy’s seat from RFK Stadium and the chairs that were hit by some of the longest home runs, were on display in the club rooms.

Pointing out the presidents

JFK’s seat from RFK stadium

Players see this quote as they head through the tunnel to the dugout

And one of the most exciting parts, especially for the kids, was saved for last: We got to go down to the field. Not on the grass, but on the track just around it. We sat in the dugouts and hung out in the Nationals bullpen, where all of the kids got a turn throwing a pitch. Pretty awesome, and the perfect way to end our tour.

She’s got Natitude

Look at that arm!

Pretend play at its best

Headed for home

I was thinking how much my dad would like the venture and asked how I might arrange a visit next time he’s in town. It turns out these tours are actually available to the public on most non game days throughout the season and a bit beyond. Who knew?! Times vary by day, so check the calendar for the schedule on the day you hope to go. You can also go on game days, though the tour is limited; there’s no on-field stop and no pitching in the Bull Pen. Tickets for all tours are $15/adults, $12/children, military, and seniors.

Now, just cross fingers for the May 10th game! I’ve already got my tickets, determined to end the unlucky streak.

The Bryce Harper fan club