Nationals Park Tours

April 23, 2008

As mentioned previously, Ballpark Enterprises has kicked off tours of Nationals Park for fans on non-game days for $15. You can purchase tickets online or at the ticket kiosks at the park (I believe) ahead of time. Tours begin at 10:30 AM. I took a tour Monday morning and have to say the coolest part was getting to stand in the dugout and throw warmup pitches in the Nats bullpen. Except I think I tore my labrum! (j/k) My second pitch even crossed the plate as a low strike! I won’t say where the first one went… “Coach” Ron led me throughout the new ballpark, explaining the architecture, quotes, murals, and artwork in depth, and gave me a sneak peak into the PNC Diamond Club, Lexus Presidents Club, Shirley Povich Media Center, clubhouse, batting tunnel, and bowels of the stadium where the beer is held and pumped throughout the structure (priorities!). Cool stuff! [Photoset]

The tour takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and I’ve heard rave reviews from one other fan I know of who took it during this past weekend’s kickoff. She even said Cal Ripkin Jr. was there on a tour! Cool stuff (and there’s a quote from him next to the Wall of Dreams). I’m working up a highlight video, but there’s no way to compact all the delights into a ten minute video, so get on down after this eleven game homestand if you want a peek behind the scenes!
One interesting thing of note : I had been under the impression that the play gym area was for four and unders, which I never and understood since I think my ten year old would be fine in it. Apparently that’s been changed and it’s now for kids 3-12 years old. Of course, with the free playstations, I can’t see many 10-and-overs in the gym!

Posted in MLB, Stadium, Washington Nationals