Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2018 campaign is underway. Up next: the Washington Nationals and Nationals Park.
It is an All-Star season at Nationals Park, and the Washington Nationals are shaking up some of the ballpark’s offerings. While July’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game could be the highlight of its season, Nationals Park is also prepared to offer a broad range of new food and drink options.
This year, the Nationals are taking some different approaches to their concessions. In partnership with Levy Restaurants, the team is rolling out a slate of food and beverage options that cover a wide spectrum. The new District Coolers stand near section 108 will offer several different liquors and flavors, with the beverages served in an adult-style juice box (shown above).
There are also some changes on tap when it comes to beer offerings. Nationals Park’s District Draft stands will feature a 24-ounce beer option this year, in addition to a 16-ounce offering. District Draft stands serve as a showcase of some of the area’s craft beers, featuring rotating selections from breweries in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland.
Fans in the mood for a cocktail will also have their options. District of Cocktails carts will be available at two locations in Nationals Park—sections 112 and 135—featuring spirits from local distilleries. That slate of distilleries, which includes District Distilling Co., Republic Restoratives, New Columbia Distillers and One Eight Distilling, are expected to collaborate on a signature cocktail for the All-Star Game.
At retailers outside of the ballpark, fans will be able to find a Nationals Park staple, as the team-branded Earned Run Ale from Devils Backbone Brewing Co. will be available in 16-ounce cans in stores around the D.C. Metro area. Earned Run Ale will also be served at the Left Field Lodge bar in section 301 at Nationals Park along with other Devils Backbone beers, including Vienna Lager and Eight Point IPA.
Changes to the concessions are not limited to alcoholic beverages, as the Nationals and Levy are also rolling out some new stands. A street skewers stand with a rotating menu will be available at section 113, while an Old Hickory BBQ stand, and a new Italian Outpost have been added at section 301. In addition, look for Philadelphia-style pretzel carts—dubbed Knotted Up—at sections 130 and 315, along with Compass Coffee stands at sections 142 and 216. Nationals Park will also have a new hot dog supplier, with Nathan’s replacing Hatfield.
Most of the notable additions at Nationals Park this year relate to concessions, but fans can expect a few other changes. The ballpark’s kids’ zone has been expanded and redesigned, while an adjacent booth will feature a virtual reality home run derby. Another new feature for this year is a social media lounge, a space near the family picnic area that will feature interactive displays.
Image of District Coolers courtesy Levy Restaurants.
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