Pre-Game Activities For Opening Day At Nationals Park

Three hours of activities are scheduled before the first pitch of 2010 is thrown at Nationals Park by The President of The United States on Monday April 5th. With Barack Obama attending Opening Day for Our Washington Nationals, fans are encouraged to arrive early on South Capitol Street due to the extra security layer being provided by The Secret Service. With that in mind, a host of pre-game activities are planned both in and outside the ballpark.

Here is the complete list of activities:

FAN PROMOTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT

The first 20,000 fans to enter the ballpark will receive a replica batting practice hat presented by GEICO.

The enhanced Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk will host Miller Lite Party Nights on Opening Day, as well as, Thursday, Friday and Saturday game days throughout the season featuring:

$5 beer specials (for the first 2.5 hours after gates open).

Pregame entertainment featuring bands (Fridays) and DJ’s (Thursdays and Saturdays).

Opportunities to play shuffleboard, corn hole, ring toss and various other games.

Special guest appearances by celebrity bartenders.

Half Street festivities will include balloons, sidewalk art and a live band.

Concourse entertainment will include a DJ performing at CF Plaza in the NatMobile, balloon artists, face painters and more.

OPENING DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00 a.m. Gates open – fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the newly-enhanced Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk as well as ballpark concessions that will open at 10 a.m.

12:30 p.m. Pregame Ceremonies Begin

Introduction of the On-Field Host: James Brown, Host, “THE NFL TODAY” on CBS

Random Act of Red Recognition: Nationals will honor Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department and United States Agency for International Development/Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance for their assistance in the relief efforts following the earthquake that struck Haiti.

Giant flags will be unfurled by the DC National Guard.

Armed Forces Color Guard will present the colors.

National Anthem sung by US Navy Sea Chanters.

Silver Slugger Award & Gold Glove Award Presentation: Ryan Zimmerman will be presented with these distinguished awards.

Ceremonial First Pitch: President Obama.

5 Generals from each branch of the military and 5 Wounded Warriors will also be on the field for the First Pitch.

Umpire Intro/Line-Up Delivery: George Will, Pulitzer-Prize winning columnist/author

Starting Nine: Children of deployed soldiers will take the field

Play Ball Announcer: Miss America 2010 and former Nat Pack member Caressa Cameron will make the announcement. She will also sing God Bless America during the 7th inning.

Game Time 1:05PM

The Nat Pack will throw T-shirts to fans throughout the opening ceremonies and the game.

Security Alert

SECURITY & GATE INFO

Due to enhanced security and an anticipated sold out crowd, the Nationals encourage fans to arrive an hour to two hours earlier than normal. Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. to allow fans more time to enjoy the ballpark and opening ceremonies, as well as help reduce the risk of having to stand in line at each gate.

To ensure everyone is in their seats before opening ceremonies begin for this televised event, please consider the following when planning to attend the game on Monday:

Arrive at the ballpark extra early

Consider taking public transportation instead of driving to the game

Leave backpacks, bags and extra items at home

Opening Day 2009 Photo Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved