Washington Nationals show off new improvements to their stadium

Dave Leval
·2 min read
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WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Changes are being made to the Washington Nationals this season, from earlier game times to stadium enhancements and new food options.

The Nats will take the field earlier this season when they play home games. The team announced Monday that their game time will be moved up from 7:05 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

“We did that because we want to make sure that our fans can see all nine innings on a weeknight, even if it’s a school night or work night,” said Lisa Marie Czop, the Nationals’ senior vice president of ballpark operations. “I know my kids are very excited about being able to come on school nights now.”

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The statement came during the Nationals’ annual Media Day, during which they also showed off the new, interactive scoreboard at Nationals Park, along with new screens around the ballpark, including behind home plate.

Plus, new LED field lights have been installed that will brighten the atmosphere during all the games.

The Nationals and Major League Baseball (MLB) have also made it easier for fans to enter the stadium.

Visitors can simply walk through the CLEAR lane at the centerfield entrance, using the MLB Ballpark app, after they buy a ticket online. You simply walk through the entrance that shows your picture on a screen and you’re admitted. Once you’re registered, you never have to take out your phone again.

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“MLB has done a lot of fan research over the years and one of the consistent pieces of feedback we’ve gotten is that sometimes the entry experience can be filled with anxiety,” said Karri Carembano with Major League Baseball. “So we wanted to see how we could change that from an anxiety-filled moment to a magical experience.”

The Nationals join the Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros and S.F. Giants in starting the season with the new technology.

There’s more food for thought at the stadium, too, as new food items have been added to the menu, such as shrimp tacos and Chesapeake crab cake sandwiches.

The Nationals host the Pittsburgh Pirates in the April 1 home opener. Game time is set for 4:05 p.m.

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