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A Sellout Crowd Brings Energy to Nationals Park
Fans packed Nationals Park on Friday as the Washington Nationals hosted their 2026 home opener against the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The game drew an announced attendance of 41,161—a full sellout .
The atmosphere was electric well before first pitch. Gates opened at 11 a.m. for the 1:05 p.m. start, and fans were encouraged to be in their seats by 12:15 p.m. to enjoy extensive pregame ceremonies . The festivities celebrated both the franchise’s 21st birthday (marking the Nationals’ first game on April 4, 2005) and America’s 250th anniversary .
Pregame highlights included:
- A flyover by four F-16C Fighting Falcons from the D.C. Air National Guard
- The World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales touring the neighborhood before the game
- A giant American flag unfurling in the outfield
- Joint Armed Forces Color Guard presenting the nation’s colors
- Mayor Muriel Bowser delivering the call to “Play Ball!”
💼 Economic Boost for Local Businesses
For businesses in the Navy Yard neighborhood surrounding Nationals Park, opening day provided a much-needed financial jolt. “We’ve been waiting a good six, seven months now for the Nats season to come back,” said Simon Wu of Silver Diner. “I’ve heard this is a sold-out game, which means we got over 40,000 fans coming to the area, and that’s what we needed” .
Wu noted that on game days, his restaurant serves 3,000 to 4,000 customers—double the volume of non-game days. “It’s really impactful, and we really needed it,” he said, citing recent economic pressures including tariffs and layoffs .
⚾ Dodgers Spoil the Party with 5-Homer Barrage
While the crowd was ready to celebrate, the two-time defending champion Dodgers had other plans. Los Angeles hit five home runs en route to a 13-6 victory, spoiling Washington’s homecoming .
Shohei Ohtani launched a three-run homer in the third inning—his first home run of the season—and finished with four RBIs . Kyle Tucker, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages also went deep for the Dodgers .
Nationals starter Miles Mikolas (0-2) endured a historically rough outing, allowing 11 earned runs on 11 hits in just 4⅓ innings—a club record for most runs allowed by a Nationals pitcher in a home opener . The 11 runs were the most Washington has allowed in a home opener since moving from Montreal in 2005 .
C.J. Abrams provided a bright spot for the home team, hitting a three-run homer in the first inning and finishing with four RBIs .
🎉 Opening Weekend Festivities Continue
The celebration continues Saturday, April 4, as the Nationals and Budweiser throw a 21st Birthday Celebration. Festivities include birthday party hats for fans entering through Center Field Gate, live music, free cupcakes, and a “ceremonial first sip” toast featuring a lifelong Nationals fan celebrating her own 21st birthday at the ballpark .
The teams continue their three-game series Saturday at 4:05 p.m., with Tyler Glasnow starting for the Dodgers against Washington’s Jake Irvin .
