Now that the Washington Nationals are in the final month of the 2011 season, the team has planned a variety of events and activities to thank fans and season ticket holders for their unwavering support all season long. The Nationals will also distribute a variety of surprise giveaways – including autographed items from Nationals players, team merchandise, and valuable gift cards and experiences donated by corporate partners – to a number of lucky fans. The following festivities are scheduled:
Sept. 2-5: Grand Slam Labor Day Weekend
To celebrate the unofficial end of summer, the Washington Nationals and The Washington Post have teamed up to host a series of special events at Nationals Park as part of Grand Slam Labor Day Weekend. On Friday, Sept. 2 there will be a $5 ticket offer for fans. Nationals fans can purchase tickets to the series opener against the New York Mets for just $5 while supplies last. There will also be post-game fireworks presented by PNC Bank.
On Sat., Sept. 3 fans will have a chance to have their photos taken on the warning track with their favorite Nationals players, coaches, executives and TV/radio personalities before the team takes on the Mets. Beginning at 4 p.m., limited areas of the warning track will be accessible to fans to walk around the outfield. The event will take place between 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
After Saturday’s game fans will have the opportunity to stay around for a free concert with the band Lifehouse. The concert, presented by Coca-Cola is only available to spectators with valid tickets to that evenings game. The L.A.-based rock band Lifehouse is best known for the hit singles “You and Me,” “Hanging by a Moment” and “Whatever It Takes.”
On Sun., Sept. 4 the Nationals will host the Wounded Warrior Amputee Celebrity Softball game following the final game of the Nationals-Mets series. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is comprised of 15 veterans and active duty service members from across the United States, each of whom have lost limbs while serving our country. The squad will face a group of local D.C. celebrities as part of an on-field exhibition game following Sunday’s Kids Run the Bases event.
Featured in Sports Illustrated and HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, these extraordinary athletes embody the resilience of our military while illustrating the strength and tenacity to overcome any challenge. Using the latest in prosthetic technology, the team faces only able-bodied opponents and competes at the highest levels.
Tickets for the Nationals game against the Mets are on sale through a special ticket link at nationals.com/woundedwarriorsoftball. For each $20 ticket purchased through the website, $5 will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team. Seats will be located in sections 101-107, a perfect vantage point to take in the softball game. Spectators who wish to attend the softball game must have a valid ticket to the Sept. 4 Nationals-Mets game.
Tickets to the Nationals-Mets series finale will be available for $1 to children ages 3 through 12. Fans may buy up to four tickets for $1 each with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket in select areas. Tickets can be purchased online at nationals.com/grandslam or at the Box Office on game day and are subject to availability.
Also on Sunday, Nationals players will sign autographs for approximately 20 minutes starting at 12:15 p.m. on top of the dugouts. Autographs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting, subject to player schedules and timing. Following the game, kids ages 4 through 12 are invited on to the field to run where their heroes play.
On Monday, Sept. 5 Nationals fans can purchase tickets to the series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers for just $5, while supplies last. Visit nationals.com/grandslam to purchase tickets.
Sept. 17: Picnic in the Park
All Nationals season ticket holders are invited to Nationals Park for the team’s annual Picnic in the Park prior to the Nationals-Marlins game on Sept. 17. The event, which takes place from noon to 3:30 p.m., is offered exclusively to the Nationals’ most loyal fans. Season ticket holders receive insider access to unique experiences throughout the ballpark.
Sept. 25: Fan Appreciation Day
The Nationals will celebrate the close of the season with Fan Appreciation Day when the team concludes their 2011 home schedule against the Atlanta Braves.