Washington Nationals Opening Day

For a lot of people, opening day is a big deal- particularly for our grandson and his mother. But for us, it means congestion, even less street parking, full restaurants, and planning to come and go based on a baseball schedule. We only live about 10 blocks from the Nationals baseball stadium. So, at the beginning of each season, we print the baseball schedule and keep it handy and check it when we are planning weekend events. We'll go to the restaurants near us and 8th street only during game times to avoid the noise and the crowds before and after. The police department sends out email notices about traffic. When I worked near the Brewers baseball stadium in Milwaukee, I also avoided that area when I was driving home from work. Otherwise it can take twice as long when a game lets out. At least here I can just walk in between the cars that are stuck in traffic. I'm glad I don't have to pay much attention to these notices!

The Nationals Game is currently tied in the 9th inning.  Expect traffic delays in the area for the next two hours.

The Washington Nationals are hosting The Cincinnati Reds Thursday afternoon at 1:05 pm at Nationals Stadium, 1500 Block South Capitol Street SE.  The traffic flow for those attending the game is expected to increase between the hours of 10:45 am and 2:00 pm. These times will coincide with the late morning and early evening commute, delays are possible.  Traffic is expected to be heavier than normal on the following roads prior to the game due to the existing traffic volume.  The SE/SW Freeway in the E/B direction especially in the area of the ramp to South Capitol Street and 395 N starting in Virginia will carry much more traffic than normally seen during this time of day.  The following roadways will also be more heavily traveled: 395 S as well as the SE/SW Freeway in the W/B direction, 295 N including the 11th Street Bridge Navy Yard and 8th Street SE Exit off of the W/B SE/SW Freeway.  New York Avenue NW and the NE Side will also carry more traffic than normal prior to the game.  There will also be an increase in traffic inside the 3rd Street Tunnel N/B and S/B as well as inbound on the Suitland Parkway SE.  All of the roadways in close proximity to the stadium will carry a heavier than normal traffic volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.  This includes South Capitol Street as well as The South Capitol Street (Douglass Bridge) in both directions.  The smaller roadways that will be affected are Potomac Avenue, 1st, N and Half Streets SE.  M Street from South Capitol Street to 6th Street SE will also be more heavily traveled.  On The SW Side Maine Avenue and M Street will also be more heavily traveled.  The traffic flow for those exiting the game is expected to increase between the hours of 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm.  The roadways that will see an increase in traffic for those leaving the game are the SE/SW Freeways in the E/B and W/B directions, 395 N and S, 295 N and S, New York Avenue on the NW and NE sides.  The Metro Stations that are expected to see an increase in ridership are the Navy Yard and The Waterfront Stations on the Green Line and the Capitol South and Federal Center on the Blue and Orange Lines.  DC and Metro Transit Police will have a stronger than normal presence in the area.  Please follow any direction that is provided by the authorities on the scene in addition to using caution as not to hit any pedestrians.  EH

My husband wore his hat on his walk in honor of opening day

We check the schedule and plan accordingly