WASHINGTON (7News) — Finally, the Washington Nationals are scheduled to play a home game on Friday afternoon at Nats Park.

It’s the long-awaited home opener against the two-time defending World Champions, the L.A. Dodgers. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm.

The Nats opening series win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field was nice, but then they dropped two of three games in Philadelphia.

A 3-3 start is fine; .500 is better than a losing record.

Pregame festivities

The Nats are offering a variety of fun experiences before the first crack of the bat.

Here’s what fans can expect:

Red carpet player introductionsGiant American flag unfurlingFlyoverJoint Armed Forces color guardU.S. Army Ceremonial Band performing America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled BannerLive band playing on the Budweiser TerraceFace painters, balloon twisters and caricaturists in the Family Picnic AreaPhoto opsParking and Metro

All Nationals operated parking garages, and lots will open at 9:45 a.m., and all gates to get into the ballpark will open at 11:00 a.m.

Nationals Park is a short walk from Metro’s Navy Yard-Ballpark Metrorail station, served by the Green Line. Buses that serve Nationals Park are 74, P6, V2, V4, and Capitol Hill Circulator.

If you’re driving, note that there will be several road closures in the area.

New food options at Nats Park

Bring your appetite. Nats Park has over 40 local food and drink vendors. Some new eats this season include the following:

Eatopian Eats (Section 136) – Vegan and vegetarian Ethiopian food.Fuzzies Burgers (Section 105) – Dry-aged smash burgers out of B’more.Don Churro (Sections 113, 308) – Sweet fritters with dunking sauces.Coneacopia (Section 136) – Gourmet waffle cones and soft serve.Stuggy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs (Section 105) – Dogs with fun toppings like crab mac.Weather

We really could not ask for better early-season baseball weather. Sunshine will be bountiful and temperatures will be in the high 70s to low 80s.

Chime In

If you’re going to any of the games this season, don’t forget to send us photos/videos and we may share them online/on air!