The Nationals are hosting the world champion Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON \u2014 The good news: Baseball is back in the District as the Washington Nationals host the first home game of the season on Friday with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. The bad news: They have to play the Los Angeles Dodgers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Nationals kicked off the season against the Chicago Cubs and are currently sitting at .500 early in the season with a 3-3 record. But up against the World Series champion Dodgers (4-2), the Nats will have to play some outstanding baseball.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Justin Crawford and Edmundo Sosa lead Phillies past Nationals in 10 innings<\/a><\/p>\n Here’s what else to expect from the Nats’ first homestand of the season.<\/p>\n
Ballpark gates open at 11 a.m., and fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 12:15 p.m. to enjoy the pregame ceremonies. The weekend fun will continue on Saturday, April 4, as the Nationals and Budweiser are throwing a 21st Birthday Celebration with special activities and giveaways for fans to enjoy. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Nationals.com\/OpeningWeek<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ahead of Friday\u2019s home opener, the Nationals will celebrate baseball\u2019s place in our country\u2019s 250-year history with a special ceremonial first pitch featuring a number of individuals who have helped grow the game. Additionally, the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band will perform the national anthem, “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America”; a representative from Boeing will deliver the game\u2019s lineup card to umpires at home plate; and Mayor Muriel Bowser will give the call to “Play Ball!” The Opening Day pregame ceremonies will also feature 250 military members creating a tunnel in center field for starting lineup and manager introductions; our nation\u2019s colors presented by Joint Armed Forces Color Guard; a giant American flag unfurling in the outfield; and a flyover from four F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 121st Fighter Squadron, D.C. Air National Guard.<\/p>\n Before the start of the game, the World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales will take a tour around the neighborhood of the ballpark at 10 a.m. before completing their walk at Nationals Park. Fans will have the chance for photos in front of the Center Field Gates from approximately 10:30 to 10:45 a.m.<\/p>\n
The Opening Weekend party will continue on Saturday, April 4, as the Nationals and Budweiser are throwing a 21st Birthday Celebration. The festivities \u2013 marking 21 years since the Nationals\u2019 inaugural game on April 4, 2005, will include birthday party hats for fans entering through Center Field Gate and at the Budweiser Terrace, a photo opportunity with the Budweiser Clydesdale in Center Field Plaza, live music at the Budweiser Terrace, free cupcakes at select tabling locations around the ballpark, free Budweiser swag during Happy Hour with the purchase of an Anheuser-Busch product and more.<\/p>\n
Can’t make it to the ballpark? On both Friday and Saturday, Nationals.TV telecasts will include drone coverage of Nationals Park, as well as an extended one-hour pregame show beginning at noon. The inaugural season of Nationals.TV<\/a> features Dan Kolko as the Nationals\u2019 play-by-play broadcaster alongside analyst Kevin Frandsen and host and reporter Alexa Datt. This season\u2019s games will also feature several production enhancements, including Wire Cam and shallow depth RF cameras. All three broadcasters will be live from location for every game \u2013 home and away \u2013 with coverage available on cable, satellite and streaming. To learn more about Nationals.TV and how to watch Nationals games this season, visit Nationals.com\/Watch<\/a>.<\/p>\n RELATED: Washington Nationals announce Nationals.TV<\/a><\/p>\n
\nNationals Opening Day <\/p>\n
\nThe Nats Turn 21 <\/p>\n
\nHow to Watch <\/p>\n