2011 NatsFest Schedule

Posted by Cheryl Nichols | 3/24/2011 12:27:00 AM | , , , | 0 comments »

The Washington Nationals announced the schedule for 2011 NatsFest for next Wednesday, March 30 from 4-8 p.m.  Here is the complete press release.

NATIONALS ANNOUNCE 2011
NATSFEST SCHEDULE

Tickets still available for the first homestand of 2011

With Opening Day nearly a week away, the Washington Nationals today announced the official schedule of events for the 2011 NatsFest, set to take place on Wednesday, March 30 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. For the first time in team history, the Nats will hold their annual fan appreciation festival the day before Opening Day.

The third annual NatsFest will feature activities for fans of all ages and offer unprecedented access to Nationals players, prospects, coaches and executives. Future Nationals scheduled to participate include Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Derek Norris, Chien-Ming Wang and Cole Kimball*. For a complete list of events, please see below.

Prior to gates opening to the general public at 4:00pm, Nationals season ticket holders will have exclusive access to a Q&A session featuring Nationals players, coaches and executives beginning at 3:30pm. Season ticket holders must bring their NatsFest tickets (located in their season ticket book) to gain early entry into Nationals Park starting at 3:00pm. In addition, season ticket holders can participate in a special photo session with select players at 6:45pm.

The first 5,000 fans will receive a free curly “W” slingbag. Tickets for this year’s NatsFest are now available and cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. Tickets may be purchased online at nationals.com/natsfest or by visiting the Nationals Park Main Box Office (Half and N Streets, SE). Concessions will be available for purchase and limited free parking will be offered in Nationals Park Garages B and C.

Opening Day tickets for March 31 are moving fast, but a limited number of seats are still available to see the Nats take on their NL East rival the Atlanta Braves. Fans who can’t make it to the season opener can celebrate baseball’s return to Washington by purchasing tickets to the two remaining games in the Braves series the first weekend in April. A trip to Nationals Park on Saturday, April 2 at 1:05pm and Sunday, April 3 at 1:35pm are the perfect way to welcome springtime to Washington, so visit nationals.com/tickets to purchase tickets for these and future games.

NATSFEST EVENTS


· Team Practice: 4:00pm – 5:45pm
  • Fans can watch the team practice as they prepare to take on the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day.

· On-Field Meet and Greet: 6:15pm – 7:05pm on the Warning Track
  • Following the team practice, fans will be able to venture down to the Warning Track to meet Nationals players and coaches.
· Season Ticket Holder Photo Station: 6:45pm – 7:45pm in the Stars & Stripes Club, 1st Base Side
  • By showing their NatsFest tickets (located in their season ticket book), season ticket holders will have a special opportunity to take photos with Nationals players. This exclusive event will feature two sessions of three to five photo stations consisting of two players each. (SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ONLY)
· Special Q&A Sessions and Live Music: 4:00pm – 8:00pm at the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk

Nationals players, coaches and broadcasters will field questions from fans in three Q&A sessions moderated by VIP hosts. A live band will play intermittently between sessions and food and beverages will be available for purchase.

o Session 1: Players and Coaches (begins at 3:30pm; SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ONLY)
o Session 2**: Broadcasters (5:45pm-6:15pm)
o Session 3**: Coaches (7:00pm-7:30pm)

· MLB Legends, Leaders & Future Stars**: 5:30pm – 8:00pm in the PNC Diamond Club

Fans will be able to register to take part in Q&A sessions with a panel of current and former MLB players.
o Session 1: MLB Legends (5:30pm - 6:00pm)
o Session 2: MLB Legend, Leader & Future Star (6:45pm - 7:15pm)
o Session 3: MLB Legend, Leader & Future Star (7:30pm -8:00pm)
- Registration is on a first come, first serve basis in Center Field Plaza beginning at 4:00pm

· Catchers Corner: 7:00pm – 8:00pm in the Auxiliary Locker Room

In this kids-only event, fans 12 and under can take photos with Nationals catchers.
- Only one parent per child will be admitted into the locker room to take photos
- Space is limited; Participation will be on a first come, first serve basis

· Guitar Hero Contest**: 5:30pm – 7:15pm in the Family Fun Area

For a $5 donation to the Dream Foundation, fans over the age of eight will be able to register for a chance to compete in a Guitar Hero contest, with the day’s high score winner ultimately facing off against a Nationals player in the final round live on the NatsHD Video Board at 7:50pm
- Registration is on a first come, first serve basis in Center Field Plaza beginning at 4:00pm

· Race the GEICO Racing Presidents**^: 7:00pm – 7:45pm on the Warning Track

Fans will be able to enter their names into a free raffle to race the GEICO Racing Presidents on the Warning Track. Fifteen children and five adults will be selected to race against Abe, George, Tom and Teddy in four heats of five.
- Registration will take place at 4:00pm near the GEICO Racing Presidents photo location
- Raffle winners will be announced at 6:00pm

· Batting Cages^: 6:30pm – 8:00pm in the Visiting Club’s Batting Cages

For a $5 donation to the Dream Foundation, fans of all ages will have an opportunity to hit live pitches in a Major League batting cage.
- Space is limited; Participation will be on a first come, first serve basis


ONGOING EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

· Dream Foundation Silent Auction: 4:00pm – 6:30pm at the Dream Foundation Kiosk
o Fans can bid on a variety of items that are signed and game-used by their favorite players.

· Nationals Exhibit and Mini-Museum: 4:00pm – 8:00pm in the Stars & Stripes Club, 3rd Base Side
o Fans can tour historical memorabilia from the Nationals, Expos, Senators and Grays
o Photo opportunities with Ryan Zimmerman’s 2010 Silver Slugger
o Photo opportunities with Presidential wax figures from Madame Tussaud’s
o Q&A session with Phil Wood (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
o Q&A session with WJFK’s LaVar Arrington and Chad Dukes (7:30pm – 8:00pm)

· Kid’s Zone: 4:00pm – 7:45pm at the Family Fun Area, featuring:
o Exxon Strike Zone
o Build-a-Bear Workshop
o A bounce house and a five-sided inflatable game
o Games, face painters and balloon artists

· MASN’s Interactive Area: 4:00pm – 8:00pm in Center Field Plaza
o Grin & Grab Photo Opportunities
o Nats Xtra Fan Feud Trivia

· WJFK 106.7 The Fan: 2:00pm – 7:00pm at the 106.7 Broadcast Booth behind section 106
o Live broadcast of the LaVar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes


*All player appearances are subject to change
**Limited Space available; event registration required
^A signed waiver will be required for participation

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