Nationals Park felt more like a neighborhood block party on Friday as the Washington Nationals hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers for a 1:05 p.m. home opener. To launch opening weekend, the team packed the area with pageantry that included a military flyover, an appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales and live music on the Budweiser Terrace.
Opening weekend highlights
The pregame slate features a flyover by four F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 121st Fighter Squadron of the D.C. Air National Guard, roughly 250 military members forming a tunnel for player introductions, and Mayor Muriel Bowser delivering the ceremonial "Play ball!" The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band is scheduled to perform the national anthem, and the program will spotlight individuals who have helped grow the game, as reported by WTOP.
Military flyovers are a local tradition
Military flyovers at Nationals openers are a familiar local flourish, and the D.C. Air National Guard has staged similar F-16 passes over the stadium in recent seasons. Photographs and Defense Department coverage document the 121st Fighter Squadron's past participation in pregame ceremonies at the ballpark, underscoring how the spectacle has become part of the D.C. baseball routine. See images and historical notes as documented by DVIDS.
Clydesdales, giveaways and live music
Before the formal pregame program even starts, the World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales are set to tour the neighborhood at 10 a.m., with a photo stop planned at the center-field gates around 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday is billed as a 21st-birthday celebration for the franchise and will feature giveaways, birthday hats, free cupcakes at select spots and live music on the Budweiser Terrace, according to WTOP. Budweiser promotions during happy hour are expected to include branded swag tied to beverage purchases.
Japanese Heritage Day and star power
Saturday, April 4 has been designated Japanese Heritage Day as part of the Nationals' 2026 heritage-days calendar. The Dodgers, who have Shohei Ohtani on their roster, are in town for the weekend, adding extra buzz to Saturday's festivities. Fans can see the team's heritage schedule on MLB.com and check out Ohtani's profile on MLB.com for more on the visiting stars and the heritage-day lineup.
Tips for fans
Gates typically open about two hours before first pitch, so fans can expect 11 a.m. entry for Friday's 1:05 p.m. game and should budget extra time for lines and neighborhood activity. The Washington Post has a season guide to new entry procedures, concessions and Budweiser Terrace programming, and ticket listings on SeatGeek confirm the 1:05 p.m. first-pitch time. It is worth checking both before heading to the ballpark.
