The new Fredericksburg Nationals Ballpark welcomed guests and players for their first home game yesterday, May 11th, 2021.
The new ballpark is a multi-purpose stadium with 5,000 seats, 300-seat club level facility, 13 suites, and is the home of the newly re-christened minor league Fredericksburg Nationals. Construction started the summer of 2019 with the intent of opening for the 2020 season, however, those plans were delayed by the pandemic. While the 2020 Fredericksburg minor league season was canceled, their Major League Baseball affiliate, the Washington Nationals, was able to make use of the empty ballpark for team training and practice.
The new stadium offers a variety of unique features for fans and guests – with suites located behind the manual score board, at the field level with access to the home team batting cages, a Bullpen Party Deck, installations depicting the history of baseball and the City of Fredericksburg, and an innovative design allowing a 360-degree view so fans can always see the game as they walk around the stadium.
Designed by Tetra-Tech, the multi-purpose facility is seeking LEED Certification and features sustainable solutions like LED lighting, energy efficient appliances, and artificial turf. The choice to use artificial turf not only saves on water and use of fertilizer, but it also allows the venue to host concerts, holiday and light shows, and community events.
Last night’s long awaited home opener was celebrated with optimism and cheering fans as everyone enjoyed a return to traditional summer fun.