Washington Nationals and Fanatics Unveil New Retail Experience at Nationals Park
Today, the Washington Nationals and Fanatics, the club’s in-venue retail partner, officially announce a reimagined shopping experience at Nationals Park, marking the first comprehensive remodel of the in-venue retail space in the last 10 years. These renovations represent a cornerstone achievement in a partnership that began in 2024, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing the fan experience.
This upcoming baseball season, Nationals fans will experience a transformed retail environment featuring a new state-of-the-art flagship team store located in the Center Field Plaza. Spanning 10,000 square feet—a 30% increase in space—this modern shopping destination provides access to an expanded merchandise selection, immersive digital experiences, and innovative technology to enhance the shopping journey.
“We are always looking to deliver a best-in-class experience to our fans,” said Alan H. Gottlieb, Chief Operating Officer, Lerner Sports Group. “The newly remodeled Team Store provides a much faster and enjoyable experience, offering top-tier products and experiences while also getting guests back to their seats quickly and easily.”
The Nationals and Fanatics worked collaboratively to design a space that captures the robust history of both the team and the D.C. community, while injecting modern elements into the space.
Key features include:
Premium product zones - Featuring expanded collections of core products from leading brands including Nike, Fanatics, New Era, Mitchell & Ness, WinCraft, and more.
A bold aesthetic celebrating the Nationals and Washington, D.C. – Highlighted by brick and white tones reminiscent of the capital city’s architecture, as well as elements that celebrate the team’s identity and pay homage to legendary moments and players, as well as the Racing Presidents and team mascot, Screech.
Improved fan flow and shopping experience – A redesigned layout ensures a seamless journey through the store, optimized for high-traffic on game days.
Streamlined self-checkout technology – With 18 self-checkout stations, fans can enjoy a quick and frictionless purchasing process.
New high-speed customization station – Utilizing an AAPS system and laser-enhanced jersey press, reducing the time it takes to create a custom jersey from eight minutes down to just two minutes.
Immersive space – Large LED screens and TV column showcasing team content and live game broadcasts.
In addition to the flagship store in the Center Field Plaza, additional fan enhancements include a new Topps concept shop located at Section 114, where fans can create personalized baseball cards, as well as purchase customized jerseys and other team merchandise and collectibles.
“Alongside the Nationals, Fanatics is proud to bring new, state-of-the-art retail experiences to Nationals Park this season,” said Ed O’Brien, Fanatics SVP of Business Development. “Our collective goal was to create immersive, must-visit destinations that will excite fans by combining cutting-edge technology, robust merchandise assortments, and thoughtful design elements that honor the collective identities of both the team and local D.C. area.”
The newly renovated Team Store will officially open to the public on Sunday, March 23, when the Nationals unveil their new City Connect uniforms. Local dignitaries and celebrities will help herald the arrival of the new uniforms beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Market Square on The Warf in Washington, D.C., as the World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales, with Nationals legend Ryan Zimmerman riding the hitch, make their way to Nationals Park. Upon their arrival to the Center Field Gate at approximately 9:30 a.m., Zimmerman and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will officially reveal the new uniforms and open the doors to the store. Season Plan Holders will have exclusive access from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., with doors open to the general public from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The launch party will feature a live DJ, mascot and broadcaster appearances, light refreshments and more.