Get your tickets and scorecards ready , kids … Major League Baseball ’ s “ Midsummer Classic ” is coming to town !
The 89th Annual MLB All-Star Game will be hosted by the Washington Nationals and played at Nationals Park on July 17 , 2018 . MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement on Opening Day , April 6 , 2017 , when the National League East Champion Washington Nationals kicked off their season against the New York Mets .
It has taken nearly 50 years for baseball ’ s All-Star Game to return to the nation ’ s capital . This year will mark the fifth time the event has been held in Washington , D . C . Previous games were played in 1937 , 1956 , 1962 , and 1969 , when it was hosted by Washington ’ s previous baseball team , the Senators . That game was played at RFK Stadium , the first ballpark used by the Nationals after the team departed Montreal and arrived in DC in 2005 .
D . C . UNITED
AUDI FIELD
Nationals Park is located in Southeast Washington , about two miles due east of the U . S . Capitol building , along the Anacostia River . It is only a few minutes over the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport .
The All-Star Event will take center stage for several weeks this summer , as excitement builds before the Game even begins . The Home Run Derby is the most anticipated and popular event , and is held the day prior to the Game . This epic contest pits home run hitters against one another , and never fails to wow the crowd , as baseballs soar into the stands .
Prior to the Home Run Derby , the All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game is held . The teams are composed of a mix of stars from the host team ’ s past , and celebrities from music , film and television .
Since 1999 , the All-Star Futures Game has been a feature of All-Star Week . Young players from the United States are matched against a team composed of players from all other nations . The players are selected based on their minor league prospect rating .
Nationals Park opened in 2008 and accommodates 41,339 fans . Whether you are a hometown Nationals fan , or a visitor attending the “ Midsummer Classic ”, this sparkling venue will command your attention . The moment you spy the grand outdoor staircase sweeping up to the entrance turnstiles , you will know you are in for a special experience .
Once inside , visitors can enjoy the Red Porch for food and spirits , the Team Store for souvenirs , and the Budweiser Brewhouse for draught beers . Favorite ballpark foods and drinks abound throughout Nationals Park , too .
The MLB All-Star Game is known for many traditions , but Nationals Park offers a famous one of its own — the “ Racing Presidents ”. Watch and cheer as the clevercostumed past Presidents George Washington , Thomas Jefferson , Abraham Lincoln , and Theodore Roosevelt try and outhustle each other along the base line . Who ’ s got your vote ?
Providing a shining backdrop for All-Star week is the nation ’ s capital itself . A short drive from Nationals Park are some of our country ’ s greatest landmarks , including the Capitol Building with its newly-restored dome , the White House , the Washington Mall , the Washington Monument , and the Smithsonian Museum , including its newest facility , the African American Museum of History and Culture .
This year ’ s MLB All-Star Game logo captures the grandeur and symbolism of our nation ’ s capital . Its focal point is the Capitol Dome , crowned with the bronze Statue of Freedom at its summit . Six stars on a blue crescent arch majestically behind the Dome , representing the three baseball divisions in the two Leagues - East , Central , and West . Under the arch , red and white stripes symbolize a waving American flag . Rounding out the bottom , two stars on a red background represent the American and National Leagues .
Our pride is showing . What could be more American ? Batter up ! Play ball !
D . C . United will open their new Audi Field — a 20,000 capacity soccer field — on July 14 , three days before MLB All-Star Week . Audi Field is located along the Anacostia River in the historic Buzzard Point neighborhood in Washington , D . C — two blocks away from Nats Park . The new facility is custom built for D . C . United and replaces RFK Stadium . United spent 22 great seasons at RFK , and now fans will enjoy a soccer-specific stadium they have been craving for years .
D . C . soccer fans celebrated on Feb . 27 , 2017 when United Managing Partner Jason Levien , Mayor Muriel Bowser , MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Audi of America President Scott Keogh joined members of the Black-and-Red family in officially announcing the groundbreaking for Audi Field at Buzzard Point . Media and fans gathered with players and team personnel to break ground with commemorative ( and festive ) D . C . United shovels in a celebration felt across the nation ’ s capital .
The first game is scheduled for July 14 at 7 PM against the Vancouver Whitecaps .
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