Metro or drive to Nats game from Mclean??

[slim04]

This is embarrassing, but I used to live 1 block away from a metro station and I still drove to Nationals games. I'm not a big drinker though. I like getting off the 6th street exit (not the Maine Ave. or So. Capital Ave. ones-because they can get backed up) and park in the $15 surface lot at 7th and L or M. It is a short walk west on M to the Stadium, just follow the crowd. That way, both entry and exit is relatively free from traffic.

[gomason]

Originally Posted by slim04

This is embarrassing, but I used to live 1 block away from a metro station and I still drove to Nationals games. I'm not a big drinker though. I like getting off the 6th street exit (not the Maine Ave. or So. Capital Ave. ones-because they can get backed up) and park in the $15 surface lot at 7th and L or M. It is a short walk west on M to the Stadium, just follow the crowd. That way, both entry and exit is relatively free from traffic.

That's what I usually do too.

I've also parked for more than two hours in the residential neighborhood off of 2nd street and didn't get caught.

[Major Barbara]

Originally Posted by slaminjamin87

Drive, Drive, Drive!!! Metro is awful especially after the game. There are two garages next to the ballpark: Lot B and Lot C. They both cost more money, but it's worth it in terms of access and convenience.

Lots B & C cost $47 per game ($49 for "special" games) and it is best to buy and print out the parking pass online (at the Nats website) well before the game. If you just show up a bit before game time, you may well be shut out. The ease of getting out of these two lots can also vary at the inexplicable whim of DC police.

As development in the ballpark area continues, nearby parking is becoming more and more scarce. Metro is a sardine situation after the games alright, but it will become a more attractive option if and as convenient and affordable stadium area parking evaporates. The Circulator bus runs to Eastern Market and Union Station after games but it isn't well advertised or patronized at this point. That may need to change.

[gomason]

I can't believe people actually pay $50 for that garage. You could illegally park one block away for a $25 ticket which would still be half the cost of that garage. Or just walk a few blocks for $20-25.

[novaman]

So we ended up buying a pass to park in lot u. We left Mclean at around 5 and was parked and in the stadium by 5:50. Coming home was a breeze. We left at the top of the ninth with 2 outs and was home by 10:15. Many thanks for the advice!!!

[Major Barbara]

Good call on the parking pass. Glad that did the trick for you. Traffic was light for a Friday though -- people getting an early start on the holiday weekend, no doubt. Pretty quick game as well, as Scherzer mowed down the Phils and the Nats didn't hit a lick either. Storen made it a little too interesting in the ninth, but finally blew away Odubel Herrera with one of the most impressive fastballs he's ever thrown. It wasn't actually pretty, but every win is a good win.

[Major Barbara]

Originally Posted by gomason

I can't believe people actually pay $50 for that garage. You could illegally park one block away for a $25 ticket which would still be half the cost of that garage. Or just walk a few blocks for $20-25.

We have a season plan for Lot-C. No muggings, no tickets, no tows, and nobody left on the curb. And we save about 15% off the daily rate. As seniors, the ability to get quickly, easily, and safely from the car to our seats is important. The money is not. We've collected tons of that over the years to use now for just such purposes.