*DC area folks* Getting to Nationals Park

[CubmanPi]

I'll be coming down from Ft Meade on the BW Parkway, and I'm looking at the DC area metro information, and apparently you need this [expletive] SmarTrip card to park at their stations? So I have to purchase it and wait for them to snail mail it, then I can park there. Am I wrong for thinking this is ridiculous? Does anyone more familiar with the system think that there's a chance the parking won't be enforced Friday after 5pm and on weekends? Also, how's parking near the stadium? Friday is definitely going to be a Metro day, but would it be easier to just drive straight there for the weekend games?

[Bull]

The metro is always better.

[CubmanPi]

The metro is always better.

Thanks, I'll stick with it all weekend then. Any idea about the parking options? I've never had a need to use it before so I don't have one of those little parking cards, and it's the only option to pay, at least at the Greenbelt station. Do you think it would just not be enforced since I wouldn't show up until after working hours?

[Shyam]

I'm pretty sure you do need a SmartCard to park .... at least you do at Shady Grove where I get on. However, you can purchase the card right there at the station; no need to wait for snail mail. I've heard that there is very little parking available at the new stadium and that metro is definitely the way to go.

[fromthestretch]

With some of the metro stations (not sure if it applies to all of them), parking is free on weekends. Friday would be a problem for you, but Saturday and Sunday may not be an issue.

[brinoch]

Who all is going to Friday's game? For various reasons, I cannot make Sat. or Sun., so this is the only one for me this year. Mrs. Brinoch and I have seats in Section 113L and will be garbed appropriately in Cub gear.

[fromthestretch]

Who all is going to Friday's game? For various reasons, I cannot make Sat. or Sun., so this is the only one for me this year. Mrs. Brinoch and I have seats in Section 113L and will be garbed appropriately in Cub gear.

 

The wife and I are going Friday and Saturday. We'll be down the right field line (first row, first deck) on Friday night. I should have my blue Fukudome jersey shirt on tomorrow night. No idea where our seats are for Saturday. Can't wait to get a look at the new stadium. Just hope the rain holds off Saturday night.

[fromthestretch]

I'm pretty sure you do need a SmartCard to park .... at least you do at Shady Grove where I get on. However, you can purchase the card right there at the station; no need to wait for snail mail. I've heard that there is very little parking available at the new stadium and that metro is definitely the way to go.

 

You can also park at RFK. I believe they run a free shuttle from the RFK lot to the new stadium.