2023 Nationals Homecoming Gala FAQ
Who hosts the Nationals Homecoming Gala and what does it support?
Nationals Philanthropies, the official charitable arm of the Washington Nationals, hosts the Nationals Homecoming Gala as its signature annual fundraising event. Support for the event enables year-round impact through grants to community-based organizations and youth development programs at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. Learn more about our mission and work at nats4good.org.
Exclusive sponsorships and table entries are still available. Read more about the Gala here, and email Lauren McCarthy (lauren.mccarthy@nationals.com) to secure your sponsorship or inquire about additional ways you can further support our mission.
What is the timeline of the event?
6:00pm Red Carpet arrivals, cocktail reception
7:00pm Dinner program and Power of Baseball Award presentation
9:00pm Exclusive after party
Will weather affect the event?
The event takes place largely indoors and will not be canceled due to weather. Event schedule is approximate pending conclusion of the Exhibition Game at Nationals Park (12:05pm vs NYY).
What health and safety guidance is in place?
Attendees should consider their health and any recent exposure before attending the event. Guests who are experiencing any symptoms or are not feeling well the day of the event will be encouraged to stay home. Mask-wearing will be optional for event attendees and a limited number of masks will be available onsite. Full health and safety guidance, including policies in place for vendors and staff working the event, can be found here.
What is the dress code for the evening?
Event attire is “Cocktail Chic” which includes suits or sport jackets for men and cocktail dresses or jumpsuits for women. Please no jeans.
How can I get to The Anthem?
Parking is available for purchase at Wharf Parking Garage and Colonial Parking. There are designated drop-off and pick-up locations for rideshare and taxi services within one block of the Anthem. Both the Waterfront and L’Enfant Plaza Metro stations are four blocks away and a free District Wharf circulator services both of stations and drops passengers off in front of The Anthem. Click here for more transportation information, including Wharf Parking Garage capacity and rates.
Will coat check be available at the event?
Coat check will be available upon arrival.
Will there be a public red carpet for the event?
Yes, there will be a red carpet for Nationals players along the Wharf leading into the Anthem. The red carpet viewing area will be open to the public, and fans can visit nearby restaurants and bars to get a front row seat to the action.
Does the event include a seated dinner?
Yes. We are excited to return the Gala to its pre-pandemic format, including a red carpet, cocktail reception, and seated dinner program. Sponsors who purchased a table will be able to fill all the seats (10) with your guests. Half Table sponsors and their guests (6) will be paired with other Half Table sponsors, and individual ticket holders may be seated at full tables or two-top tables. Live entertainment and a silent auction can be enjoyed throughout the evening.
Can I get a player at my table?
A player or coach is guaranteed at tables starting at the All-Star Sponsorship level and above. For more information about sponsorship levels and their benefits, click here.
Who will receive the 2023 Power of Baseball Award?
Nationals Philanthropies will honor Ryan Zimmerman with the Power of Baseball Award, presented by The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation. The first-ever player drafted by the Nationals, Zimmerman went on to play 17 seasons with the organization – including an historic World Series championship run – before retiring in 2022. Aptly nicknamed “Mr. National,” Zimmerman has proven himself a leader on the field and in the community. He is the first current or former player to receive the foundation’s Power of Baseball Award, which annually recognizes an individual, corporation, organization or local group that embodies the positive character and level of achievement exemplified throughout the game of baseball. Past award recipients include:
2022 Theodore N. Lerner | Nationals Founding Managing Principal Owner
2021 World Central Kitchen featuring José Andrés | COVID-19 Food Access Partner
2020 Dave Martinez | Washington Nationals Manager
2019 Inaugural Graduating Class | Nationals Youth Baseball Academy Scholar Athletes
2018 JMS Little League All-Star Team | D.C. Little League Championship Finalist
2017 Ross Eisenman | Nationals Youth Baseball Academy Mentor
Will there be a silent auction?
Yes. Guests can look forward to bidding on one-of-a-kind experiences and memorabilia during the Silent Auction. Guests can get a preview of the auction online shortly before the event begins and all bids can be placed online via MLB Auctions. An MLB account is required to bid. Click here to create one ahead of time.
Can I attend the after party?
Guests who sponsored the Gala at the All-Star sponsorship level and above will receive a dedicated number of passes to the exclusive after party. Please find more information about sponsorship levels and their benefits here.
What if I still have more questions?
If you have more questions, please email Emily Tenuta (emily.tenuta@nationals.com).