Nationals Park Bag Policy 2025 - Key Details

Washington, D.C. is well-known for its federal landmarks, national parks, and historical significance but did you know that it's also a great place to watch professional sports and live entertainment? Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. is the go-to venue for sports and live shows, allowing you to shake up your itinerary so it's not just about history. Looking at the line-up of past, current, and upcoming events at Nationals Park, there is no shortage of high-octane fun!

Nationals Park, also known as Nats Park, is located at 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C., which is along the Anacostia River. This is part of the Navy Yard neighborhood, which is a lively area of Washington, D.C., and is perfect for exploring. The stadium is home to the Major League Baseball club, Washington Nationals, who have only continued to get better over the years. The Washington Nationals have multiple National League East titles and the 2019 World Series title.

Besides baseball, the stadium is the go-to place for conventions, festivals, concerts, family-friendly events, and more. The 2025 calendar is already shaping up to be exciting and will include such events as the Nats Summer Concert Series, the Savannah Bananas, and the Shakira - Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.

Nearby the stadium are the beer gardens and sports bars, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, The Yards Park, and the scenic Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. And, for those who want to explore more of what Washington, D.C. has to offer, top attractions and highlights include the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, the United States Capitol, The White House, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

But before you head to Nationals Park with your tickets in hand, you'll need to know a few details. There is a Nationals current bag policy and some other policies. We'll cover all of that and more, so let's take a look.

Bag Policy at Nationals Park: What You Need to Know Before You Visit

The Nationals Park bag policy is pretty restrictive. All bags larger than a 5” x 7” x ¾” clutch need to be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. The only exceptions are for a diaper bag or medical bag. No matter the size of the bag you bring in, it will be searched by security personnel.

Besides the clear bag policy, there is a maximum bag size of 16” x 16” x 8”. This applies to clear tote bags, clear drawstring bags, clear backpacks, and one-gallon plastic freezer bags. Non-clear clutch bags that are smaller than 5” x 7” x ¾” are permitted as long as they are inside a clear bag, such as a freezer bag. Also worth mentioning, clear bags can't have grommets, buckles, and other "décor items". If you've got diaper bags or medical bags you'll need to enter through the ADA/Family lanes.

Some of the non-approved bags on game days include:

• Non-clear bags that are larger than 16” x 16” x 8”.
• Non-clear drawstring bags.
• Any type of backpack, even if it's clear.
• Soft-sided coolers, hard-sided coolers, and ice chests.
• Computer bags, regardless of size.
• Camera bags, regardless of size.
• Luggage of any kind or size.

If you've got bags that are on the non-approved list, there is on-site storage available called Binbox. Binbox is found outside the Home Plate and Right Field gates. There are a couple of different sizes of lockers to choose from, and there is a fee for them. These lockers can fill up fast, and the size you need may not be available. That's why our luggage storage is so convenient!

Store Your Bags with Bounce and Make the Most of Your Visit to Nationals Park

Because the bag policy is so restrictive, and there is no guarantee the on-site storage lockers will be big enough for your backpack or other belongings, we're here to help. Even if your items will fit in the on-site storage, what happens if you get to Nationals Park and find out all the lockers have been rented out?

We offer convenient temporary luggage and bag storage near Nationals Park that isn't out of the way, and that is also affordable. Go ahead and leave your heavy backpacks, tote bags, large camera bags, and any other belongings with us so you can enjoy your event at the stadium worry-free. If you plan on exploring the other highlights in Washington D.C. before or after heading to Nationals Park, they likely have similar bag policies in effect.

To make your booking all you need to do is download our app, choose the most convenient location, and go ahead and reserve it. Booking with us means you don't have to worry about how small the on-site lockers at Nationals Park are, if there are any available, or the cost of them. Our bag storage starts at $4.10 per bag, per day. And with our 24-hour flat rate fee, you won't have to worry about the game or event running late since the price won't go up.

All our bookings also include protection of $10,000. Your bags will be safe and secure while you're off having a great time. And if you have any questions at all, our 24/7 support is here to help! What happens if your trip gets canceled and you've already made a booking with us? Not to worry, we offer free cancellation!

Policies to Keep In Mind When Going to Nationals Park

Whether you're watching one of the baseball games or any other event, there are some additional policies to be aware of at Nationals Park.

Some Outside Food and Drink Is Allowed at Nationals Park

Wondering if you can bring outside food and drink into Nationals Park, the answer is yes! You can bring single-serving food items and only one water bottle that is one liter or less. You won't be allowed to bring coolers or ice chests in with you. If you don't want the hassle of bringing food and water with you, the concession stands sell ballpark favorites like hot dogs, BBQ, funnel cakes, and popcorn just to name a few. You can also buy alcoholic drinks at specific locations within the park.

The stadium is cashless, so plan to have another payment method on hand both for food and merchandise. If cash is all you have, you can exchange it for Nats Bucks which you can use to pay for anything at the concession stands and merchandise vendors.

Non Professional Cameras are Allowed at Nationals Park

You'll be able to take all the pictures you want as long as your camera isn't a professional one. Ballpark regulations also don't allow camera lenses longer than eight inches. All monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are banned. Video recording is allowed as long as it's for personal use.

Be Aware of Prohibited Items at Nationals Park

There are a handful of items that are classified as prohibited, or an item deemed dangerous, so you want to be prepared before you arrive.

You won't be able to bring in pepper spray, self-defense sprays, pocket knives, or any other item that is deemed dangerous. Even toy guys are prohibited. Also on the list of prohibited items are laser pens, metal or glass containers, wheeled footwear drones, hard coolers, and baseball bats. The only animals allowed in the stadium are service animals. Nationals Park is also a smoke and tobacco-free facility.

Final Useful Tips When Going to Nationals Park

If you plan on driving, be sure to purchase parking in advance because the parking lots are known to fill up fast. You can park your car at GEICO Garage or Garage C, which are open two and a half hours prior to every game. You will need to have your digital ticket in hand to be allowed to park at these locations. Several other lots in the area also offer game day parking.

Taking a taxi to the stadium? The taxi stand is located on the north side of M Street. You can also hail a ride at South Capitol Street.

There is also the Potomac Riverboat Company on the “baseball boat” to get to the stadium. Tickets for this transportation option can be purchased directly from the water taxi company.

Each of the gates has its own entry time, so it can be a bit confusing. It's best to check the park website or the MLB Ballpark app in advance so you know what time your gate opens. Most of the gates open two hours before the first pitch, but not all of them.

If you're hoping to watch the Nationals players in batting practice before the game starts, it's not always allowed. It's best to create an MLB account and check to see if batting practice is open to ticket holders that day.

Be in the Know When It Comes to the Bag Policy and Other Rules

Washington, D.C. is filled with spectacular sights and attractions, but game day at Nationals Park could be one of the highlights of your entire visit. Nationals Park is the perfect place to visit if you're into baseball, live music, and other entertainment, but now you know there are some policies in place at the stadium. For the best, most seamless time at Nationals Park be sure to book luggage storage with us and eliminate any potential issues you may have at the gate!