On Friday, the Washington Nationals announced that beginning with the 2019 season backpacks may not be brought into Nationals Park, except as otherwise provided in the Nationals Bag Policy. The policy was revised in order to enhance ballpark safety. Exceptions may be made for backpack diaper bags or backpacks used for ADA/medical reasons. All purses, briefcases, drawstring bags, diaper bags and soft-sided coolers that do not exceed 16"x16"x8" will still be permitted. On the day of purchase, backpacks bought during games or events at Nationals Park will be tagged and permitted for that day only.
"The safety of our fans, staff and players at Nationals Park is always a top priority. We are constantly assessing our procedures in an effort to make our ballpark safer," said Scott Fear, Washington Nationals Vice President of Public Safety and Security. "We understand the implementation of these procedures will take some time for our fans to get used to, but our organization is dedicated to making Nationals Park the safest environment possible for everyone in attendance."
The policy will be in effect starting with the Nationals exhibition game on Monday, March 25. Exceptions for backpack diaper bags or backpack ADA/medical bags may be requested by Season Plan Holders at any Season Plan Holder gate. Non-Season Plan Holders may make an exception request at any of the family/ADA lanes, which are located at the Center Field Gate (closest lanes to the Main Box Office) or the Home Plate Gate.