Season Tickets, Section 316, and the Power of Showing Up ⚾
Opening Day 2025. The bowels of Nats Park. My bff Katie Martin and I are walking out onto the field with about 400 other fans. The ceremonies begin. We cheer the players as they run by us. I wave hi to Dave Bautista. We move to the warning track as service members wave a giant flag to the national anthem. I tell them they did a great job. One airman asks,
“Who are you guys?”
Who are we? We are the OG: 2005–2025 season ticket holders. The few, the bold, and the committed. 🎟️
Twenty years ago, many nostalgic for baseball purchased season tickets. More tickets were purchased when the momentum shifted from mediocrity to excellence in 2012. Seven years later, our numbers, as were our fortunes, were sky-high: a World Series title. (Go 1-0, baby!) 🏆
As the team aged out and the losses mounted, many ticket holders cancelled their plans. Now, the Nationals are six years post-trophy and in the middle of a rebuild. I don’t know the exact numbers, but I can guess that ticket plans are not selling like they used to.
Katie and I have remained. There are many reasons for this.
First, we love baseball even when it’s ugly. We both lived in Chicago during high and low points in the Cubs and White Sox history. For us, a bad baseball game is a good day overall because it’s baseball. Note: I stormed out of a game in 2010 when the Nats allowed a 2-run triple on a bunt. Don’t ask. 😤
Secondly, Nats Park feels like home. So many memories were formed at Section 316, Row F. 🏟️
Lastly, just like Nats Park feels like home, my fellow fans in our section feel like family. They are family. We’ve experienced weddings, births, funerals (bless you, Ed!), moves, retirements, graduations, and even an award or two. We’ve sat out storms, met up for playoff games, and cried together after finally winning a postseason series. These connections fill my heart. ❤️
There is something to be said for consistency, for being there for each other. We show up, we are constant, and we are there for each other.
We live in a time when social media has replaced connection. However, human connection will always surpass virtual connection. Being present allows you to see honest reactions and address each other in person. These relationships are deeper and more reliable. 🤝
✨ Embrace connections when you have them. They can produce real, thoughtful results.
Honor consistency, community, and purpose. The best moments are celebrated together, not in a bubble.
And call out both the small and big wins. Not everything has to be the World Series. 🎉 Jump for joy when that rookie hits their first home run. And do it with those close to you. 🙌
