Get The Most From Your Commanders Game Day Experience

Written By Russ Mitchell on August 10, 2022 - Last Updated on August 9, 2024
Commanders Game Day 2022

Washington Commanders fans in Virginia can get the most of their fandom come game day.

The Washington Commanders are coming off an abysmal 4-13 season and last-place finish in the NFC East. The franchise will bring nine opponents to FedEx Field in 2024-25, including the annual visits by division rivals.

Whether you experience one Washington game day or all nine, we’re here to help. And legalized Virginia online sports betting can add to that experience and excitement (when done responsibly).

Below you’ll find everything you need to to make the most of a Commanders game, from the ticket purchase details to the best lot to tailgate.

Keep checking back: We’ll keep you updated on special events, guests and Commanders giveaways as the season rolls on.

Commanders game day Step 1 — Get your tickets

Fans interested in season “memberships” (ticket packages) are well-served to decide in August because the season ticket package often includes the team’s preseason game or games.

PlayVirginia used a live chat with a Commanders account representative to get season ticket details not listed on the team website. Live chat reps were helpful and prompt as we explored different season membership options and benefits.

Club Level season ticket memberships

Club level memberships include free food, nonalcoholic drinks and parking for the season. For 2024, club membership packages begin at $1,799 a seat for the home season.

Commanders club members can upgrade higher priced packages for a better seat and premium offerings.

Fans don’t have to come up with the money in one lump sum. The Commanders offer a four-month 0% interest payment plan, too. The price changes based on where you sit, of course.

Other season ticket memberships

All season ticket members get half-off concessions, a team store discount, free NFL GameDay RedZone pass and access to VIP alumni events. Lower level seats begin at $1,099 and go up to $1,399, based on what is available.

The Commanders were up to about 6,000 season tickets sold in the week leading up to their first preseason game. Our Commanders ticket account representative told us some ticket packages do sell out before the start of the season.

Washington has a nine-game home schedule in 2022. Five of the nine games will be played by Nov. 6, before it gets too chilly at FedEx Field.

Single-game tickets

Single-game ticket purchases are a typical Ticketmaster experience at the official team website. A stadium seating chart shows fans the seats and price points. The Commanders attach premium pricing to the most in-demand matchups.

Available seats (as of early August) are as low as $34 and can cost up to $477 depending on the game and seat placement. NFC East games and a visit by the Green Bay Packers drift toward the higher end of the spectrum.

Remember parking in your Commanders game day budget as well.

Commanders game day Step 2 — How to get to FedEx Field

The Commanders remind fans coming to the games from northern Virginia to use the roadway assigned to their parking pass. Parking passes are $65 (or $100 for bus and RV parking).

Of course, Commanders betting throws in a little wagertainment before you head out to the stadium.

Gates open five hours before kickoff in the RedZone lot; four hours before kickoff in other lots at FedEx Field.

  • Lots D & E use Sean Taylor Road (Use this route for pay-on-site parking. It will take you to the Grey Lot for that.)
    • From Wilson Bridge I-495/I-95 to Exit 17B toward Bladensburg, then follow to the stadium.
    • From American Legion Bridge, Montgomery and Howard counties I-495/I-95 to Exit 22B (BW Parkway). Then take the Exit MD-202. Turn left at the traffic light onto Landover Road/MD-202 and follow to Brightseat Road. Turn right at Brightseat Road and continue to the stadium.
  • Lots F & G use Arena Drive
    • From Howard, Montgomery and Anne Arundel countiesI-495/I-95 to Exit 16 (Arena Drive). Follow to stadium.
  • Lots A & H use Garrett Morgan Boulevard
    • From Wilson Bridge I-495/I-95 to Exit 13. Turn left toward Capitol Heights. Follow the signs for Capital Heights around two traffic circles. Turn right onto Ritchie Road, which turns into Garrett Morgan Boulevard. Follow to stadium.
    • From Howard, Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties — I-495/I-95 to Exit 15 (Central Avenue/MD-214W). Turn right on Garrett Morgan Boulevard and follow to the stadium.
  • RedZone Lot use Belle Haven Drive
    • From Howard, Montgomery and Anne Arundel countiesI-495/I-95 to Exit 19 (US Route 50 East). Once traveling east, take Exit 8 for MD-704. Go four miles, turn left on Belle Haven Drive, then turn left onto Sheriff Road. Drive 1/2 mile. The RedZone lot will be on the right.

Other arrival notes

Rideshare drop-offs and pick-ups are in the RedZone Lot. Leave the stadium through Gate A. The Rideshare lot is a five-minute walk from the stadium.

Fans can also use the Metro to avoid traffic. The Blue or Silver lines will take you to the Morgan Boulevard Metro Station. Just go left along the Garrett Morgan Boulevard sidewalks. The stadium is less than a mile away.

You’ll need to check the operating hours for any public transportation. Sometimes the Metro closes before the end of a Commanders game.

Commanders game day Step 3 — Plan food and drink

Washington encourages tailgaters to buy a pass in the RedZone Lot. From the team website:

“The RedZone Lot offers extra wide parking spaces, opens one (1) hour earlier than all other lots and has a dedicated roadway to enter/exit the lot, keeping traffic delays to a minimum.”

Even if you don’t tailgate, there’s no reason to go hungry or thirsty at a Washington Commanders game. Bud Light is available at all concession stands. FedEx Field has plenty of bars and beers to choose from as well.

  • Blue Moon (Sec. 402, 426, 435)
  • Coors Light (Sec. 435)
  • Flying Dog (Sec. 402, 408, 420, 426, 435 )
  • Kona Big Wave (Sec. 405, 421, 432, 448)
  • Miller Lite (Sec. 402, 408, 435)
  • Michelob Ultra (Sec. 405, 408, 423, 438, 450)
  • Stella (Sec. 408, 411, 417, 438, 445)
  • Vizzy Hard Seltzer (Sec. 435)

Bars featuring beer, liquor and wine are in sections 301, 311, 322, 328, 331, 333, 334 and 337. Food options are available at all levels of the stadium as well.

Main Concourse food options

  • Steak & Cheese
  • Totally Nutz (assortment of roasted nuts)
  • Pit Beef (pit beef, pit turkey sandwiches, salad)
  • Dippin’ Dots & Pretzel
  • Pupusa’s (pupusas and quesadillas)
  • Casa De Avila (street tacos)
  • Firehouse Subs (turkey and Italian subs)
  • Chicken Guy (fresh chicken tenders and sandwiches)

Upper Concourse only

  • Kitchen Cray

Main Concourse and Upper Concourse

  • Fanfare (hot dogs, medium rare sandwiches, BBQ nachos)
  • DCQ (pulled pork and pulled chicken)

Main Concourse, Club Level and Upper Concourse

  • Tostitos (nachos, Frito-Lay favorites)
  • Johnny Rockets (burgers and chicken tenders)
  • Hoffman’s Meats (hot dogs, chicken sausage)

Club Level and Upper Concourse

  • Pass N Go Refreshments (snacks and beverages)
  • Black Riffle Coffee

Club Level Only

  • Fireman’s Café
  • DeLeon Platinum Lounge (burgers and margaritas)
  • Gold Lounge
  • South Mountain Creamery (ice cream)
  • Ella Rays
  • Seafood at the Shack
  • Suit2Cook (DMV crab rolls)

Commanders game day Step 4 — Enjoy the atmosphere

Commanders fans picked a great year to visit FedEx Field. A 90th-anniversary celebration unfolds over the entire course of the home schedule.

Burgandy & Gold fans will see in-game tributes to all five championship teams, including the three Super Bowl Champions. Plans for the home schedule include face painting, commemorative souvenir cups and limited-edition merchandise.

The team booked Washington legends who will serve as honorary captains at the home games, so keep an eye on team announcements. And, the team plans to unveil some permanent fixtures to honor “The Hogs” offensive line and Sean Taylor as well.

Planning can make a great game even better

Remember:

General gates open two hours before kickoff.

Noisemakers like horns and whistles are banned — but the historic Commanders Marching Band is an entertaining exception. You’ll hear the 60 woodwind, brass and percussion musicians pregame, at halftime and during game breaks.

You can bring a camera to capture a few sights and sounds, but you can’t sell the images or recordings for profit. Also, leave the selfie stick, tripod or camera stand at home.

Fans need a clear bag to carry anything into the stadium and the bag can’t be bigger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches (a typical tote bag). A 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag works really well too.

  • Your clear bag can’t have food or drink inside. The ban includes thermoses, jugs, cans, coolers or any other container.
  • Seat cushions are OK if they don’t have zippers or pockets.
  • Umbrellas aren’t OK, but the stadium does sell plastic ponchos for rainy Commander game days.
  • No folding chairs or strollers, either.
  • You can’t wear battery-powered clothing or bring an LED light.
  • Don’t wear face paint or Native American-inspired ceremonial headdresses, either.

The rest is common sense. Fans can’t have weapons or illegal drugs at the stadium.

Finally, if you lock your keys in your car, have a flat or a dead battery, the Commanders offer complimentary auto assistance. Just text SAFE 69050 and stadium staff will help you out.

Whether its the toasty Sept. 11 opener or two January games to end the regular season, have a fun and safe Commanders game day in 2022.

Photo by Alex Brandon / AP
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Written by
Russ Mitchell

Russ Mitchell covered news and sports in Iowa since 1997, including 11 years as managing editor for one of the most decorated community newspapers in the state. He joined PlayIA as a lead writer and managing editor in 2021. He anxious to explore the growing Virginia gaming industry.

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