2013 Night OUT at the Nationals — Photo by Chris Jennings
The Night OUT at the Nationals event is one of the largest LGBT community events in professional sports in the United States. Over 4,000 LGBT fans are expected to attend.
“It’s even bigger than LGBT fan nights hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Box. Tickets tend to sell themselves through word of mouth,” says Suzanne McArdle, co-chair of the Night OUT at the Nationals Committee.
The Nationals game has become a marquee annual event over the past 10 years. The Night OUT series is organized by Team DC, a non-profit organization that supports the LGBT community in sports. Proceeds from every ticket sold go directly to Team DC’s Student-Athlete Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded each year to local college-bound LGBT student-athletes who, through their roles in academics and sports, have enhanced the perception of the LGBT community. Team DC is always looking to get more women involved in the leadership roles on Night OUT events and in Board positions on Team DC. This will be the first year ever with a women’s section, hosted by Tagg Magazine.
“Historically, the event is typically male dominated. Having a women’s specific section will be such a great opportunity for women to have a greater presence at the game and let more women know about it for next year. At some point during the game, Tagg will be featured on the jumbotron as an All Star Series Partner,” says McArdle.
The Washington Nationals are extremely supportive of the LGBT presence. The LGBT Night OUT group is one of the largest community groups the Nationals host during the season. The Nationals allow Team DC, the LGBT organization that puts on the event, to steal the spotlight with every aspect of the pregame ceremonies.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC sings the national anthem. Team DC gets to decide who throws the ceremonial first pitch, who delivers the official line-up cards to the home plate with managers and umpires, and who yells “Play Ball!” before the start of the game. Previous VIP guests who have participated in the pregame ceremonies include, Alan Gendreau, the openly gay Division I football player, Gautam Raghavan, the White House Associate Director of Public Engagement for LGBT Issues, Senator Tammy Baldwin, The Washington Post’s Jonathan Capehart, and many other prominent figures.
Guests can enjoy the pre-game party located at the Miller Lite Scoreboard, complete with drink specials and a live DJ starting at 4:30 p.m. until the first pitch of the game.
For more information or to purchase your Tagg section tickets, visit http://taggmagazine.com/nightout/.
Night OUT at the Nationals vs. the Houston Astros
June 17, 2014 / Nationals Park
Gates open at 4:30 / Game at 7:10
[wpspoiler name=”Other Upcoming Night OUT Events” ]Night OUT at the Kastles – July 2014
Night OUT at the Mystics – July 25, 2014
United Night OUT – September 27, 2014
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