(Washington, DC) – The Washington Nationals 3-game series against the New York Yankees this weekend is expected to draw sellout crowds to Nationals Park. With game day traffic expected to be very heavy, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is encouraging fans to allow extra time to get the ballpark and to take public transit if possible.

The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm tonight, 1:05 pm on Saturday and 1:35 pm on Sunday afternoon. The Nationals have announced the Center Field Gate will open 2 ½ hours prior to the start of each game, allowing fans access to the Center Field Plaza, Outfield Reserved seating areas on the main concourse level and the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk. All other gates and ballpark areas will open 1 ½ hours prior to the start of each game.

All parking lots will open 2 ½ hours prior to the start of each game. Limited parking is still available and the Nationals say fans are strongly encouraged to purchase parking in advance. Other transportation options include Metrorail, Metrobus, DC Circulator Buses, water taxi service and by bicycle. More information about all of these options is available on the Nationals website.

The key is allowing extra time to get to your seats, even if you plan to take Metrorail. Scheduled weekend track work will impact service on some lines. Metro has posted details on its website: Metro weekend track work June 15-17, 2012 .

DDOT will deploy additional Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) at intersections near the baseball stadium and will adjust traffic signal timing before and after the games.

Motorists are also reminded to pay close attention to the parking signs, particularly on residential streets in the neighborhoods around the ballpark. On many blocks, parking is reserved for residents only on one side of the street, and limited to two hour parking for non-residents on the other side.  The Department of Public Works (DPW) enforces the restrictions and baseball fans are asked to avoid parking in the neighborhoods as a courtesy to residents.