Get The Most From Your Commanders Game Day Experience

Written By Russ Mitchell on August 10, 2022Last Updated on August 11, 2022
Commanders Game Day 2022

In just a month, Virginia fans will be eagerly awaiting the first game day of the season for the Washington Commanders.

The week leading up to the initial preseason game is a hectic period for the Commanders front office, as they collaborate with fans to ensure their season ticket memberships are secured.

After a 7-10 season and securing a third-place finish in the NFC East, the Washington Commanders are now gearing up for the upcoming 2022-23 season. They have an exciting lineup of nine opponents scheduled to play at FedEx Field, including a highly anticipated match against the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, fans can look forward to the traditional annual visits from their division rivals.

No matter if you attend a single Washington game day or all nine, our assistance is available. Furthermore, the legalization of Virginia online sports betting can enhance your overall experience and thrill (as long as it is done responsibly).

Included below is all the essential information you require to fully enjoy a Commanders game, ranging from ticket purchasing specifics to the optimal lot for tailgating.

Make sure to keep coming back for updates! We will keep you informed about special events, guests, and giveaways for Commanders as the season progresses.

Commanders game day Step 1 — Get your tickets

It is highly recommended for fans who are interested in season “memberships” (ticket packages) to make their decision in August since the season ticket package typically includes the team’s preseason game or games.

To acquire season ticket information that was not available on the team website, PlayVirginia engaged in a live chat with a representative from the Commanders account. The live chat representatives proved to be efficient and helpful during our exploration of various season membership options and associated benefits.

Club Level season ticket memberships

Starting in 2022, club memberships will grant you access to complimentary food, nonalcoholic beverages, and parking throughout the season. The prices for club membership packages begin at $1,799 per seat for the home season.

Members of the Commanders club have the option to enhance their experience by upgrading to seats priced at $2,184, $2,684, $3,184, and beyond, which come with superior seating arrangements and exclusive premium amenities.

Fans have the option to pay for their tickets in installments over four months without any interest. The cost varies depending on the seating location.

Other season ticket memberships

Season ticket members are entitled to a 50% discount on concessions, a reduced price at the team store, a complimentary NFL GameDay RedZone pass, and exclusive access to VIP alumni events. Prices for lower level seats range from $1,299 to $1,399, depending on availability.

The number of season tickets sold by the Commanders reached approximately 6,000 in the week before their first preseason game. Our Commanders ticket account representative informed us that certain ticket packages can sell out prior to the beginning of the season.

In 2022, Washington has a home schedule consisting of nine games. To avoid the chilly weather at FedEx Field, five of these games will be played before November 6.

Single-game tickets

When buying single-game tickets from the official team website, fans can expect a familiar Ticketmaster experience. The website offers a stadium seating chart displaying the available seats and their respective prices. For highly popular matchups, the Commanders apply premium pricing to meet the high demand.

As of early August, seat prices for various games range from $34 to $477. The cost varies depending on the game and seat location, with NFC East games and the Green Bay Packers visit tending to be on the higher side.

Don’t forget to include parking expenses in your budget for the Commanders game day.

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

The Commanders kindly request fans traveling from northern Virginia to utilize the designated roadway specified on their parking pass. The parking passes are priced at $65, with an optional rate of $100 for bus and RV parking.

Before heading out to the stadium, Commanders betting adds a dash of entertainment to keep things lively.

The RedZone lot at FedEx Field opens its gates five hours prior to kickoff, while the gates in other lots open four hours before the game starts.

  • To access pay-on-site parking in Lots D & E, take Sean Taylor Road. This route will lead you to the Grey Lot. If you are coming from Wilson Bridge on I-495/I-95, take Exit 17B towards Bladensburg and follow the directions to the stadium. For those coming from Montgomery and Howard counties via American Legion Bridge, take I-495/I-95 to Exit 22B (BW Parkway) and then Exit MD-202. At the traffic light, turn left onto Landover Road/MD-202 and continue until you reach Brightseat Road. Turn right onto Brightseat Road and continue until you reach the stadium.
  • Many individuals from Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel counties, specifically those residing in Lots F & G, access Arena Drive by taking I-495/I-95 and exiting at Exit 16. They can then proceed on Arena Drive until reaching the stadium.
  • To reach the stadium, Lots A and H can take Garrett Morgan Boulevard from Wilson Bridge (I-495/I-95) to Exit 13. Then, they should make a left turn towards Capitol Heights and follow the signs for Capitol Heights around two traffic circles. Afterward, they can turn right onto Ritchie Road, which later becomes Garrett Morgan Boulevard. Simply continue following this road until reaching the stadium. <br><br>For those coming from Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel counties, they can take I-495/I-95 to Exit 15 (Central Avenue/MD-214W). From there, they should make a right turn onto Garrett Morgan Boulevard and continue following it until they reach the stadium.
  • To reach the RedZone Lot, start by taking Belle Haven Drive from Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel counties via I-495/I-95 to Exit 19 (US Route 50 East). Continue traveling east and take Exit 8 for MD-704. Proceed for four miles and make a left turn onto Belle Haven Drive. Next, make another left onto Sheriff Road and drive for half a mile. You will find the RedZone lot on the right side.

Other arrival notes

The designated area for rideshare drop-offs and pick-ups is the RedZone Lot. To access it, please exit the stadium through Gate A. The Rideshare lot is conveniently located just a five-minute walk away from the stadium.

To evade traffic, fans have the option to utilize the Metro. By taking the Blue or Silver lines, you can reach the Morgan Boulevard Metro Station. Simply follow the Garrett Morgan Boulevard sidewalks on your left, and you’ll find the stadium within a mile.

Before attending a Commanders game, make sure to verify the operating hours of public transportation. Occasionally, the Metro may cease operating before the game concludes.

Commanders game day Step 3 — Plan food and drink

The team website urges tailgaters in Washington to purchase a pass for the RedZone Lot.

The RedZone Lot provides spacious parking spaces that are wider than usual. It opens one (1) hour earlier than other lots and has a dedicated entrance and exit road, ensuring minimal traffic delays.

You don’t have to tailgate to enjoy food and drinks at a Washington Commanders game. Bud Light is offered at all concession stands, and there are numerous bars and beer options at FedEx Field to satisfy your hunger and thirst.

  • Sections 402, 426, and 435 of the Blue Moon
  • Coors Light (Sec. 435)
  • The sections of Flying Dog are 402, 408, 420, 426, and 435.
  • The Kona Big Wave can be found in four different sections: 405, 421, 432, and 448.
  • The sections of Miller Lite that pertain to its features and characteristics are section 402, section 408, and section 435.
  • Michelob Ultra can be found in sections 405, 408, 423, 438, and 450.
  • Stella, also known as Section 408, 411, 417, 438, and 445.
  • Section 435 introduces Vizzy Hard Seltzer.

There are bars serving beer, liquor, and wine conveniently located in sections 301, 311, 322, 328, 331, 333, 334, and 337. Additionally, food options are available throughout the entire stadium.

Main Concourse food options

  • Steak & Cheese
  • Assortment of roasted nuts called Totally Nutz.
  • Menu: Pit Beef (featuring pit beef, pit turkey sandwiches, and salad)
  • Dippin’ Dots & Pretzel
  • Pupusa’s (pupusas and quesadillas)
  • Avila House (authentic street-style tacos)
  • Firehouse Subs offers a variety of turkey and Italian subs.
  • Fresh chicken tenders and sandwiches available at Chicken Guy.

Upper Concourse only

  • Kitchen Cray

Main Concourse and Upper Concourse

  • Celebratory sounds of excitement for delectable offerings such as hot dogs, perfectly cooked medium rare sandwiches, and appetizing BBQ nachos.
  • DCQ (pulled pork and pulled chicken) is a combination of tender, slow-cooked pulled pork and succulent pulled chicken.

Main Concourse, Club Level and Upper Concourse

  • Tostitos (nachos, Frito-Lay favorites)
  • Johnny Rockets offers a delectable selection of burgers and chicken tenders.
  • Hoffman’s Meats specializes in hot dogs and chicken sausage.

Club Level and Upper Concourse

  • Snacks and beverages available at Pass N Go Refreshments.
  • Black Riffle Coffee

Club Level Only

  • Fireman’s Café
  • DeLeon Platinum Lounge – The Ultimate Destination for Burger and Margarita Lovers
  • Gold Lounge
  • Ice cream offered by South Mountain Creamery
  • Ella Rays
  • Seafood at the Shack
  • Suit2Cook (DMV crab rolls)

Commanders game day Step 4 — Enjoy the atmosphere

Fans of the Commanders made a wise choice by planning their visit to FedEx Field this year. They will be able to witness a remarkable 90th-anniversary celebration that will span the entire home schedule.

In-game tributes to all five championship teams, including the three Super Bowl Champions, will be showcased for the Burgandy & Gold fans. Exciting plans for the home schedule involve face painting, commemorative souvenir cups, and exclusive limited-edition merchandise.

Make sure to stay updated with team announcements as the team has scheduled renowned Washington legends to act as honorary captains during home games. Additionally, the team has exciting plans to introduce permanent tributes for both “The Hogs” offensive line and Sean Taylor.

Planning can make a great game even better

Remember:

The gates at the stadium are opened two hours prior to the start of the game.

While horns and whistles are prohibited, the remarkable Commanders Marching Band stands as a captivating exemption. Comprising 60 talented musicians playing woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, this band delivers captivating performances before the game, at halftime, and during breaks.

Feel free to bring a camera along to capture the beautiful sights and sounds, but please refrain from selling any images or recordings for monetary gain. Additionally, it would be best to leave the selfie stick, tripod, or camera stand at home.

To enter the stadium, fans must adhere to the policy of carrying only a clear bag that does not exceed the dimensions of 12-by-6-by-12 inches, which is similar to a standard tote bag. Alternatively, a 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag is also a suitable option for this requirement.

  • You are not allowed to have any food or drink in your clear bag. This prohibition extends to thermoses, jugs, cans, coolers, or any other type of container.
  • Seat cushions are acceptable as long as they lack zippers or pockets.
  • Although umbrellas are not permitted, the stadium offers plastic ponchos for sale on rainy Commander game days.
  • Neither folding chairs nor strollers are allowed.
  • Battery-powered clothing and LED lights are prohibited.
  • Please refrain from wearing face paint or ceremonial headdresses inspired by Native American culture.

It’s common sense that fans are prohibited from bringing weapons or illegal drugs into the stadium.

In case of locking your keys in your car, experiencing a flat tire or a dead battery, the Commanders provide free auto assistance. Simply send a text message with the word SAFE to 69050, and the stadium staff will be there to assist you.

Have a fun and safe Commanders game day in 2022, whether it’s the warm September 11 opener or the two January games that conclude the regular season.

Photo by Alex Brandon / AP
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Written by

Russ Mitchell

Russ Mitchell has been reporting on news and sports in Iowa for over two decades, with an impressive 11-year tenure as managing editor for a highly acclaimed community newspaper in the state. In 2021, he joined PlayIA as a lead writer and managing editor, and he is excited to delve into the thriving gaming industry in Virginia.

View all posts by Russ Mitchell