The Washington Nationals held its annual “hot stove” gathering for full season plan holders at Nationals Park on Wednesday evening, featuring the team’s Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Valerie Camillo, General Manager and President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo, and broadcaster FP Santangelo.
As expected, Rizzo received questions about the team’s depth and bullpen, with no 
great surprises revealed; but in keeping with tradition, Camillo had a few announcements related to the fan experience in 2017, including the annual season planholder gift, an “alternative leather” box.
The full promotional calendar will be announced February 16, but Camillo teased the crowd with a few previews, including an opening day giveaway of a Nationals Magic 8 Ball, a sliding Trea Turner bobblehead on May 12, and a Nationals Fedora on July 26.
Camillo also revealed a number of theme days for 2017, including Star Wars Day (May 27), 90s Night (August 11), and Oktoberfest (September 29). Special ticket events will include the return of College Days, Taste of the World (July 8), Ladies Night (July 29), and a new Easter Egg Hunt (April 16) and Mothers Day Brunch (May 14).
Camillo also revealed some new items for sale at the team stores, and some new items at select concession stands, including spiked water, a mojito cart, a tater tot stand, and three new food items: an italian sausage burger (sections 110, 141, and 310), a chicken fried steak sandwich (at Virginia Country Kitchen), and marinated chicken skewers (at Change Up Chicken in sections 110 and 129).
For what it’s worth, besides Turner, the Nats’ front line players yet to be featured on a bobblehead doll are Daniel Murphy, Tanner Roark, Adam Eaton, Joe Ross and Anthony Rendon (Rendon has been featured on a garden gnome). If the Nationals issue six bobbleheads as they have in recent years, this could be your list. Stay tuned for the rest of the promotional schedule in February.
Thanks to Luis Albisu for the photos and reports from the event.
LET TEDDY WIN 