The Bullpen

The Bullpen Adds Life to Nats Park 'Hood New Half Street hangout just opened By TOM SHERWOOD On Saturday evening, I walked just over a half mile from my Southwest home to the Nats stadium off South Capitol Street to see the Phillies take on the Nationals. The Bullpen Gives Nats Fans Relief A new beer garden gives fans something else to cheer about at Nationals Park.

A few blocks from the stadium, my friend Ron and I got soaked when one of those "scattered" showers hovered overhead. But rather than rushing into the stadium, we rushed into something new on Half Street just outside the center field gates. It's The Bullpen, a combination bar-hangout music spot that's already drawing a crowd -- and it just opened Friday night. Bo Blair is one of the principals of Georgetown Events, the company that's leased the space. The huge tent has TV screens showing sports and places to sit. It'll be open before and after Nats games on Thursdays through Sundays. Be sure to try it out. But remember, you came to go to the stadium. Don't have so much fun in the beer garden that you forget where the stadium is. It's right next door.