DC excited and prepared for World Series spotlight

The World Series spotlight shifts to the nation’s capital Friday night as the Washington Nationals come home with two wins against the Houston Astros. And D.C. is preparing for the games and the crowds they will bring.

“We are so excited to bring the World Series to Washington, D.C., for the first time in 86 years,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser at a news conference Thursday outside Nationals Park.

The Nats are two wins away from winning the series, and they could sweep it in a deciding Game 4 on Saturday. The city is prepared for that to not be the case, which means Game 5 would be held on Sunday night.

“Similar to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the Cap’s Stanley Cup run, we are prepared,” said D.C. police Chief Peter Newsham.

Newsham said there are no credible threats against the city or the games this weekend, but the police department will step up patrols. Those additional officers will focus on the area around the ballpark and D.C. night life destinations.

Newsham said road closures, and restrictions seen in Game 4 of the National League Division Series will be in effect for the home games. This includes many street parking spots near the stadium being off limits.

If the Nats win it all while at home, closures and restrictions may be extended after the deciding game, Newsham said.

Bowser urged fans to do four things if they are attending the games, or headed to a watch party near Nats Park. “Don’t drive to the ballpark. Arrive early. Drink responsibly, and cheer loudly,” Bowser said.

Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said his employees are ready to support the games.

He said his team is also supporting the Nats with train and bus operators all wearing “Curly W” hats.

Wiedefeld said after every game, Metro will remain open for 20 minutes. He also said everyone in a line at Navy Yard Metro station within 20 minutes of a games conclusion will be allowed to board trains.

In the case of a Game 5 on Sunday, Wiedefeld said Pepco will pay to run trains along the entire system from 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Wiedefeld also wants riders to not wait until game day to refill Metro cards.

It will be a busy weekend for Metro, which will open two hours early on Sunday for the Marine Corp Marathon.

If the team wins its first World Series, fans are expected to fill the streets to celebrate. Newsham said police will be on standby to make sure the fun doesn’t get out of hand.

“Washington, D.C., has a proud history of celebrating responsibly and with class, and we certainly don’t want to ruin that reputation,” Newsham said.

A familiar tip for all big events with large crowds: Groups are encouraged to decide on a designated meeting area in case anyone gets lost.

Also, for game day information from D.C., text “NATS” to 888-777.

Mike Murillo

Mike Murillo is a reporter and anchor at WTOP. Before joining WTOP in 2013, he worked in radio in Orlando, New York City and Philadelphia.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer speaks during a news conference before Game 5 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington. Scherzer was slated to start Sunday’s World Series game, has been scratched with spasms in his neck and right trapezius.

After a rainy start the day of Game 5, the sun finally began shining on Nationals Park hours before the game. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

Members of the Washington Nationals watch during the ninth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. The Astros won 8-1 to tie the series 2-2.

Members of the Washington Nationals watch during the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.

Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel, left, forces out Washington Nationals’ Trea Turner at first to end the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)

Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman (2) celebrates after his grand slam against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.

Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman hits a grand slam during the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.

Many Nats fans are calling it a night, in the 7th. This as the Nats trail the Astros 8-1. @WTOP #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/0BFlPB4edE
— Mike Murillo (@MikeMurilloWTOP) October 27, 2019

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tanner Rainey throws against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Patrick Semansky)

Washington Nationals’ Gerardo Parra scores past Houston Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos during the sixth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)

Houston Astros relief pitcher Will Harris celebrates after the final out in the sixth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Patrick Semansky)

Washington Nationals’ Trea Turner reacts after striking out against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.

Nats fans at Dacha near the Nats Park cheer as the National put one on the board. @WTOP #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/kmHIod4tYR
— Mike Murillo (@MikeMurilloWTOP) October 27, 2019

If you can’t squeeze into the bar, watch through the window. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

Houston Astros’ Robinson Chirinos, right, celebrates his two-run home run with Carlos Correa during the fourth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.

Houston Astros’ George Springer can’t catch a foul ball hit by Washington Nationals’ Anthony Rendon during the fourth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.

Washington Nationals’ Adam Eaton reacts after flying out during the third inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington.

Houston Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos can’t catch a foul ball hit by Washington Nationals’ Patrick Corbin during the third inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, left, celebrates after Houston Astros’ Robinson Chirinos made the last out in the top of the first inning during Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Patrick Semansky)

Washington Nationals’ Yan Gomes celebrates after a double against the Houston Astros during the third inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)

A packed house at the Salt Line, a bar near Nationals Park, during Game 4 of the World Series. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

Houston Astros’ Michael Brantley scores past Washington Nationals catcher Yan Gomes on a hit by Yuli Gurriel during the first inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)

Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve celebrates with Carlos Correa after scoring during the first inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Patrick Corbin throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Jeff Roberson)

Washington Senators great Frank Howard was part of the festivities before Game 4. (WTOP/Dave Preston)

Half an hour before Game 4, Nats Park is already packed. (WTOP/Jonathan Warner)

Two D.C. Fire and EMS trucks hold up an American flag outside Nats Park ahead of Game 4. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

Fans filed into Nationals Park ahead of Game 4. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

dc police, aerial, nats park — D.C. police helicopter captures scenes at the Navy Yard at Nationals Park during Game 3 of the World Series. (Courtesy D.C. police via Twitter)

The Nats and Astros are introduced during Game 3 of the World Series. (WTOP/Jonathan Warner)

bar, world series — Fans watch Game 3 of the World Series from a bar near Nationals Park. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)

The scene outside Nationals Park ahead of Game 3 on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. (WTOP/Brennan Haselton)

The Washington Nationals warm up during batting practice before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Alex Brandon)

Fans try to catch a ball during batting practice for Game 3 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Meyer Cabrera, 12, left, talks with is dad Washington Nationals second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera during batting practice before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Alex Brandon)

(L-R) Anthony Rendon #6, Howie Kendrick #47 and Adam Eaton #2 of the Washington Nationals warm up during batting practice before Game 3 of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on Oct. 25, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/Will Newton)

Trea Turner #7 of the Washington Nationals warms up during batting practice before Game 3 of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on Oct. 25, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/Will Newton)

Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon warms up during batting practice before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Alex Brandon)

Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz take a selfie with Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz give Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto a cake for his 21st birthday before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington.

David Ortiz talks to Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington.

Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz watch Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto swing the bat before Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in Washington.

Bill Nye takes selfies in the dugout during batting practice prior to Game Three of the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on October 25, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/Will Newton)

(Getty Images/Will Newton)

Photo of World Series field, Game 2 of World Series — A photo of the field in Houston before Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/George Wallace)

Fans watching Game 2 of the World Series in Houston — The crowd at Minute Maid Park cheer on their respective teams during Game 2 of the World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros. (WTOP/George Wallace)

WTOP’s George Wallace traveled to Houston to cover the game. Follow him on Twitter for updates. (WTOP/George Wallace)

nats party, world series — Some 14,500 fans attend a watch party for Game 2 of the World Series at Nationals Park. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)

world series, astros — Astros fans show their spirit during Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/George Wallace)

nats, houston astros, world series, pat collins — Nats’ Ryan Zimmerman meets NBC Washington legend Pat Collins in Texas during Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/George Wallace)

nats, world series, houston astros — WTOP’s George Wallace and NBC Washington’s Pat Collins are in Texas for Game 2 of the World Series. (Courtesy George Wallace)

nats, watch party, game 2, world series — Nats gear is in high demand, as fans line up to buy them at the team store at Nationals Park. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)

nats park, watch party, game 2, world series — A fan shows off his custom-made shirt during a watch party at Nationals Park for Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)

nats, watch party, world series, game 2 — Fans lines up at Nats Park for a watch party for Game 2 of the World Series. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)

A Washington Nationals player reaches for a ball during batting practice before Game 2 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in Houston.

(WTOP/Michelle Basch)

nats, watch party — Max Scherzer fans watch Game 1 of the World Series during a watch party at Nats Park. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)

Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman hits a home run during the second inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/Eric Gay)

Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto hits a home run during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/Eric Gay)

Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto celebrates in the dugout after his home run against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/Matt Slocum)

Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto celebrates after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/David J. Phillip)

Washington Nationals’ Victor Robles can’t catch a ball hit by Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel during the third inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/David J. Phillip)

Washington Nationals center fielder Victor Robles can’t get s glove on a single by Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel during the third inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP/Matt Slocum)

(AP/Matt Slocum)

Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole throws during the first inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.

A Houston Astros fan gives a thumbs up before Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.

Melissa Guitron waits for the start of Game 1 of the baseball World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.

Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch, right, and Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez meet during introductions before Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.

Members of the Washington Nationals stand on the field Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, during tribute to umpire Eric Cooper, who died last weekend, before Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros in Houston.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.

Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman hits a home run during the second inning of Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in Houston.