Photo by el swifterino.

The Nationals are encouraging, nay, begging those of you lucky enough to snag tickets to Monday’s Opening Day game against the Phillies to get your behinds to the ballpark on the double Monday morning. Due to the sold-out nature of the festivities — oh, and this Obama fella that is going to be throwing out the first pitch — the Nationals are recommending that folks arrive at the grounds “several hours earlier than normal” on Monday. Seeing as how the game is scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m., this likely means that the ticketed among us should follow our normal Monday morning routine, just replacing “the office” with “Nationals Park.”

The stadium will open its gates at 10 a.m. and heavy security checks at each entrance will be in place. With first pitches normally taking place about fifteen minutes before the game actually begins, those getting to the park after 12:15 or so may run the risk of missing the chance to see the President’s heater in person.

As usual, the Nationals are suggesting that people consider the bevy of mass transit options that serve the park as an alternative to operating a vehicle around South Capitol Street, which has the potential look like something dragged to the Earth’s surface from the seventh circle of Hell. In case you need a refresher: Metrorail (Green Line to Navy Yard), Metrobus (routes 70, P1, P2, V7 V8 and V9 will get you close) and the Circulator (which runs every 10 minutes between Union Station and the Park) are normally far better options than driving to the stadium. If you must drive though, the Nationals have put together an interactive tool so you can find the right lot for you.

An even better idea: testing out your path of least resistance into the park this afternoon, as the Nationals take on the Boston Red Sox to round out their exhibition slate. At the time of this posting, some (mostly pricey) tickets were still available; the Nats are expecting a big crowd and it should serve as a decent run through for Monday’s game.