Where Do CUA Students Watch Sports Events in DC? -

By Anthony Curioso

In DC, there are many places to watch sporting events, and numerous CUA students have taken advantage of the opportunity to catch a game at these venues. Many of these establishments are sports bars, where fans can view games on large television screens while enjoying food and beverages. Some may purchase tickets to watch the games live at Nationals Park, Capital One Arena, or Northwest Stadium. With the Major League Baseball (MLB) season having launched on March 27, March Madness still ongoing, and the playoffs for the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) approaching, where do CUA students prefer to watch all of these sports in DC?

The Bullpen – Navy Yard

The Bullpen’s website describes it as “the original home base for Nationals fans.” This outdoor sports bar’s main entrance is directly across the street from the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station. Patrons must be over 21 and present a valid ID to enter The Bullpen without parental supervision.

The Bullpen is mainly open during Nationals home games, and it has no cover charge. However, a cover fee applies during select ticketed events at The Bullpen, and the exact cost will vary by event. During Nationals home games, The Bullpen projects the game on a large screen near the main bar and hosts a “happy hour” featuring $6 drinks from the third to the seventh inning. Since The Bullpen’s hours are somewhat irregular, they encourage fans to check their operating schedule on their website or Instagram.

Many CUA students aged 21 and older frequently go to The Bullpen before games at Nationals Park or remain there for the entire match. The Bullpen hosts live music prior to every Nationals home game and during rain delays. While enjoying their time, patrons can engage in cornhole near the main bar. However, those needing to use the restroom must rely on the porta-johns located at the corner of the lot.

Sign of the Whale – Dupont Circle

Sign of the Whale is a sports bar that opened in 1971, promoting itself as “the perfect social oasis.” According to Google Maps, it is half a mile from the Dupont Circle Metro station. Sign of the Whale serves a variety of American comfort foods and offers numerous cocktail options for patrons over 21. Compared to The Bullpen, Sign of the Whale has more regular operating hours, being open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

Sign of the Whale brands itself as a “Philly bar” and shows games from most Philadelphia sports teams on its TV screens. Since many CUA students claim to be from “right outside of Philly,” it follows logically that many will visit Sign of the Whale to watch Philadelphia sports games.

Dirty Water – Near Northeast (H Street)

Dirty Water is a popular sports bar focused on Boston’s sports teams. Alongside their specials during Boston sports games, they frequently host watch parties for Republican Party events and nationally televised sports events like March Madness. For additional information, please visit the Dirty Water Instagram page.

The Dirty Water menu exemplifies the Boston theme by featuring numerous food and beverage items for which Boston is renowned.

Dirty Water is a very popular destination for CUA students, with many sharing their experiences on the anonymous social app Fizz. The attraction of Dirty Water for CUA students is understandable, given the large number of individuals from Boston and the surrounding areas.

DC Sports Stadiums

For the last three years, numerous CUA students have purchased tickets to watch the Capitals, Wizards, Nationals, and Commanders play their home games, or they have attended games as part of trips organized by the Campus Ministry office or the Office of Campus Activities (OCA). Additionally, a traditional activity offered by the Program Board to graduating seniors during the week between final exams and Commencement is attending a Nationals game, with the option of visiting The Bullpen before or after the game.

Many CUA students enjoy watching sports events in DC, and there are various venues where they can do this. Where do you plan to watch your next DC sports event?