WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Thursday's Opening Day festivities at Nationals Park signified the start of another season of baseball in the District, and fans couldn't have been more excited. It also marked the start of the Nationals' 20th anniversary season with new local bars and restaurants open ing their spaces in the park. DC News Now caught up with fans who got their Opening Day party going well before the 4:05 p.m. first pitch. Bar seating at Walters Sports Bar across the street from Nationals Park was nearly full more than four hours before the game. Places to see cherry blossoms across DC, Maryland and Virginia Superfan Juan Arias had his full uniform on: Nationals hat, jersey, baseball pants, socks and sneakers, complete with eye-black on his cheeks. "I grew up as a baseball fan, so I want to wear the full uniform every game and make people smile," he said. And as for the season ahead for the team, fans are excited to see a young, hungry squad win. "The vibes are extremely high right now and we're hoping to keep that going for a little bit longer," said one fan. The pre-game festivities were complete with a military aircraft flyover, fireworks displays and a parade of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. "I feel great. The atmosphere is amazing. The lead-up, and the uniform announcement, too, leading up was incredible. I'm looking forward to a great ball game," said fan Josh Kirby. The Nationals debuted their new City Connect uniforms this past weekend, paying homage to the city by including a mapped grid of the city's streets in the design. Washington continues its opening series against Philadelphia through the weekend. ...read more read less