Customers taken out to the ballgame

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Clyde’s of Georgetown is expanding its lineup today with snow cones, popcorn, hot dogs, peanuts and a Cracker Jack dessert.

The extra fare is in honor of the Washington Nationals’ home opener at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial (RFK) Stadium tonight.

Many local businesses — from restaurants to hotels — are swinging into action with promotions today and throughout the team’s inaugural season.

Clyde’s has rented popcorn and snow-cone machines for the festivities, providing free food for diners. Peanuts will be on the tables and hot dogs will be on the menu. A dessert will include Cracker Jack, a baseball game staple.

“I think we will have a good crowd,” said Amy Bridges, corporate marketing manager for Clyde’s Restaurant Group. “If people are not at the game, they’ll be out watching the game.”

Clyde’s has two televisions that, of course, will be tuned to the 7:05 game.

The ESPN Zone on 12th Street in Northwest will be giving away Upper Deck baseball cards. Cracker Jack snacks will be on the tables.

“We think it will be busy because not everyone got tickets to opening day,” said Bonnie Downing, regional marketing manager for ESPN Zone. “That’s why we are doing something a little extra special for our guests.”

Throughout the season, ESPN Zone will host question-and-answer sessions at which fans can meet Nationals players.

The restaurant also will host viewing parties when the team plays away from home and will give away Nationals paraphernalia such as hats, T-shirts and tickets.

Miller Brewing Co. will be hosting tailgating parties at area bars throughout the season with promotional giveaways, drink specials and tickets to Miller Lite’s “Beer Pen” during Friday games. The beer pen is like a VIP party suite within the stadium.

The season also will be good business for hotels.

The Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corp. expects at least 5 percent of fans at home games to stay overnight. That means more than 84,000 rooms will be needed annually for fans, visiting teams and the media.

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