STADIUM CHEF SERIES RETURNS WITH EXCEPTIONAL CHEF-DRIVEN CULINARY EXPERIENCE AT NATIONALS PARK, PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE, BENEFITING THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
Guests to Enjoy an Exclusive Evening of Fine Dining with an All-Star Chef Lineup This October
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2025 -- Marquee Development, in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, is thrilled to announce the return of the Stadium Chef Series at Nationals Park. Presented by Capital One and benefiting the James Beard Foundation, this exclusive event will take place in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, October 29. Building on the success of last year's event at Nationals Park, the series continues to bring unforgettable culinary experiences since its launch in 2022.
The Stadium Chef Series reimagines iconic stadiums as settings for fine dining, featuring James Beard–affiliated and standout chefs who craft extraordinary culinary experiences. Now in its fourth year, the experience has spanned coast to coast - from Fenway to Wrigley to Minneapolis and beyond - transforming iconic ballparks into unforgettable destinations. Across every city, the Stadium Chef Series transforms center field into an intimate dining room, where guests are treated to a five-course dinner crafted by a renowned lineup of local chefs. Benefiting the James Beard Foundation's Good Food for Good® mission, each on-field evening blends fine dining, sports, and philanthropy in a way that is truly unparalleled.
This October, the 2025 Stadium Chef Series kicks off with an intimate evening under the lights at legendary Nationals Park. Led by Executive Chef Matthias Merges, the unforgettable dining experience will feature a lineup of celebrated local and national culinary talent, including many James Beard Award honorees. Guests will convene at center field and dine at a beautifully appointed communal table and enjoy five delicious courses, each presented by a different chef. The coursed menu will be created by Carlos Delgado of Causa, Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit, Angel Barreto of Anju, and Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster, with dessert by Isabel Coss of Pascual and Lutèce.
For eligible Capital One cardholders, the evening begins with a pre-dinner reception in the Nationals clubhouse, where guests will enjoy signature beverages and canapés created by Matt Conroy of Pascual and Lutèce, Scott Drewno of The Fried Rice Collective, Juan & Manuel Oliviera of Ceibo, and Mike Rehm of Nationals Park. During the Capital One Cardholder Exclusive Reception, attendees will also enjoy the chance to take swings with indoor batting practice, photo opportunities, time to connect with the esteemed participating chefs, and more.
"The return of the Stadium Chef Series to Nationals Park reflects the heart of what this series is all about: transforming iconic stadiums into unforgettable culinary destinations," said Megan Cantwell, SVP of Marketing and Events at Marquee Development. "This isn't just about food in a ballpark; it's about delivering a high-end dining experience, showcasing the artistry of local chefs, and connecting fans to the flavors that define their cities. We're proud to partner with Capital One and Nationals Park to bring this one-of-a-kind experience back to Washington, D.C., all while supporting the James Beard Foundation's powerful mission to build a better food future."
"Capital One is proud to partner with the James Beard Foundation to offer our cardholders exclusive access to remarkable culinary experiences such as this one," said Monica Weaver, Head of Branded Card Partnerships and Experiences at Capital One. "We're excited to bring together curated culinary talent for a one-of-a-kind dining event on the field at Nationals Park, while supporting the foundation's mission."
The James Beard Foundation is committed to building a more equitable and sustainable future through its Good Food for Good® initiatives, which champions diversity, opportunity, and sustainability across the culinary world. The Stadium Chef Series brings this purpose to life by showcasing award-nominated local culinary stars whose menus celebrate exceptional cuisine while fueling positive change.
"We're grateful to both Marquee Development and Capital One for their ongoing support, helping us to raise critical funds on behalf of our mission in support of a more sustainable, equitable, and delicious food future for all," said CEO Clare Reichenbach.
Seats for the Stadium Chef Series at Nationals Park presented by Capital One are limited, with tickets starting at $450 per person. Tickets include a five-course dining experience, special gift, welcome cocktail, and complimentary parking. Both Capital One Cardholder Access Pass tickets and Signature Experience tickets will be available beginning Tuesday, September 16 at 10 a.m. ET on www.stadiumchefseries.com. Capital One Cardholder Access Pass tickets include all standard event benefits, plus exclusive perks such as access to the Capital One Cardholder Exclusive Reception and a premium gift.
For those interested in learning more about the series or attending a future dinner, information on the dining experiences will be shared at www.stadiumchefseries.com as well as through the James Beard Foundation's website and newsletter. More details can also be found on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @stadiumchefseries.
About Marquee Development
Marquee Development is a mixed-use real estate developer and event company that specializes in building and operating entertainment districts adjacent to sports and cultural venues. Their expertise spans all phases of development, operations, hospitality, and ongoing event programming supported by marketing and media. Born of sports team ownership, Marquee is known for thinking like owners and creating as operators. Their destinations and guest experiences drive long-term value creation—inspiring neighbors and visitors to return again and again, year-round. Discover more at www.marqueedevelopment.com.
About the James Beard Foundation
The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America's food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. Established over 30 years ago, the Foundation has highlighted the centrality of food culture in our daily lives and is committed to supporting a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities. By amplifying new voices, celebrating those leading the way, and supporting those on the path to do so, the Foundation is working to create a more equitable and sustainable future—what we call Good Food for Good®. JBF brings its mission to life through the annual Awards, industry and community-focused programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country. For the first time in the Foundation's history, exceptional culinary talent, industry leaders, and visitors from NYC and beyond can experience unforgettable dining and educational programming at Platform by the James Beard Foundation—and be the first to try new food concepts at the Good To Go by JBF kiosk—inspiring food and beverage devotees for decades to come. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our newsletter, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.
About Capital One
At Capital One we're on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Entertainment and Capital One Dining, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they're passionate about, including dining, music, sports and the arts. Learn more at capitalone.com/entertainment and capitalone.com/dining.
About Nationals Park
First opened to fans in 2008, Nationals Park is nestled in the southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. along the Anacostia River waterfront and is home to the 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals. In addition to serving as the home to America's pastime in our nation's capital, Nationals Park hosts events year-round, creating memorable experiences through concerts, seasonal light shows and more while providing community support to its neighborhood and city. The sustainable design of Nationals Park earned it the honor of being the nation's first major professional stadium to become LEED Silver Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, and it is still considered one of the most environmentally friendly ballparks in the country today. In 2024, the accessible layout of the ballpark was recognized by Paralyzed Veterans of America, which awarded Nationals Park with the Barrier-Free America Award for the park's standard-raising accessibility features.
SOURCE Stadium Chef Series