Your Guide to Washington Redskins Gameday at FedEx Field

If you were to stop a Washington Redskins fan on the street, you would feel the excitement and hope that they possess for the new season. Coming off of a disappointing 2011 season with a record of 5 wins, 11 losses, the Washington Redskins' fan loyalty and the anticipation generated by new and returning healthy players will fill FedEx Field to sellout capacity.

FedEx Field, with a capacity of 85,000, is located on 200 acres in Landover, Maryland. Its close proximity to interstate 95 draws fans from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Built in 1997, FedEx Field has had several updates. The most recent being the addition of 8,000 solar panels that produce some of the stadium's electrical needs and earned the Washington Redskins the honor of "Green Business of the Year" in 2011 from the Prince Georges County Chamber of Commerce. The stadium boasts three tiers of luxury suites, several clubs and 100 foot HD video boards in the end zone to ensure that fans do not miss any of the action.

When planning a game day visit to FedEx Field there are some things you need to consider.

Home games at FedEx Field are sold out for regular tickets. However, there are several other options to purchase tickets. Opponent release tickets become available the week of the game. They can go fast so keep checking with the ticket office at 301-276-6050. Another option is through Ticketmaster and the NFL Ticket Exchange for resale tickets. Note that resale tickets are often more expensive than the printed price on the ticket.

Parking at the stadium is by permit only, with the exception of one cash lot. The cost to park on the cash lot is $50 for cars. Permits may be available the week of the game and can be purchased from the ticket office. Permits are $35 for cars and $100 for buses and limos. In addition a $15 handling fee will be charged for all permits. Parking lots open four hours prior to kickoff.

Traffic congestion in and out of FedEx Field does occur and it is recommended that you plan to arrive early in order to avoid some of it. You can sign up for traffic updates by texting RSTRAFFIC to 44636. Public transportation is another way to avoid the road congestion. Take the Blue Line on the Metro to the Morgan Boulevard Metro Station which is a little less than a mile walk to the stadium. Check the Metro Trip Planner to assist planning your visit using the Metro or Metro Bus.

Pregame celebrations are a part of all Washington Redskins home games. Tailgating is allowed in all parking lots. If tailgating is not for you the Bud Light Pavilion, located on the exterior plaza at gates F and G, opens three hours prior to kickoff. There you will find food and bar concessions available, as well as musical entertainment. The AAA Ultimate Fan Zone opens three hours prior to game and offers members food, drinks, live music, visits from cheerleaders and alumni all included in the price of admission. For more information you can call 301-276-6800.

Gates open two hours before game time. Fan safety and enjoyment is of the utmost importance at FedEx Field. For that reason, there are strict limits as to what may or may not be allowed to be brought in. There are no backpacks, large purses, food, drink, coolers or noise makers allowed in the stadium. Refer to the fan guide on the field's website for the full list. Lap passes are available at the gate for children under the age of two.

What is a football game without a hot dog and a beer? Well, FedEx Field not only has that but a whole lot of other choices. Food and drink concessions are scattered throughout the levels and include not only the usual hotdog and fries, but pizza,crab cakes and other specialty foods. Alcohol is available and sold only in two drink limits to persons 21 years of age and older with photo ID.

Guest Service booths are located by gates A and E on all levels to assist fans. Parents may register their child at the booths and the child will be given a wristband to wear with his family's seat location on it to be used in the event the child gets separated from the parents. In addition, designated drivers can register for a drawing to win prizes by stopping by one of the booths.

Restrooms are located throughout the stadium on all levels. In addition, there are family restrooms with changing facilities available at gates A and E on all levels.

Ellen Simpson is a native to Southern Maryland and has been fan of football most of her life. She advises, when going to FedEx Field leave early to avoid the traffic tie ups that do occur.