FredNats To Hold Inaugural 'Hot Stove' Banquet At Expo Center

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Fredericksburg Nationals are holding a "hot stove" banquet on Jan. 26 at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center Ballroom to discuss the upcoming baseball season and prepare the city for the inaugural season of the FredNats. The inaugural Hot Stove Banquet will include a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia from teams representing all sports from across the country and items from local Fredericksburg businesses.

The event will feature two keynote speakers: Mark Scialabba, assistant general manager of player development for the Washington Nationals, and Tripp Keister, manager of the Fredericksburg Nationals. The speakers will provide their thoughts on the current Washinton Nationals team, the team's World Series victory over the Houston Astros and the Nationals' top prospects, including potential players on the inaugural FredNats team.

The phrase "hot stove" refers to baseball fans gathering around a hot stove during the cold winter months to discuss the arrival of spring training, along with their favorite players and teams.

"It is time to gather with our baseball community, meet with the team's staff, hear about the exciting things to expect during the upcoming season and get excited for the start of the baseball season," the Fredericksburg Nationals said in its announcement of the event.

Fredericksburg's city council voted to approve a deal in November 2018 to bring the Potomac Nationals Class A baseball franchise in Woodbridge to the city in time for the 2020 season. A new 5,000-seat stadium at Celebrate Virginia near Central Park on Interstate 95 is under construction. The team broke ground on the new stadium in February 2019.

The FredNats will open their new stadium on April 23 against the Frederick Keys, an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The team is selling season plans, mini-plans and single game tickets at its website.

Doors will open for the silent acution at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26, followed by the program and plated dinner at 6 p.m. The event will include a cash bar. Tickets are $75 per adult and $50 per child 12 and under. Attendees are asked to RSVP by Jan. 20. A portion of the proceeds from the event, including the silent auction, will go to local charities.

The Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center is located at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg.