Washington Commanders fans excited about first preseason home game in Landover

LANDOVER, Md. (DC News Now) — The Washington Commanders kicked off their first home game of the preseason. 

That means fans were fired up, turning up the heat on the grill for their first tailgates at Northwest Stadium in Landover.

Nicole Mamula and her family and friends were busy grilling hamburgers and hot dogs on Monday afternoon to eat dinner before heading to the stadium for the game.

“I think there is a different menu every game at a playoff game last year we had some steaks, tonight is hamburgers and hot dogs and chicken nuggets and some cookies and drinks,” Mamula said.

Charles Fernandez, a long-time fan who tailgates every home game, said it is just special to spend time with family and friends on Gameday.

“Friendships and time here together enjoying this and living in the moment, and we’ve not been the best team for such a long time, and we are better now, and you see so many Commanders fans walking around in Commanders gear,” Fernandez said.

Mamula said each home game with her family means so much, and getting to see her favorite player, Jayden Daniels, is exciting.

“The excitement of preseason football here at home, and I think all the fans are excited,” Mamula said. “Hopefully Jayden Daniels gets to play, and we are looking forward to that.”

The game kicked off Monday at 8 p.m., and the Commanders played against the Cincinnati Bengals.