Most of the north-south routes around Verizon Center are rush-hour areas, meaning that you can't park there until 6:30 without risking a ticket. I got slapped with one a few years back at 6:29:54, after I left my car at 6:29 with no meter maid in sight.

In addition, a new wrinkle is most of the meters east of 5th Street in that area are now until 9:30 p.m., when they used to expire at 6:30 p.m., meaning if you go to a game, you have to feed the meter during the intermission.

I'd appeal, saying there was no clear sign or marking on that part of the road, and sometimes they'll waive it. They bank on the fact that people are more likely to pay it or have to owe the city money than appeal the fine.

If there's one thing the District is good at, it's writing parking tickets.