The Inaugural Event at DC’s brand new Nationals’ Park - LOTS of Pics
The Washington Nationals’ new ballpark is just about ready for the 2008 season, and it just hosted its first event today–a college baseball game between George Washington University & St. Joseph’s. Conditions were a brisk 45 degrees but with a clear sky. While a crowd big enough to fill 2 lower sections watched the game, construction was finishing on restrooms, concession stands, and outlying areas of the ballpark. For the record, GW won 9-4.
This event was clearly a dress rehearsal for many to come. My only beef: they ration the napkins. WTF?! I paid $11.25 for a half-smoke and fries. At the condiments table I partake of an unlimited supply of ketchup & mustard. Then the couple next to me and I both look at each other wondering who stole the last napkin? Turns out the cashier gives them to you–with the same hand she holds your money. Either that or you have to cut to the front of the line and then get only one or two from their dispensers. And you see the crowd–this was a closed event! Wait til you have a real Nationals game with nearly twice as many people.
They practiced vignettes and crowd games for the upcoming season. Notice the outfield wall is also a giant video screen. I can’t wait to see someone run into it.
The Presidents also raced, and nobody fell on their face this time. Notice George Washington won both in the tryout and today. Put your money on GW this season:
The new entrance from the Metro wasn’t finished yet. We had to walk an extra block.
The W is everywhere. It’s the most popular “W” in Washington.
Just like Fandango.
Cherry blossoms are a nice touch for the spring time.
There are more pictures of today’s game at JDLand.
Tags: George Washington University, Washington Nationals
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- MLB Rumors - Mets Trade Lastings Milledge to Nationals for Ryan Church
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Great pictures, thanks.
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Good luck, and godspeed!
Looks like our beloved Expos have finally gotten a decent venue…
M
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
The gates at the ballpark have W’s welded to them. Somewhere in the ballpark, there is a gate with the W welded backwards. Can you find it?
March 24th, 2008 at 4:17 am
Washington Nationals' New Ballpark [PICS]
[…]Pictures from the very first game at the new Nationals Park.[…]
March 24th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I’m from Atlanta (also east coast) and this stadium looks a helluva lot like The Ted in Atlanta (Turner Field). We hope you guys enjoy it as much as we love The Ted. It’s wide open and beautiful.
March 24th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Ugh that garage in left center is an absolute deal breaker. what an incredible eyesore. i have no ideas why it is there. also i see lots of generic glass squat offices already going up - i fear its all gonna look like Rosslyn in about 3 years
March 24th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
[…] I love ballparks, and the Nationals’ new one looks nice. [Sports Wrap] […]
March 24th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
The expos were so much cooler.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Uhhh, the Blue Jays have a wall thats also a TV screen and Johnny Damon ran into it and cut himself I believe.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Nice photos. Good to see it being used. I had wondered how’d they’d use the cherry trees
March 29th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
That ball park looks boring. Maybe it fits the team that plays in it.