Granted, it’s a small town and a small paper — but imagine my frustration when my Dad passed along the article this morning. Eric Knopsynder, the sports editor of the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown, PA traveled down to DC for the Pirates series and offers this sharp criticism of Nationals Park:

[I]t’s easy to see why the stadium hasn’t elicited the same kind of buzz that other new baseball stadiums have in the past few years…That’s because the park doesn’t live up to all of its possibilities.

Combined with the parking and metro problems, the expensive ticket prices and the empty luxury seats behind home plate, Knopsynder doesn’t have a lot of good things to say about his experience here.

I too hate the wave and other unnecessary gimmicks that keep casual fans entertained.  I too wish there was more to remember after leaving Nationals Park then the giant HD scoreboard.  I recognize that folks from western PA are a little spoiled by PNC Park and the beautiful cityscape in right field.  And, while I love our new home, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at all dissapointed.  So, sadly, I can sympathize with some of his complaints.

But his characterization of Nats fans having no real baseball knowledge is all wrong.  Look across the Nats blogosphere for one.  Dozens of dedicated fans spend their free time writing and analyzing every decision the team makes.  Look at Barry’s journal and the tons of educated fans that chat in comments throughout the day considering Nats news 24/7. 

Sure, WMP frustrates me and Zimmerman’s off to a slow start, but it seems that we’ve turned the corner on the worst of it.  Plan or no plan, the organization is new and there’s no reason not to be hopeful about our future….unlike that team with (perhaps) the most beautiful park in baseball.  A storied past, a good mascot, an incredible legend and a beautiful park does not a winning team make.

Happy Earth Day! Time to focus on something positive for a change.

Baseball is a social institution with social responsibilities and caring for the environment is inextricably linked to all aspects of our game.  Sound environmental practices make sense in every way and protect our natural resources for future generations of baseball fans.”  — Commissioner Bud Selig

As you may know, brand new Nationals Park was the first major professional stadium to be LEED Silver Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.  HOK Sport, the company that oversaw sustainability efforts for the new park, focused on three many categories to achieve the impressive certification.

First, the park was built on a sustainable site.  Categorized as a brownfield redevelopment, the stadium is expected to clean up the Anacostia Rivera and re-develop land surrounding Nationals Park to anchor urban revitalization.  Additionally, the park is close to public transportation.

Second, the company achieved praise for its use of materials throughout the stadium.  Efficient plumbing fixtures are expected to save 3.6 million gallons of water every year.  Air-cooled chillers instead of water-cooled chillers will save an additional 6 million gallons of water per year.  Landscaping around the park was made drought resistent, which also helps to conserve water. 

The energy efficient stadium lights will save 21% of energy costs over traditional lighting.  Building materials were produced locally, saving on transportation costs and boosting local businesses.  Even the roof materials were made to minimize the heat released into the environment, including a special 6,300 square foot green roof near left field.  Finally, 5,500 tons of construction waste were recycled.

HOK Sport was also very concerned about the stadium’s proximity to the Anacostia River.  As such, they installed an “intricate water filtration system that separates water used for cleaning the ballpark from rainwater falling on the ballpark and treats both sources of water before it is released to the sanitary and stormwater systems.”

“The whole design team went above and beyond the call by achieving LEED Silver Certification – it’s like we asked them for a  for a home run and we got a grand slam.” — Stan Kasten

You can do your part, not just on Earth Day, by recycling at the 100+ bins available throughout the park.

Here’s the sustainability diagram if you’re curious.

Here’s more on MLB’s overall efforts toward making this world a greener place.

You have to applaud the efforts.  We may not have a winning team but we have a first class, environmentally-sound ballpark.  Now, if only Ryan Zimmerman can take one deep on another holiday and Lindsey’s birthday.

Given the past week, it’s been all too easy to focus on problems and concerns, but there are some positive things worthy of mention about the organization and the new ballpark.

First of all, the Nationals announced partnerships with the Earth Conservation Corps and the Hopkins Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington today. The goal of the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation’s Neighborhood Initiate is to support local non-profits with grants, donations and resources.

The Earth Conservation Corps received a grant of $40,000 for three years to assist with revitalization of the Anacostia River and the development of area youth. The Boys & Girls Club received $50,000. The organization supports area youth and teens, providing enrichment activities, computer labs, sports clubs, homework help and mentoring.

 Upon announcing the partnerships, Elijah Dukes and Joel Hanrahan unveiled the “Wall of Dreams,” located in the Center Field Plaza. Baseballs on the dream wall can be purchased from $250 to $5,000. Here’s our photos from the event.

We applaud the organization’s dedication to enriching the lives of area youth and taking pro-active steps toward cleaning up the environment.

Second, last night after the 3-0 loss to the Braves, the organization launched a massive fireworks display. It sure would have been better had it followed a win, but it was certainly a nice touch. We watched the fireworks from the President’s Club seats directly behind home plate. Upon leaving, we got a little disoriented and accidentally tried to exit through the President’s Club area. Crowds had died down, so it was fairly easy to tour the area quickly before finding a real exit. Here’s the photos from that experience.

Third, being a big PB&J fan, I was really looking forward to checking out the PB&J bar in the Strike Zone area for kids. I wasn’t sure if they’d let me order there, but there seemed to be no problem. For $5.00, you can choose your bread (wheat or white), your peanut butter (chunky or smooth) and your toppings (grape jelly, strawberry jelly, honey, bananas and/or chocolate chips). I’m a little too excited about this. We all have our things.

Fourth, Wily Mo Pena is coming back tomorrow! Pena should add some serious pop in the lineup and help the other guys see better pitches. We noticed at spring training that Pena is a natural leader as well. He’s always jumping around, talking to everyone, laughing and getting his teamates pumped. I think we’ve been missing more than his bat. We hope his leadership, personality and bat help crack this 9 game skid.

Fifth, attendance was great today, even through the rain delay! 32,532 was the announced attendance. Misery loves company. Thanks for coming out today. Please keep it up.

Sixth, Jon Rauch and his wife Erica welcomed into their family a new baby girl on Friday. Congratulations Jon!

Unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on this season’s early momentum this weekend in St. Louis.  The Cardinals swept the Nats in the three game series.  Perez and Chico got beat up by the St. Louis lineup, and John Lannan’s nice outing was sidelined by no offensive production.  The Nats are now 3-4.

On Friday, Perez gave up 4 doubles (Barton, Pujols, Izturis and Ludwick) and a home run to Ankiel.  When he left the game, the bullpen finally had a solid performance with Schroder, Hanrahan and Rivera finishing the game.  Despite a 3 run rally in the 7th off of Cardinals reliever Russ Springer, the Nats failed to close the gap.  Guzman’s solo shot provided hope, but Lopez’s bases loaded strike out really killed the momentum.  Willie Harris hit a short ground ball to end the inning.  It was one of 3 strike-outs for Lopez, who left 6 runners on base throughout the game. 

On Saturday, we headed to new Nationals Park to watch the game on the giant HD scoreboard.  Turns out the event was really a “pick your seat” type of event where fans could buy season ticket packages throughout the park and try out different seats before committing.  There seems to be a lot of great ticket locations still available.  Fans were eager to try out the best seats in the house.  Folks gathered in the PNC Diamond Club, around the dugouts and out in center field to watch the game.  It was a nice day to try out the food vendors, without waiting in line, and tour the park leisurely while taking in the game.  It got us to thinking and hoping the Nats might make further use of the tremendous HD scoreboard by maybe competing with Screen on the Green to host summer (baseball) movie nights when the team’s away. 

Like Nats320, Steph was extremely disappointed to find that her helmet sundae promoted the Yankees.  Come on Nats, let’s see some Curly W helmets around the park!

We didn’t really watch Saturday’s game with the same kind of focus, given all the opportunities to explore the stadium.  We did see Chico’s rough start and the homeruns by Nick Johnson and Jesus Flores.  It was great to see the fans in attendance get excited. 

Of course, we also saw the passed ball — the second of this season, but one that gave St. Louis their 5th run.  We also saw Colome walk three more batters. 

Lopez picked up his first assist and Chico picked off Izturis, so all wasn’t lost defensively.  In fact, the Nats stayed in the game but couldn’t get past the 1 run deficit.  We left 12 runners on base.  Zimmerman, Belliard and Milledge all collected doubles.

On Sunday, John Lannan had a decent outing but got no offensive support from his team.  He pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up 2 runs including a solo shot to Ankiel and a handful of doubles.  He continues to impress us by pitching out of hard situations.  He worked out of trouble several times and performed well today.  When we talked to John in Viera, he was so looking forward to making the rotation and playing in the new stadium.  We’re very excited that he’s part of the future of this organization.

Millledge was picked off at first by Lohse but Austin Kearns collected the first Nationals’ stolen base of the season.  The Nats only collected 5 hits today and couldn’t get any of them home.

The team returns home tonight and will face the Marlins tomorrow at 7pm.  Lefty Andrew Miller will face-off against Tim Redding. 

Parking for individual games at new Nationals Park is now available!  There is even a $15 parking option with no increase over parking prices at RFK Stadium last season!

From the release:

The Washington Nationals today announced they will offer individual game parking passes to fans for all 2008 home games at Nationals Park. The opportunity to purchase individual game parking is only available online by visiting nationals.com/waytogo.

Individual game parking is available in the following locations:

Green Lot HH                          $15 per game
Orange Lot W                          $20 per game
Red Zone                                 $40 per game

“After careful review of the experience of the first weekend, the team is pleased to make available yet another amenity for fans, daily parking spaces at various price levels,” commented Stan Kasten, President of the Washington Nationals. 

To take advantage of this opportunity, fans must pre-purchase the parking passes at the team website, nationals.com/waytogo.  Passes cannot be purchased on-site at specific garages or lots.

Now that the first official weekend in Nationals Park and the first Curly W are both in the books, it’s time to take a look at the widely publicized transit options. Before I begin to review the options, there are a few key points that we feel are crucial to the transit issue. One issue is the fact that the Nationals have extensively advertised both the Metro and the Nats Express, while the front office has enthusiastically endorsed these options. We can appreciate the fact that Stan Kasten took a test run of the Metro a few weeks ago, however his experience was nothing compared to the real deal on game nights. From experience, we know that cramming onto a train with thousands of other fans after sitting through a three hour game in the middle of July is not exactly pleasant night after night. Transportation to and from games is a huge issue for the fan base, especially when most of us are coming in from the suburbs and it takes over an hour each way.

On Saturday, I chose to try out the Metro. Everyone on the train understood that between the game, Cherry Blossoms and a marathon, the stations were busy. When we finally arrived at Navy Yard, I was really looking forward to seeing the new platform. Unfortunately, the fact that there were only 2 escalators that were 2 people wide was a disappointment. I expected there to be more escalators, or at least wider in order to accommodate the large crowds after games. Stadium Armory was much better in this respect. On a positive note, there were “SmartTrip Express” lanes that will certainly help move people along. Also, once we were able to weed through the crowds and come up to ground level, we were treated to view of the beautiful stadium directly in front of us.

For Sunday’s game, I opted to join Stephanie and Kristen on the Nats Express. We really appreciate the effort to provide fans a free alternative to get to the games. We were able to get on a bus quickly and the ride was around 5 minutes. Overall, transit to the game has been smooth, although it would be nice if we were able to get dropped off a little closer to the park.  After the amazing game, we were greeted by a long, unorganized line for the bus and we were given conflicting information about where to wait for a bus. One worker lined us up around the corner from the rest of the crowd, then put us in line with everyone else, took us back around the corner and finally we were again sent to stand in line with everyone else. While we waited, we only saw a maximum of 5 buses, which would mean that 45 should have been in transit and at RFK. The chaos at the pick up spot was created in part by the fact that fans and workers were both yelling which upped everyone’s tension levels. At one point there were three buses and people were loading whichever bus was closest rather than moving up to fill the front bus first. It would have made more sense and created less chaos, if one bus had to be full before another bus could board people. While this wouldn’t necessarily work in the immediate rush after a game, it would help organize the rest of the fans who leave 15-20 minutes after the last out.

Also contributing to the chaos were a few fans who had a bit too much to drink. Yes, it’s fun to have a couple of beers at the game but there is a point at which it is obnoxious. We encountered some of these people in line, which makes the whole experience for families and non-drinkers less than pleasant.  Once we were on board we only counted 20 buses from the pick up location into the RFK lot. Most of the buses that we counted were stuck in the line of cars waiting to exit the lot. Because the exit lane is so narrow, as one bus is entering RFK, all of the oncoming traffic had to be stopped, thus creating a huge delay in the shuttle system. A separate lane for buses would surely alleviate the congestion. It doesn’t do any good to have these buses if they are stuck in a traffic jam at RFK.

Finally, I do have a few concerns about the RFK lot. It is dimly lit, which does raise some security concerns. The lighting also contributed to the free-for-all that took place as cars left because it was difficult to see where we were actually supposed to be exiting.  Overall, we understand that there are going to be hiccups in the system and this was a near sell-out crowd in attendance. As many have pointed out, the real test will come next Monday when Nats fans have to get to the game during rush-hour traffic. While we will deal with not really being able to park at the stadium and appreciate the free shuttle option, fans shouldn’t be fooled - parking in RFK last year was worlds better than dealing with the crowded metro or a shuttle system.

Unfortunately, there is some sad news to report. Elliot Yamin, who was scheduled to sing “God Bless America” Sunday night, lost his mother today. Our thoughts go out to him and his family.

There’s a scene in the classic baseball movie, Fever Pitch, that I’ve never fully experienced until last night.  Sure, others have as they’ve accompanied us to games but never until tonight did I really feel like I was coming back home for the next six months.  In the movie, Ben brings Lindsey to Opening Day and they meet all his friends in the section.  He introduces them as his summer family.  

I truly hope for every baseball fan that you get to experience this at new Nationals Park.   As I looked around yesterday, I saw summer families everywhere.  Season ticket holders are dispersed this year all over a new park and not in their familiar nooks at RFK.  Combine that with 5 long months of an off-season and you can bet most fans yesterday were thrilled to get back to life as it should be and summer nights at the ballpark, catching up with ushers, security guards, friends and colleagues.

I could say so much about my first impression of the park and the magic of it all, but I have to first tell you that the best part of my experience was seeing familiar faces everywhere I walked.  You are what it makes it so special.  The players will come and go.  Thank you for being part of my summer family.

As far as the game goes, you already know — the Nats won 3-0! A series of consecutive walks by Loewen solidified the win.  The Nats played well.  There’s still so much to learn to see how the park will play.  We watched Kearns and Langerhans practice fielding bounces off the walls near right field and 1st base yesterday. 

We took the Nats Express shuttle from are RFK and we’re pleased to report no problems.  We were on the first fan bus out and I’m embarrased to admit some news channel made us sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” before we boarded.  The ride was short, but the walk to the new park from the drop-off spot was longer than expected.  Upon entering the park, the employee taking tickets said, “Welcome Home.”

For the next few hours, we roamed the park and visited with old friends and other bloggers.  We checked out our seats and found the most spectacular view in the park.  It’s right above 1st base, between the 2 upper decks when you first get to the top of the steps.  Look out there and see the whole park, the Capitol dome and the Washington monument. 

The food options, as you already know, are limitless but the lines were long and the system seems to still be in the works.  Though I’d been warned, the prices still seemed to jump a lot.  The cupholders, by the way, are wonderful.  The park reminded me a lot of Citizen’s Bank Park and PNC Park.  I so desperately wish we had a city scape over left field and not a (albeit necessary) parking garage, but aside from that blemish, the park is really magnificent.

With a new stadium - and especially after the voting system for the new songs, I wondered how abrupt the break would be from RFK and previous seasons.  I was pleased to see that the team kept a lot of the in-game music the same.   That may not seem that important, but when you hear the Nats lineup to Magnificent 7, you’re going to remember a game, any game at RFK.  It gives me chills.  

We’ll know more about the batting songs tonight (most were the same as last season) but it appears Zimmerman has opted for Superstar and Rock Star.

At the end of the game, we straggled out late and witnessed the phenomenal display of fireworks over the stadium.  They were testing for tomorrow so look out.  The display lasted at least 5-10 minutes and it was spectacular.  Tonight is going to be amazing.

If you don’t have tickets, remember to watch on ESPN in HD at 8pm.  MASN has a pre-game and post game show.  Charlie and Dave have the radio broadcast.  XM radio has special coverage all day (and for those real baseball nerds like me, they have a full-time Play Ball channel right now that just plays baseball songs! Enjoy!)

It’s three days of specialty baseball programming dedicated to the timeless magic of Opening Day. A potpourri of sound so Baseball-centric that you will smell the fresh cut grass and beer through the XM speakers. Listen for over 300 baseball songs, re-plays of “Baseball Confidential”, comedy routines like “Who’s on First,” re-play of Bob Dylan’s Baseball episode, ear candy like newsreel audio of Joe DiMaggio’s marriage to Marilyn Monroe plus clips of classic calls like Bobby Thompson’s ‘Shot Heard Round the World’ and Bill Buckner’s flub of Mookie Wilson’s grounder in the ‘86 World Series.

Schedule:
Friday, March 28 at 12 Midnight ET - Sunday, March 30 at Midnight ET

So, enjoy tonight - however you are going to enjoy it!  Happy Opening Night!

Here’s the photo gallery for last night’s exhibition game.

JDLand has great photos from tonight when the players arrived at the stadium for the very first time to take a look at their new park.  Definately check it out!

Folks - Today is your last day.  This is it.  If you haven’t already, please make sure to go vote for the music at new Nationals Park today before 5 PM!

Here’s our take on the breakdown.

We’d really like you to vote for Heart to be played after the 7th inning stretch.  Most of these other songs are overplayed at all sporting events and Heart is a tradition all our own. 

Last we knew, Heart was in need of a major surge to win.  

Remember, this is a tradition we’re going to have to live with — so get moving!    

According to the Nationals, fans have one more chance to get tickets for the home opener on Sunday. Grandstand tickets for sections 401 and 402 may be purchased on Sunday at the box office for $5.  Tickets go on sale at 3:30 pm, but fans can’t start lining up to buy them until 3pm, so no camping out for these babies!

More info -

“Grandstand tickets for Opening Night, in Sections 401 and 402, may be purchased for $5 at the Nationals Park Main Box Office, located on Half and N Streets, beginning at 3:30 pm on March 30. Fans may not camp out on Nationals Park grounds or line up for tickets prior to 3:00 pm. Fans may purchase only one ticket per person and must immediately enter the ballpark through the Center Field gates, located next to the Main Box Office. Please note, fans may not re-enter the ballpark once they exit through the gates at any time. The Grandstand seats are available for purchase only on day of game when gates open at Nationals Park, normally two and a half hours prior to first pitch.
 
“The Washington Nationals are excited to offer these affordable seats for the Inaugural Game at Nationals Park,” said Nationals Team President Stan Kasten. “Fans who purchase these tickets will be asked to enter the ballpark immediately to ensure these tickets remain in the hands of the loyal fans who have anxiously awaited the opening of the ballpark.”

The gates to the park open at 3:30 on Sunday, so be sure to get there early to explore. Sounds like there will be a lot to do, and some great entertainment also!  We can’t wait.

“The Washington Nationals will host the Atlanta Braves at 8:15 pm in the Inaugural Game at Nationals Park, their new home on South Capitol Street, SE in the Capitol Riverfront District.  The Nationals open the 2008 Major League Baseball season with this true “home opener”, which will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
 
Nationals Park gates will open four and a half hours prior to the first pitch at 3:30 pm. All guests will receive a red Curly “W” lanyard and a “Welcome Home” rally towel as they enter the ballpark. Fans are encouraged to enter early and enjoy the various amenities and entertainment options available at Major League Baseball’s most spectacular new venue, including the Red Porch Restaurant and Strike Zone kids area, located in the Center Field Plaza.  As spectators exit the Navy Yard Metro Station onto Half Street, they will be greeted by the music of the Sheiks of Dixie, a local Dixieland jazz band. The Ringers, a Washington, DC barbershop quartet, will entertain guests as they make their way to the Center Field Gate. Face painters, balloon artists and stilt walkers will welcome fans at the entrance to the Center Field Plaza. Additional Opening Night entertainment may be found inside the ballpark, including the Mambo Combo, a regional zydeco band, Washington, DC guitarist Brian Gross staged in the Lexus Presidents Club, and face painters, caricaturists and balloon artists throughout the Main Concourse. Fans will have the opportunity to view the both the Braves and the Nationals batting practice as Atlanta takes the field at approximately 4:30 pm followed by Washington at 5:45 pm. The Nats Express, the free shuttle for fans who choose to park for free at RFK Stadium, will depart from RFK beginning at 3:00 pm and run continuously until one and a half hours after the final out. “
 
Pre-game ceremonies, led by Nationals Television Broadcaster and Hall-of-Fame Pitcher Don Sutton, will begin at approximately 7:45 pm with the Nationals “Welcome Home” video, shown on the 102’ X 47’  HDTV scoreboard. Following the video, two giant American Flags will be unfurled in the outfield by the DC National Guard. The American Flag unfurling will be followed by with a flyover by four F-16s from the 121st Fighter Squadron of the DC Air National Guard. The Washington Nationals 2008 roster will then be introduced, followed by the presentation of the colors by the Joint Services Color Guard. The National Anthem will be performed by Denyce Graves, recognized worldwide as one of today’s most exciting vocal stars. Denyce is a native Washingtonian and Duke Ellington School for Performing Arts graduate. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, for the first time since 2005, when baseball returned to the District and he held the honor at RFK Stadium. The President will be escorted to the pitchers mound by Nationals Managing Principal Owner Theodore N. Lerner, Nationals Manager Manny Acta and Nationals Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Following the ceremonial first pitch, Washington, DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty will start the game and a new Nationals tradition with “Washington….Let’s Play Ball”.  American Idol finalist Elliot Yamin, a Richmond, Virginia native, will perform “God Bless America” prior to the Seventh Inning Stretch.