More Stadium Ramblings

We've Got Heart had a post yesterday about how a sports writer from Western PA came down to see the new stadium over the weekend and really raked the stadium over the coals.

He really takes to task the organization for resorting to gimmicks and tricks inside the stadium to keep the casual fans entertained, and goes so far to call the Nats fan base "seemingly uneducated fans". He bases that opinion on the fact that Nats fans cheered the introduction of Wily Mo Pena despite his low batting average so far this season.

There's a larger point in there that Mr. Knopsnyder could have made much more artfully than the did. It is a true statement that a large percentage of Nats fans are still wet behind the ears when it comes to the nuances of the game and the players on the team. Whether that's due to baseball's return to DC still less than four full seasons, or the transient nature of the town, or the fact that the Nats priced all the good seats out of the range of the average fan and cater solely to the law firms and lobbying firms that can afford full-season packages at those prices--all factors in the equation that Mr. Knopsnyder solves simply as "seemingly uneducated fans".

As for the critique of the stadium itself, I think some of it is fair. There is still MUCH room for improvement. There’s not a single place in the stadium grilling hot dogs or other salted meats over an open fire. Put a grill up on the concourse behind the scoreboard, there’s plenty of room! There are times between innings when they are showing ads—or worse yet, Clint—where they TAKE ALL THE GAME INFO DOWN and you can’t even see the score or inning. That is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. There’s a laundry list, as we’ve been through ad nauseum.

But I get the feeling this author was looking for another reason to bash Washington. Congrats to him, mission accomplished (pun intended). It seems that his entire article was based on the premise of his last paragraph, something that looks like he scripted before he even left Johnstown.

To be fair, the stadium is still a work in progress. Nationals Park is being counted on to rejuvenate the Southeast section of the city and turn a downtrodden, light-industrial area into a booming commercial district. And with a better team on the field, and a deeper attachment to a club that is in just its fourth season here, maybe that will happen.

Or maybe it will end up being another example of Washington overspending for what turns out to be a mediocre product.

I think the one thing that most people lose sight over, including Mr. Knopsynder in his article, is that the price of the stadium—while listed at $650 million—didn’t cost anywhere near that to build. Easily 40% of the total cost was in land purchasing and clean-up fees. So to say that “it failed to deliver…despite the enormous price tag” is either misinformed opinion or disinginuity.

I think out-of-town visitor’s perceptions of the park is really, REALLY clouded by the lack of immediate infrastructure, construction debris and otherwise “unready” atmosphere around the park. While we were waiting for autographs Sunday, there were a bunch of Pittsburghers waiting for their team bus to pull out of the tunnel, and they were wondering where to go for dinner and a beer around the stadium. When I told them there was no such place, yet…man they got indignant! But even in their profanity, they have a solid point. There is no local atmosphere around the ballpark, and i think it really hurts. It’s a shame the immediate infrastructure couldn’t keep up with the construction of the park.

But sadly, I’m afraid, the atmosphere around the stadium is going to have a corporate feel just like the stadium does. Part of what makes Fenway so great is the Cask and Flagon (and many, many others). Part of what makes Wrigley so great is the Cubby Bear (among many, many, many others). Even Camden Yards has the redneck haven of Pickles Pub. Hard to see joints like that popping up in the retail spaces of $800,000 condo buildings.

Cordero Out, LoDuca Back In (And Other Things)

As expected, the Nats activated Paul LoDuca and DL'd Chad Cordero today. The interesting thing from Nats Journal is the team going on record saying LoDuca will get the bulk of the starts and Nieves will be the defensive replacement. I'm going on record, again, saying this team does not produce enough offense to carry three catchers. Period.

It's inexcusable how Bowden pits players against others while on the same roster to motivate one or the other, only to the detriment to the team. Nieves is a great story this past week, to be sure, but he's the very definition of a journeyman. Don't get me wrong, he's a very capable back-up catcher. But if he's going to be your back-up catcher, go with him and jettison Estrada. He's just taking up space at this point. Well, I suppose he's taking Dmitri Young's intened role as switch-hitting pinch-hitter. But Estrada's numbers are linked here...you tell me if it looks like he's an effective player in a pinch-hitting role.

In other news, today in the Post, Boswell made some very interesting points about the new stadium. But it seems to me I've read some these opinions somewhere before. But where, oh where, may that have been???

I'm not seriously intimating that Boswell read my commentary. But I did meet the man last week and gave him my card...No. I'm not intimating. Really.

And it sounds like D'Meathook finally found the right pair of hands to give his balky back some relief. So much so, that he's already down in Viera trying to get some swings in and get back into baseball shape.

Where Is Everybody?

Through seven games, the Washington Nationals rank 20th out of 30 major league baseball clubs in terms of average attendance. They average less than 30,000 per game, including the opening day sell-out. The crowd for the second game ever in Nationals Park was the smallest crowd in a stadium's second game since the game's renaissance starting in 1992 with the opening of Baltimore's Camden Yards, covering 16 new stadiums. And here's the kicker: Average attendance so far is 5,400 less than 2005, the team's first season in Washington and when the team played in decrepit, run-down and depressing RFK Stadium.

Barry Svrluga in today's Post has a solid article discussing all these numbers and interviews several experts about the topic. Much has been written and said elsewhere about the attendance so far. Is the situation "half-empty" or "half-full"? Depends on your vantage.

Stan Kasten has said on several occasions, "We'll get the attendance we deserve." So far, that's about right. Washington may love their Redskins and sell out every game in the turd that is FedEx Field, but for the other sports, attendance depends on the product put on the field (or rink, or court). The Nats right now, to put it bluntly, stink. Their record stands at 4-9. They won their first three games, lost nine in a row, and broke that streak Sunday defeating the Braves.

They are 13th (out of 16) in the NL in runs scored. They are 13th in Home Runs. They are dead last in batting average and slugging percentage and 14th in on base percentage. They are 14th in stolen bases.

They have given up the most runs in the NL. They are 14th in team ERA and 13th in strikeouts. They are 4th in the league in walks allowed, tied for second in home runs allowed and 13th in team on base percentage against.

To be fair, their projected opening day line-up hasn't taken the field together. Wily Mo Pena, slated to start in left, just joined the team Sunday from the disabled list and Dmitri Young has two at bats for the season. But they concerns are piling up. Paul LoDuca hasn't hit (.200) and hasn't thrown out a base runner yet. Austin Kearns is hitting .238 with no homers. Despite his opening day heroics, Ryan Zimmerman is only hitting .236. Only Cristian Guzman (.322 with two homers) and Lastings Milledge (.308) are performing at or about expected levels.

But poor performance is only one of the many reasons fans aren't flocking to Nationals Park.

The weather has been, for the most part, miserable. No one can change that. But pundits have claimed that the NCAA basketball championship game had something to do with the small crowd for the Nats' second game. The basketball game didn't keep folks from going to baseball games in Arizona, Anaheim, New York, Houston, San Francisco, Chicago White Sox or Pittsburgh. All those venues drew more than 35,000 fans on the same evening Washington could only muster 20,487.

Nats warming up before April 7 game against Florida.

How about the traffic concerns? I think this is affecting the attendance, but in a completely different way than the organization and city expected.

I have attended all but one of the Nats' home games so far and have taken the Metro and driven. There are absolutely no traffic problems whatsoever around the stadium for game days. It's amazing. The fear campaign the Nats, the City and Metro conspired actually has worked to keep cars out of the area around the stadium. Most fans that are coming to the games are either taking Metro, which is good for everybody, or using the "Nats Express" shuttle from RFK's parking lots. For the most part, Metro has performed admirably, with extra staffers, announcers on the platforms directing folks, extra trains and so on. Even Friday night and Sunday afternoon with the Capitals playoff games (sell-outs, by the way) crowding the system even further, Metro came through with flying colors. And I have yet to hear a complaint with the Nats Express.

The problem then lies, I believe, with the division within Nationals' fan base. There are the die-hards who come no matter what, and the blue-bloods, the ones the Nats seem to cater to the most: those paying high prices for tickets in the lower level and those now infamous Presidential Club seats behind home plate. You know, the ones that on TV are completely empty game in and game out. Also, the ones that are supposed to buying up the suites, which are only 60% sold. This includes the thousands of seats bought up by corporations and law firms that go unused many nights.

People with money--real money, the type of money that can spend $325 per game for one seat or $125,000 for a suite--don't take Metro. Under any circumstances. There are plenty of people that work on the Hill and live in Dupont Circle (or Vienna, or Chevy Chase) and drive to work because they don't like taking the Metro. It's an elitist thing. What is undeniable is that there is a certain population that won't take public transportation anywhere, including to a sporting event. And that's the segment of the population the Nats need to get at the park, because it's those seats that are going unfilled.

Like I said, I've only missed one game so far. And the thing that strikes me most about the crowds so far is the sameness of each crowd. I've seen the same faces and same groups of people at every game. I've got access to tickets in a couple different sections, and god love 'em, the same people are there every night. So if the Nats are getting their best fans, the one that will be there no matter what (weather, other events, traffic, prices) at every game, then they really, REALLY, need to do a better job getting the privileged to the game, either by convincing them the area is safe to drive--because there are parking lots that are not even half-full surrounding the stadium--or by actually convincing them to use the Metro.

Because until they do that, attendance will stay right around where it is. Sure, when summer rolls around it'll be easier to take the kids. But those seats behind home plate will still be empty. And if a casual fan sees that on TV on the highlights, don't you think that leaves them with a less-than-happy feeling about what must be going on down at the old ball-yard? If the Nats can't put people in the best seats in the house, how do you expect them to fill the rest of the place.

Maybe they need to hire seat fillers like at the Oscars.

Where Is Everybody? also posted at DC Sports Box.

Photo (c) Cheryl Nichols 2008.

Zim Sends Capacity Crowd Home Happy

Washington, DC--Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman homered off of Atlanta Braves reliever Peter Moylan in the bottom of the ninth inning to deliver a 3-2 win for the Nats in the inaugural game in Nationals Park.

The ecstatic crowd reveled in the moment, which was the cherry on the sundae that this day provided the baseball fans of the district. At 3:30 pm the lines were already dozens deep at the center field gate waiting to get their first glimpse at the new ballpark in southeast. As fans in red sweatshirts and team jackets filtered through security--necessary since the President threw out the first pitch--you could hear folks praising the look, design and feel of the new stadium.

There were families anxious to see the view from their new seats, generations passing traditions from Griffith Stadium to Robert F. Kennedy Stadium to the shiny new Nationals Park. People came via the Metro, took the shuttle from RFK, parked in their season ticket holder parking lots--even rode their bikes or took taxis. But they all came to see the new park, new field, new larger-than-life high definition scoreboard--oh, and actually watch a baseball game.

The afternoon and evening had a few hiccups with long lines for food and other concessions, crowded security lines and yet unfinished amenities, including television monitors not in place, signs directing fans to non-existing ATMs and stadium workers that were still feeling around the new park themselves. But most of the complaints were taken in stride with patrons understanding the newness of the place and realizing that some kinks would need to be worked out.

While the biggest cheers were reserved for Zimmerman's game-winner, there were boos for the Commander-in-Chief, a smattering of "Oh"s during "Oh Say Can you See" in the National Anthem and Chipper Jones of the Braves, who hit the first homer in the new park.

Other firsts: First Pitch-Odalis Perez at 8:23 pm; First Hit-Cristian Guzman in the bottom of the first; First RBI-Nick Johnson driving in Guzman in the first.

Most fans would tell you that opening night at Nationals Park was an unqualified success, and the walk-off home run provided the fireworks that punctuated the southeast sky with victory in the first game in a gem of a ballpark in southeast DC.

Zim Sends Capacity Crowd Home Happy also posted at DC Sports Box.

Kasten Takes Metro to Park

Washington, DC--Washington Nationals' President Stan Kasten took a subway ride today--from Gallery Place to the Navy Yard--with the media in tow to prove how easy it will be to get to the new ballpark in near Southeast DC. Granted it was in the middle of the day, with the least amount of patrons possible in the Metro system, but the entire trip from doors closed to doors open was seven minutes and fifteen seconds.

"It's gonna be safe, convenient, easy…and an awful lot of fun," was how Kasten categorized a trip to the new park on Metro. "We have one of the best metro systems in the world, and I've been in metro stations all around the world," Kasten said. In response to questions about the Navy Yard Station being only "half-ready", Kasten replied, "Ah, but next week we're opening up the important half...the half right on our front door." He also assured that the Navy Yard Metro stop would be fully operational for opening day.

According to Kasten, there are 57,000 parking spots throughout the Metro system and patrons of Nationals Park should utilize them--and not drive all the way downtown--when visiting the new stadium. "Metro has a great schedule and they're prepared to handle all the crowds that we could possibly have." He added that Metro would have personnel at the Navy Yards and all transfer stations to point fans in the right direction.

Replying to a question about the surrounding area of the park, Kasten dismissed any concern, stating, "The neighborhood has really been spiffed up with sidewalks and lights and guards at the different, you know, directing foot traffic, so it's gonna be great."

Some things the Nats are still working on include a taxi queue, limo and sedan pick-up/drop off, and charter bus drop-off and parking. Kasten also stressed that the free shuttle from RFK will be a good option for fans, especially coming from Maryland, although he did not have details about how parking at RFK will be handled when schedules conflict with DC United, which still utilizes venerable RFK Stadium.

On a baseball related note, Kasten said Shawn Hill "looked terrific today," although it looks "likely" he'll start the season on the Disabled List, since Opening Day is just around the corner.

Kasten Takes Metro to Park also posted at DC Sports Box

Photo Courtesy of A. Amobi and DC Sports Box

Nats Unveil New Scoreboard

Washington, DC--The Washington Nationals, led by President Stan Kasten and owner Mark Lerner, unveiled the spectacular high-definition scoreboard which will be the centerpiece of the new Nationals' Park along the banks of the Anacostia River in near Southeast DC Tuesday afternoon.

On an day with overcast skies, the crystal clear light emanating from the scoreboard had no competition from the sun for brightness inside the new ballpark. Standing 47 feet tall, 102 feet wide, and encompassing 4,811 square feet, the scoreboard is larger than most apartments in the city. Over 1,000,000 individual pixels deliver such a bright and clear picture, even the mediocre video shot from MASN that the Nats chose to play during the unveiling looked crisp and clear. Imagine what things may look like if the image was actually captured in HD, as the Capitals do at Verizon Center.


"It's a great way to watch a ball game," Kasten said beaming as proudly as a new parent. "If you're someone that just wants to sit and watch baseball for nine innings, this will be as good a park that has even been built." Asked about it's quality and dimensions, Kasten simply said, "It's as fine a board as there is anywhere in the world."

In a nod to their former home, the Nats transported home plate from RFK Stadium over to the New Nationals Park, with Kasten remarking, "I hope we get to use this here more than at RFK." Inferior Nationals' Mascot Screech was there to help, as were officials from Clark Construction. Kasten wasn't very sentimental about the old ballpark. "I'm in this to do the best job here for our fans…and RFK wasn't helpful in that effort. This park is what fans want and deserve."


Workers were busy during the demonstration as opening day quickly approaches. The first cherry blossom tree in the left field court was being planted as reporters were leaving the facility. Much of the stadium was still covered in dust and construction garbage littered the concourses, empty seating aisles and just about any open space where things could accumulate. But a walk through the concourse also showed evidence that yes, there is a baseball-only stadium underneath all the dust, and after a thorough cleaning and sweeping, things may--just may--be ready by opening day. "Every day is exciting," Kasten said, "It's gonna be a very cool place to be."

In other news from the festivities, Kasten indicated that opening day sold out in six minutes when tickets were open to the general public Tuesday morning, comparing it to "a Springsteen concert". That number was tempered a bit by the news that just 4,000 tickets were made available to non-ticket package holders. He also indicated that opening day tickets were still being held for anyone wishing to purchase full- or half- season plans yet.



"Nats Unveil New Scoreboard" also posted at DC Sports Box.

Last Game Ever at RFK

We went to the Nats/Phils game yesterday to watch the Nats try to spoil things for the Phillies, and to say "goodbye" to dilapidated, antiquated Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. I don't see myself going to a DC United game in the next couple of years, so it's probably the last time I step foot in the place.

I'll start off by saying that I've been rooting for the tenants of that building for 35 years, give or take. That's a long time for anything. I have many, many great memories of all the Redskins teams, good and bad but mostly good. The last three years of the Nats, while the product on the field hasn't been the best, it's certainly better than not having them, and RFK has served it's purpose...simply existing so that MLB had an excuse to move them here from Montreal and give the franchise an actual chance to survive.

The day was great, with the Nats actually winning, and we had a great time with some of our baseball friends, during and after the game at the players lot. We stuck around long enough to be treated to the costume parade of the rookies--10 of them in all, with everything from Aladdin to French Maid to Justin Maxwell in a Ladybug Stripper outfit. You had to see it to believe it. They came out to the fans gathered and Jason Bergmann made sure they signed autographs for every fan left that wanted one. When I asked Bergmann for his, he said, "Sorry, today is all about the rookies". Good stuff.

I'm not going to get emotional about the Nats moving out of RFK though. The problems with RFK as a "Major League Facility" are well documented, including the locker rooms being BEYOND substandard, but I'll list just a few here as far as the fans go.

1) Aramark. Perhaps nowhere better to start than the food "services". Hot dogs but no buns. Advertisements for selections not available (salad, anyone?). Warm beer, cold dogs. Money takers that can't make change for a $10. Fewer choices than Republican Presidential hopefuls. Even fewer food stands actually open.

2) Security. There was precious little of it. No lights in the parking lots for the first two years. Players cars stolen out of the "secured" lot. Forget trying to walk back to Capitol Hill.

3) Ambiance. The concourses are narrow, dark and grimy. The few tvs on the concourse looked like they were installed when George Allen coached the Redskins. The bathrooms were unstocked and crumbling, not to mention without audio. If you left your seat for any reason, you had no idea what happened while you were gone. Coupled with long lines for food, this was a real problem.

4) Amenities. Cupholders? Nope. Informative scoreboard? Nope. Supplemental statboards? Nope. Continuous out-of-town scores? Nope. Restaurant services? Nope. Cushy club-level seating? Nope.

RFK outlived it's usefulness, but it was in the right place at the right time for DC to secure a franchise to move here, so that is it's final legacy. But for me, it'll always be the best football stadium in the country.

See you in "Nationals' Park" in April!