Washington is a small town once again.
Nationals Park feels small, even cozy. Maybe because it’s half the size of football stadiums, but small works very, very well.
The seats are closer. The upper deck doesn’t sit that far away and you have a great view. The Red Porch in center field is soon to be the hot ticket among GS-Joes who can’t afford the pricey seats.
In fact, if you don’t like your seat, hang around the center field concourse where a standing crowd watches the game. It might become the ninth inning spot for fans wanting a head start to the Metro.
Finally, baseball feels real once more in Washington because the park is a major league venue. While RFK Stadium will always be loved by older fans, Nationals Park fits into the current climate of great food, high-def scoreboard and the view of the Capitol dome for those sitting high on the third base side.
“We had some good memories at RFK, but you can’t compare it,” said Nats manager Manny Acta before Sunday night’s season opener against Atlanta. “It’s exciting to come to work here.”
Nats president Stan Kasten spent the past few days saying they got it right. Turns out someone in charge around Washington was telling the truth for once. Metro will be a hassle for awhile and weeknight traffic won’t make it easier, but once inside, the stadium is worth the trouble.
The concourses are twice as wide at RFK, but everyone kept bumping into each other while gawking. Taste of Majors, Steak of the Union, Change Up Chicken, The Sweet Spot and Slice Down the Line feel like the Nissan Pavilion food courts. Pictures of baseball greats wrapped around the poles. The real hot photo was the four presidents mixing with the crowd in center field.
The place is so beautiful, nobody may notice the team doesn’t have enough pitching for a few weeks. Even then, it won’t matter as big crowds are a given this year. The Nats get one more season pass before fans expect a winner. With five potential pitchers on the Triple-A roster, next year may be enough.
Now if the line for Ben’s Chili Bowl — easily the longest in the stadium — would settle down, everything would be perfect.
Rick Snider has coveredlocal sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
