Reviewing Nationals Park

Three years ago today, your humble diarist attended his first major-league game in our nation’s capital—a game at R.F.K. Stadium between the home-standing Nationals and the Mets. While that game is recalled in your humble diarist’s mind for personal reasons today, it is with this anniversary in mind that the Nationals’ new ballpark is reviewed.

First this note: henceforth, this journal will be based in Washington. Starting today, entries without a dateline emanate from here in D.C. With that said, let’s get onto the review of Nationals Park. Games attended were April 23 and 24 against the Mets.

Architecture: Big thumbs-up for the limestone on the exterior rather than the now-ubiquitous brick. A brick ballpark would feel very out of place in this town. Rating: Five out of five.

Seating: Pretty good sight lines, with lots of open concourses. The premium seats right behind home plate were three-quarters empty each night, however. Rating: Three.

Parking/Transportation: Parking is a huge issue. Metro was alright, but they still has some kinks to work out—Thursday night’s game coincided with a Wizards playoff game in Chinatown, and Metro recorded the third-highest ridership in their history. Rating: Two.

Neighborhood: All the construction around High Street should improve things when completed. Rating: Two.

Concessions: The half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl is the best deal at the ballpark: less than two dollars more than one would pay on U Street. Red, Hot, and Blue barbecue is also available, in addition to a wide selection of beers and conspicuously quiet coffee stands. Rating: Five.

Fan base: There were a lot of Mets fans here, but the Nationals really seem to be catching on. Rating: Three.

A rating of 20 puts Nationals Park second among ballparks attended by your humble diarist.

…Ballpark Standings…

Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore) – 23
Nationals Park (Washington) – 20
Fenway Park (Boston) – 19
Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia) – 19
Yankee Stadium (Bronx, N.Y.) – 17
Shea Stadium (Flushing, N.Y.) – 16
R.F.K. Stadium (Washington)* – 13
Le Stade Olympique (Montreal)* – 12
Veterans Stadium (Philadelphia)* –12

* – no longer in use