Opera In The Outfield--2010

Sunday, September 19th is the scheduled 3rd Annual "Opera In The Outfield" at Nationals Park. For 2010, a new twist has been added at this popular event. It's an afternoon matinee--2PM Start--to see the live simulcast of Verdi's "A Masked Ball" from Washington's Kennedy Center Opera House. According to The Washington National Opera scheduling conflicts with the South Capitol Street Ballpark made an evening presentation out of the question this season.

In 2009, Sohna and I attended "Opera In The Outfield" to watch the opening night simulcast of "The Barber Of Seville". The ballpark was crowded (the official attendance count was 19,000) on a beautifully cool late summer evening. This new ballpark experience (for us) was refreshing. We packed a picnic dinner, brought a couple of blankets and spread out on the outfield grass in front of the HDTV Screen at Nationals Park.

"Opera In The Outfield" is free to the public. Seating at the ballpark is allowed in the outfield, and the lower seating bowl--but not on the infield or between the two field dugouts. If we recall rightly, parking in Garage Lot B & Garage Lot C was $10 per car last year. And Target Stores gave out specially designed water bottles as the goodie entering the gates. Different prize giveaways are scheduled this Sunday.

Also new for 2010, a Take Me Out To The Opera Songwriting Contest will commence. Using opera lyrics, fans will be given the opportunity to sing their very own baseball themed inspired songs. The winning contestants to receive prize packages including a $500 shopping spree at Target.

This past Sunday at Nationals Park, The Washington National Opera was on hand to promote "Opera In The Outfield" during the baseball game between Our Washington Nationals and The Florida Marlins. The Opera's General Director, Placido Domingo, sang The National Anthem while staff manned a booth in Center Field Plaza--handing out flyers, Opera CD's and The Washington National Opera 2010-2011 Schedule. They were also encouraging all baseball fans to go online to check out OperaIntheOutfield.org for compelete information about this Sunday's September 19th's 2PM start.

Further details can also be found in the team's complete press release below:

Washington Nationals Host Opera in the Outfield on Sunday, Sept. 19

The Washington Nationals have once again teamed up with the Washington National Opera to host the third-annual Target FREE Opera in the Outfield at Nationals Park. This year’s free opera simulcast of Verdi’s dramatic opera A Masked Ball (Un Ballo in Maschera) will be broadcast live in high definition from the Kennedy Center Opera House to the Nationals’ state-of-the-art HD scoreboard at Nationals Park.

In addition to the simulcast, numerous pre-show and intermission activities will be available to guests, including:
o Photo opportunities with Nationals mascot Screech and a Mars M&M character
o Family Fun Zone offering a mask-making area, costume trunk and Jungle Gym for children
o Picnic contest sponsored by ABC7/WJLA-TV
o T-shirt tosses, prize giveaways, raffle items and more!

New this year is the ‘Take Me Out to the Opera Songwriting Contest,’ which gave fans the opportunity to write original, opera-inspired lyrics to the traditional baseball tune for a chance to have their song performed live and win exclusive prize packages. The winner will be announced during the “Seventh Aria Stretch” (i.e., the second intermission) and will lead the entire stadium in song.

Target FREE Opera in the Outfield is free and open to the public. Seating will be available throughout the ballpark, including on the outfield and in the stands. While reservations are not required, fans are encouraged to reserve their spot by the Wednesday evening deadline. For more information on the simulcast and to make a reservation, visit www.OperaintheOutfield.org.

Fans attending the event should be aware of the following restrictions:
- Only soft-sided coolers smaller than 16 x 16 x 9 inches and containing individual-size serving food will be allowed
- No alcohol will be allowed inside the gates of the ballpark
- No chairs will be allowed inside the gates of the ballpark
- No strollers or wheelchairs are allowed on the grass of the field
- No throwing items on the field

WHEN: Sunday, September 19
Gates Open: 12:00 p.m.
Simulcast Begins: 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Nationals Park - 1500 South Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

Barber Of Seville Video Screen Grabs--Courtesy Of The Washington National Opera
All Other Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved