tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post8707782898673706388..comments2023-10-20T04:28:04.547-04:00Comments on Nats320 -- A Washington Nationals Blog: The Relocation GuideScreech's Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-72142305802670445142008-08-04T16:11:00.000-04:002008-08-04T16:11:00.000-04:00Chris needham,Nationals Park has great baseball at...Chris needham,<BR/>Nationals Park has great baseball at better prices. It's not cheap anymore at the pumps, but there are still bargains at the ballpark!<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>DanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-28226607390768900292007-08-29T20:36:00.000-04:002007-08-29T20:36:00.000-04:00who wants to trade a Jose Guillen Bobblehead for a...who wants to trade a Jose Guillen Bobblehead for a President Jefferson. Contact me at wshnats@verizon.netAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-64508709874419533922007-06-13T22:12:00.000-04:002007-06-13T22:12:00.000-04:00NATS320 = I don't understand where you are getting...NATS320 = I don't understand where you are getting a $5 increase from your current seats in 320.If you are in terrace MVP in 320, your per game price in 2007 is $34.<BR/><BR/>The way I see it, comparable seats distance-wise in the new stadium will be in section 117, around row QQ or so. Those seats will cost you $50 a seat, for a $16 increase per game. What am I missing?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-595616227262628392007-06-13T12:16:00.000-04:002007-06-13T12:16:00.000-04:00anonoymous--I think your decision on seats comes d...anonoymous--I think your decision on seats comes down to what view of the game you enjoy the most. I have personally stood on the Infield Portion of the New Stadium--its alot closer than you can imagine. Certainly down the line is lower to the field, but the angle to the game is far different. The Stadium is compact, far more so than RFK Stadium. The Upper Seats LOOM over the stadium, similar in style to RFK. Hope that helps.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-80706830745030636832007-06-12T12:38:00.000-04:002007-06-12T12:38:00.000-04:00Can someone help me, please? I am currently a 20-...Can someone help me, please? I am currently a 20-game plan season ticket holder and am considering the seats I can afford at the new stadium. I think I have boiled down the seats to either LF/RF Mezzanine ($29) or the Infield Gallery ($22). I am more than willing to pay the extra $7 per ticket if the lower level LF/RF Mezzanine experience is going to be that much better than the cheaper, higher level but closer to home plate Infield Gallery seats. Your opinion, please, and many thanks! You can email me at blufre@msn.com.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-58601266732158263552007-06-09T23:35:00.000-04:002007-06-09T23:35:00.000-04:00Anonymous--My Seats have not been replaced by suit...Anonymous--My Seats have not been replaced by suites. Our Location is still in the lower bowl, the same distance from the field as we currently enjoy. The Difference in price is $5. The only difference is there is no lower bowl walkway in the new park separating the sections like at RFK Stadium.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-54419754391234559642007-06-09T23:23:00.000-04:002007-06-09T23:23:00.000-04:00SBF how do you feel that your seats have been repl...SBF how do you feel that your seats have been replaced by Suites!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-1213491436511060162007-06-09T23:22:00.000-04:002007-06-09T23:22:00.000-04:00It strikes me odd that the ownership group said th...It strikes me odd that the ownership group said they have done their research etc. and their pricing is competitive, when for the region it is NOT! The Orioles have more partial plans and cheaper seats. I have both Nationals tickets and Orioles tickets and my Orioles tickets are 2 ROWS FROM THE FIELD IN THE INFIELD AND COST ONLY $30 per game, my NATS seats next season will cost around $25 and I will be in the Infield Gallery (miles from the field)! What is wrong with this picture!????Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-9607316371378307692007-06-09T14:01:00.000-04:002007-06-09T14:01:00.000-04:00BTW, I visited the stadium construction site today...BTW, I visited the stadium construction site today. It looks further along than it appears from the webcam photos. If I am right, it appears that they have completed the steel superstructure (on the ground) in the stands overlooking left field. In other words, they will not be moving any more north, but rather UP.<BR/><BR/>One of the construction guys said there will be no escalators but there will be elevators. (In fact, they are sinking three elevator shafts at the Navy Yards Metro station.) Since Kasten said there WILL be escalators, I assume this is a miscommunication.<BR/><BR/>There's going to be a Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson suites at the new stadium. Am I the only one who will call the nosebleed and bleacher areas the Theodore Roosevelt suites? (He DID like mountain climbing!) I also visited Roosevelt Island today on the way back...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-16842651696606836802007-06-09T13:48:00.000-04:002007-06-09T13:48:00.000-04:00an brioca mor--By the way--Great Commentary the pa...an brioca mor--By the way--Great Commentary the past two posts. Good points, well reasoned. A very interesting read. Thanks.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-78478203820444883572007-06-09T13:47:00.000-04:002007-06-09T13:47:00.000-04:00Jim: Yeah--The Nats320 Moniker is definitely in Je...Jim: Yeah--The Nats320 Moniker is definitely in Jeopardy. I might keep it for sentimentality. Then 10 years from now, it will be like trying to explain why The Lakers play in Los Angeles.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-39257205506219245202007-06-09T13:34:00.000-04:002007-06-09T13:34:00.000-04:00Why do I get the sense that Chris' mail was not qu...Why do I get the sense that Chris' mail was not quite meant as an endorsement of the new ticket prices? ;)<BR/><BR/>I expected to see significant sticker shock, especially since my tickets this year did not go up in price at all. (They took care of that with the parking fee increase!)<BR/><BR/>It's quite a hike, but I suppose I was steeling myself for it, so I'm not offended as it seems many folks are.<BR/><BR/>I've submitted my request for club seats, since they'll "only" be $5.00 more than comparable seats for where we are now - yes, in section 320.<BR/><BR/>(SBF - have you considered the new name for your blog yet?)<BR/><BR/>Of course, the proof will be in the attendance next year. Have we ever seen a case where pricing went down after the first couple of years in a new stadium?Jim Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10389688524746052643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-42324684762495193452007-06-09T11:28:00.000-04:002007-06-09T11:28:00.000-04:00You know, I really don't understand all the grousi...You know, I really don't understand all the grousing about the promotional schedule. It may be less than what other teams do, but it seems to me that the promo schedule this year is pretty much equivalent to what it was the last two years. Where were the complaints then? How many Miller Lite coolers and GEICO visors does one person need, anyway? And I don't recall either of the first two seasons offering FOUR bobbleheads, as this one does. Okay, so maybe you'd rather have a player bobblehead instead of a Racing President? I'll gladly trade you my Jose Guillen bobblehead from last year for one of your President bobbleheads. (Except for Teddy, that is. That guy's a loser.)<BR/><BR/>And I for one expect that additional promo items will be added as the season progresses, just as they were last year. (Recall that the three Paint The Town Red promos were a mid-season add-on to the list.) Kasten has already alluded to some upcoming hype around the last days at RFK. I bet there will be some promo item giveaways associated with that.<BR/><BR/>Re parking prices, I feel for you guys but the fact is that you've had an incredible gift there for all three years, even at this year's price. Next year you will be paying much, much more - both in parking dollars and time - if you choose to drive to the games. Take Metro. That's what I do already, and perhaps it wouldn't hurt you current driving guys to do it a bit this year too, for practice for next year. If you don't like that situation, don't complain to or about Kasten/Lerners, complain to the DC government. They're the ones responsible for that - and BTW they are also the ones responsible for the new stadium seating configuration and the associated prices. You think it would have been any different if another ownership group had been chosen? Trust me, it wouldn't.<BR/><BR/>As for STH access to Opening Day tix, based on this year's precedent of giving STH advance shot at single-game tix, I don't see that as being an issue. The only thing that could screw things up would be if every single seat in the stadium is sold to a full-season ticket holder during the ST sales process, thus meaning that there would be a butt in every seat already and nothing left for us partial-plan folks. But that ain't gonna happen, even in Stan Kasten's wildest dreams.An Briosca Morhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06855174362787324401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-10166696389244163902007-06-09T10:22:00.000-04:002007-06-09T10:22:00.000-04:00agree with Chris and Sbf on pricing seats. I have...agree with Chris and Sbf on pricing seats. I have already sent in my requests. <BR/><BR/>I love baseball and it has been a major part of my life both on the field and in the stands. <BR/><BR/>I think many things the new ownership group has done are too extreme and lack follow through.....If I pay my money I feel OK pointing out what I see as problem areas. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the forum.JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-45568896809617074982007-06-09T09:36:00.000-04:002007-06-09T09:36:00.000-04:00brianh--There are $20-$22 seats available in the i...brianh--There are $20-$22 seats available in the infield for anyone in what's called The Infield Gallery. These seats ring the bowl between 1st & 3rd. Nearly EVERYONE is exposed to the elements, there is very little cover in this new ballpark. I took a quick cursory look at Philadelphia & Baltimore. The Phillies have no seats in that price range ringing the infield. The Orioles have a similar price for the same gallery style seats. The lowest price point in the bowl at RFK Stadium, walkup, is $25. I don't see anyone complaining about that right now. If you get past those Presidential and Diamond Box Seats, the prices are not outrageous--in my opinion.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Some comments on your promissory notes:<BR/><BR/>#1 No one lied to anyone that the team might not be good. They are better than expected. And, no one is stopping just about anyone from buying a $5 seat, moving around and watching a game during the last season of play at RFK Stadium. Whether the team is good or not--if you enjoy baseball you can't beat that. There are $5 Grandstand Seats in the new park. <BR/><BR/>#2 Farm System--light years between before July '06 and Today. No comparison. Just a great job. You haven't noticed that Rosenthal Story that mentioned the $30,000 unpaid monies died rather quickly. He had no confirmed sources. I am in the media--that story was not entirely accurate. Since it had no legs--alot of others realized it too. Just like in a blog--just because a Named Media Source wrote it--the story is not necessarily 100% correct.<BR/><BR/>#3 Parking Fee sucks. The InGame Experience needs to be improved. Its definitely a work in progress. And, they need more giveaways. On that--I am 100% in agreeement.<BR/><BR/>#4 They would be foolish not to market the team. The Nationals are targeting specific areas. What they have yet to do in inundate the market. That's their choosing. Really, does their marketing of the team take away your enjoyment of baseball? Its going to change. Their business model is not what necessarily you and I may like--but its what they want to do.<BR/><BR/>No doubt--I am giving them a chance. Am I 100% thrilled with everything they have done? No. But, there is marked improvement in this franchise over the past one year. The Foundation is being built. Its great to be a diehard fan. A diehard fan that closely monitors every single aspect of the team. I follow their moves closely, comment if I don't like something, reach out and tell folks also--and make every attempt to make a well informed decision and opinion. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for your comments--I appreciate them.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-13569183965007865252007-06-09T07:51:00.000-04:002007-06-09T07:51:00.000-04:00SBF,I agree with your point about not wanting to s...SBF,<BR/><BR/>I agree with your point about not wanting to sit behind the backstop net. That would totally ruin the value of those seats behind homeplate as far as I'm concerned. I sat in such seats once at a minor league game, and I hated it. I ended up moving back and out farther away from homeplate to get away from the screen, and I enjoyed the view better even though the seats were "worse."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-40772536494298034202007-06-09T07:31:00.000-04:002007-06-09T07:31:00.000-04:00Even if all the ticket prices were $1.00 each, I w...Even if all the ticket prices were $1.00 each, I would still probably get a 20 game plan since I do not have the TIME to go to 81 home games.<BR/><BR/>This is my first year as a season ticket holder---I paid $100 for 20 $5.00 tickets. Although I will have to pay twice as much next year, $200 is still (for me) a reasonable price for season tickets. Since I have bills to pay, I may take a while for me to scrape up the money since I have bills to pay right now. (If I can find at least $500 or so, I may try to get an upgrade.)<BR/><BR/>The only thing that worries me is that this could backfire on the Nats big time. Rare is the Nats fan who has never attended an Orioles game in his life or at least rooted for the Birds at one time. I can easily see some fans saying, "[EXPLETIVE] this, I'm going to Baltimore where the seats are cheaper."<BR/><BR/>I do have one question which I will send to Stan Kasten himself. I know it's impossible to guarantee EVERY season ticket holder an Opening Game seat, but while they at the very least be given first shot?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-62632754909577322902007-06-09T07:20:00.000-04:002007-06-09T07:20:00.000-04:00Kasten just said what the 2008 slogan will: "New Y...Kasten just said what the 2008 slogan will: "New York prices, Hagerstowm product!!!!!"<BR/><BR/>The prices wouldn't bothers me if we had a good team, or a team with a much high payroll; but thats way to much tp ask of people to see the AAA Nats.<BR/>-Natsfan7Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-91842260975237599332007-06-09T04:29:00.000-04:002007-06-09T04:29:00.000-04:00SBF and Chris, you are diehard WASHINGTON NATIONAL...SBF and Chris, you are diehard WASHINGTON NATIONALS fans. The Nationals have established little, if any, real presence in the minds and hearts of potential customers, the "Casual Fan."<BR/><BR/>I implore you to examine these prices from their point of view.<BR/><BR/>These prices are shocking.<BR/><BR/>2/3 of the seats are located in the lower bowl. The cheapest 81-game FULL SEASON ticket price is $20.<BR/><BR/>For $1,620, you sit the farthest distance from home plate, blinded from the scoreboard and exposed to the elements.<BR/><BR/>The price rises with half or partial plans. Who knows what the SINGLE GAME ticket price will be? And for PREMIUM games?<BR/><BR/>Most of us have not received the opportunity to walk the concourses of Nationals Park. We must accept Mr. Lerner's and Mr. Kasten's word as bond regarding the value of the fan experience at Nationals Park, especially at these prices. In essence, they are issuing a promissory note to the fans.<BR/><BR/>Let's examine 4 previous promises offered by Mr. Lerner and Mr. Kasten to determine the level of trust their word deserves. <BR/><BR/>PROMISE #1: Suffer an inferior major league product at low payroll now. Payroll and the quality of the team will increase substantially in 2007.<BR/><BR/>PROMISSORY NOTE #1: Payment not due until April 2008.<BR/><BR/>PROMISE #2: Improve the farm system -- scouting and player development -- using saved payroll funds.<BR/><BR/>PROMISSORY NOTE #2: Payment incomplete. Yes, top scouts are hired. However, $30,000 unpaid for strength and conditioning coaches. Scouts' expense reimbursements delayed. Sunflower seeds undelivered.<BR/><BR/>PROMISE #3: Improve the fan experience.<BR/><BR/>PROMISSORY NOTE #3: Payment overdue. Parking prices increase 50% in 2 years. Concession prices increase but quality and offerings decrease. Centerpiece of between-innings entertainment is a stereotypical frat boy hype-man ["Whuz up RFK!"]. Promotional schedule is skimpiest in the major leagues. Most giveaways offered for premium-priced games.<BR/><BR/>PROMISE #4: Do not take for granted potential fans and the goodwill of the community. <BR/><BR/>PROMISSORY NOTE #4: Insufficient payments received. Consider foreclosure. Mr. Kasten is open to fan contact, yet has stated, "I'm the only one here who has built a stadium." Bullied taxpayers in extended battle over parking garages. No marketing of the Nationals brand, including baseball, community activities and media growth. Results in empty seats at RFK. <BR/><BR/>SUMMARY: Mr. Lerner and Mr. Kasten are poor candidates to receive faith and committment of area fans. They have displayed repeatedly a desire to take from consumers without reciprocating. <BR/><BR/>High ticket prices are huge risk given Washington's 33 year baseball drought. Unlike Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, and New York, baseball in Washington holds shallow roots, especially with fans born after 1970.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-19608522870673385662007-06-08T22:00:00.000-04:002007-06-08T22:00:00.000-04:00Why do I have the suspicion that your number is go...Why do I have the suspicion that your number is going to be quite low? ;)<BR/><BR/>The complaint over the prices are silly. I don't understand people. I'll be in the nosebleeds -- worse seats than at RFK, for sure -- without paying much more than I am now. Nothing wrong with that!<BR/><BR/>(I do love how they've managed to get us to call the opportunity to spend more money on concessions and souvenirs 'amenities' though!)Chris Needhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10455692848328638937noreply@blogger.com