With just seven weeks before that very first Exhibition Game scheduled at New Nationals Park on March 29th--it was time for a Nats320 Stadium Photo Update. But, this one was special. The African Queen & I were on a mission. You can look at all the wide shots you want--but Detail Matters--right now. The Grass looks great, New Nationals Park looks like a ball yard. But, what about THE ENHANCEMENTS? Those little appointments that make things special for baseball fans. The decorations--that make you say; "That's nice."
Yes, Sohna and I wanted to see the furbishings.
As always, Chrystal Stowe, The Director of Community Affairs & Business Development from Smoot Construction was accommodating to our needs. At 11AM this morning, Sohna and I met up with Chrystal at 24 Potomac Avenue (1st & Potomac S.E--the eventual ballpark retail space) to tour the stadium. After signing away our life--if injured--and putting on the customary hard hat--off we went--this time on a two hour tour.
Chrystal walked us throughout 3/4th of the ballpark. The only areas we didn't reach--due to time and construction limits--were The Centerfield Restaurant and Kids Area (between the HDTV Scoreboard and Right Field Foul Lines). Just about every other area of the New South Capitol Street Stadium--we covered. 
And, Oh Yeah--The African Queen and I also sat in our new seats--for the very first time. Yes--Section 218, Row A--doesn't stink.
Thankfully, Friday February 8th was a PERFECT DAY for pictures. Originally, this tour was set up for February 1st. If you recall--that was the morning of a DC Area Ice Storm. All three of us agreed that morning to re-schedule-was that ever the correct decision.Our February 8th Photo Shoot will be a two parter--too much information to post in just one story.
With that--here we go.
Exterior Shots--South Capitol Street
Vintage Styled Information/Directional Signs--posted on the garages--with ticket booths below. Extremely wide walkway on Potomac,SE--looking north toward N Street.
Potomac Avenue Grand Entrance Staircase (This spot has serious potential--with The Anacostia River directly to the south).
The Presidents Club--The Wood Frames shown will hold White Banners with Red Letters Spelling "Nationals" across the entire Club. The Oval Bar is OUTSTANDING!! Presidents Club has a wide concourse entrance/exit from The Club to the Seating Bowl. Presidents Club will include Vintage Washington Baseball History Memorabilia. And, a glass viewing window looking down on The Nationals Indoor Batting Cages.
Diamond Club--Killer Furnishings with Historic Mementos of DC's Baseball Past. How sweet is a re-creation of the final scoreboard of THE ONLY WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING GAME IN WASHINGTON, D.C. HISTORY? Check out those Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat Bar Counters. When it comes to DETAIL--those bats are TERRIFIC!!. Sohna loves the lighting fixtures. Clay Bricks--depicting Old Griffith Stadium will surround the Diamond Club Bar--Come On!!--that's a nice touch--any fan will appreciate that.
Including Exterior Walkout shots from Diamond Club to Seating Bowl.
Stars & Stripes Dual Level Club--Four Bars, Premium Concessions--including Brick Oven Pizza & Asian Sushi Bar.
Club Suites & Exteriors--including hanging plasma televisions. Plasma TV's are throughout the stadium on all levels--with overhangs.
Tomorrow in Part Two--Sohna and I not only sat in Club Level--but we took a close look at the Plexiglass (not railings) placed in the front rows of Club Level and Terrace Level Seating. The see through glass makes a big difference. Also, in response to so many commenting about the hand railings that are placed in each aisle--and the possibility those poles might block the cross view--we took a close look at that fear. Also--complete detail of Our Washington Nationals Clubhouse--including nice distinctive touches in the locker room. Concession, Press Box, Terrace Level Pix and vintage retro signage--"Mens", "Womens", "ATM", etc--nice retro pinstripe signs that give the feel of old.
Of course--many other generic shots that show New Nationals Park is actually nearing completion.
