Saturday, February 09, 2008

More Detail Of New Nationals Park (Part Two)


Today, Sohna and I continue our tour of New Nationals Park with Chrystal Stowe--Director of Community Affairs and Business Development for Smoot Construction.
And, we pick up where we left off--talking about concessions. This is a reminder. Just because The Club Levels were first up on yesterday's Detail look of New Nationals Park--doesn't mean regular ticket holders are being left behind or left out. No matter what price seat you choose to sit at New Nationals Park--Premium & Regular Concessions will be available to you. Yes, some of the higher end fare will only be available in The Clubs--but it is my understanding, after talking to more than a few folks involved--that items other than regular ballpark fare will be accessible to all.
Look--if you want to spend your money for food and drink--you will be given that opportunity--and not just for junk. A $10 Ticket will not greatly reduce your choices. The Centerfield Restaurant will be open to all fans. There will be Premium Food Stands & Concessions on all levels. And, special options for children. Although at this point--no complete details have been released on where those premium choices will be located--hopefully very soon. The specifics are being worked out.

One Regular Concession Stand on the first base side of New Nationals Park has cleared its inspection. Chrystal Stowe took Sohna and I inside for a look.


The Soft Drink & Beer Vats for some choices are located on the service level--below the stands. From there, the liquids are pumped up to the various concessions for serving. This particular kitchen setup was HUGE!! A gigantic storage and freezer area. And, this was just one of many such service areas throughout The Main Concourse. The Upper Level has similar set ups--but slightly smaller in size.

Outside of Gifford's Premium Ice Cream Choices--there will be regular soft serve as well. Including an item called "Frozen Rope". We were not really sure what a "Frozen Rope" is? Any help?

And--for those who care about this topic (Curly W's Mom in particular)--its Coke!!, Not Pepsi at New Nationals Park.



Moving back inside to The Nationals Clubhouse. Our Washington Nationals have an Oval Office of their own. Sohna and I LOVED the Mini--Louisville Slugger Bats that frame EVERY LOCKER. Every Single One. Of course--all three of us realized right away that some frustrated player is going to take some of those mini-bats out after a bad outing. You just KNOW THAT's going to happen? And, would be fun to watch.


Showers, Hydro-Therapy, Steam and Team Family Room (adjacent to Clubhouse).




In the center of the Main Clubhouse is a Special Washington Nationals Logo Mat. Currently protected from the ongoing construction--Chrystal gave us a sneak peak.

Walking out of The Nationals Clubhouse--down the stairs toward the home dugout--just to your left is located The Indoor Batting Cages. Presidents Club Patrons can watch any player take his swings from the windows just above.




Our Washington Nationals Dugout is almost complete. Wide and large--far greater than RFK Stadium.





The Stone backstop behind home plate is very nice. Now, you just know any baseball that hits that hard surface is going to ricochet back to the plate!! Not many runners are going to be heading home on a wild pitch.


And, just to prove the grass is protected under that white tarp--here you go.
The Visitors Dugout

Presidential Club Seating--completely padded chairs (when finished).




Sohna and I found plenty of leg room in most every row--far greater than RFK Stadium.



But, Front Row of both Club Level and Gallery Sections have lesser widths to the wall in front.




What this shorter distance does accomplish on Club Level is the allowing of most anyone to see above the plexi-glass barrier in front. Sohna has no problems seeing over the railing (A big relief for me--by the way).


What this shorter distance to the wall has NO effect on--is Gallery Level Row A. Being 6'3" tall, sitting in the Front Row of Gallery Level--I still found myself peering through the plexiglass to watch the batting circle. Not ideal, but far better than railings in your face. Still, for the price--one of the best deals in the park--great views of the games.


Many have mentioned their concern about the railings in the aisles. Some believe those metals objects will take away their view of the ball game. Sohna and I sat in three different sections and found no problems. The slope of the stairwell negates having a blocked view. Looking up--away from the field--to your side--maybe. Otherwise--as far as the game is concerned--no, your only concern is a taller person sitting in front of you.



And, at the bottom of every elevated aisle a higher plexi-glass partition. A safety feature to make sure no one falls over. The higher you sit in New Nationals Park--the steeper the climb.


Of course--I can't forget about those cupholders. Hopefully, no longer will some careless fan be kicking over your drink as he/she heads out for the 3rd time over the past two innings. Or, someone behind you spills over their drink onto your stuff under your seat (yeah, I know--that's a pipe dream).




Finally--The African Queen and I LOVED the signage. Vintage style--cream base color with navy pinstripe and gold/navy borders--really, they are attractive.






As it turns out--there are many more pictures to post of Our Tour from this past Friday--at New Nationals Park. So tomorrow--the detail photos will conclude with The Press Box and other assorted shots of Our New Ballpark on South Capitol Street. Many of these assorted photos will show the openness of Our Washington Nationals New Stadium.