A Ballpark Begins Its Inning

The cheapest seat has some of the best views. Seat N3 in section 401 is in the highest deck overlooking the foul ball marker in left field. It is one of 400 seats that cost $5 and are sold on game days. It gives a view of all the action on the field, is level with the press box and the top of the scoreboard, and has a good view of the Anacostia River and the old destroyer USS Barry, moored at the Navy Yard.

It is 82 steps, down two flights of stairs, to the nearest restroom and, on the way, a fan passes two concession stands at which a hot dog costs $4.50 and a Budweiser is $7.50.

Best of all, a fan sitting in N3 just needs to glance to the left for an unobstructed view of the Capitol. Over the left shoulder is the Washington Monument, and over the right shoulder, in the distance, is the new Air Force Memorial.

For those plunking down $300 a game for the most expensive spots, the 500 Presidential seats right behind home plate, there are no skyline views. But the view of the game is spectacular: Seat A10 is level to the playing field, overlooking the batter's shoulder.

For that kind of money, complimentary hot dogs and nachos are delivered to a softly cushioned seat. It is only 32 steps, along hand-crafted blue slate masonry, to the softly-lit Oval Office Bar in the President's Club, which is decorated with photos of the past 17 presidents, starting with William Howard Taft. The presidents are shown throwing the first pitch or attending a ballgame during their time in office.

(If you ever get a chance to get in there, which for most of us is doubtful, check out George H.W. Bush's photo. It says he's at a Texas Rangers game. But the ballpark behind him has the big logo of the Baltimore Sun and looks an awful lot like the old Memorial Stadium.)

A Grey Goose martini or a Crown Royal manhattan will cost $12 in the President's Club bar. A glass wall offers a view of the Nationals' batting cages under the stands as well as a peak at the media room, where players and coaches face sportswriters after the game. There also will be complimentary buffets of flank steak, crab cakes and salmon croquettes.

One Nationals executive called seats in left center field "one of the best-kept secrets" because they are the only cushioned seats apart from the Presidential ones and go for $60, with $20 as credit for food. Unlike at RFK, all seats in the new ballpark have cup holders. The seats have small tables between them and are right by the exit to the plaza to beat the rush after games.

No matter where fans sat yesterday, the food selection was limited to a handful of concession stands. Still, the aroma of french fries and hot dogs that lingered in a slight breeze off the Anacostia had a ballpark smell.

Jasen Ambler, a GWU alum, spent $14 on a chicken burrito and a bottle of green tea. "I'd buy it again if they put more meat on it," he said. He was watching the game from the concourse, which is designed to be open and allow fans to catch the action.

"That's important, so you don't miss the game," he said. "Every seat is a good view."

Prices at the stands included $8 for a cheese pizza, $6.50 for Italian sausage, $9.50 for chicken tenders, $10 for nachos, $8 for tacos, $4.75 for popcorn, $4 for peanuts, $4 for bottle water, and $4.50 and $5.50 for sodas.

"Can't come to a baseball game without buying some Cracker Jacks!" shouted one vendor as he hiked up and down the stairs. They were going for $4 a box.

The ballpark will get an even bigger dress rehearsal Saturday, when almost 30,000 fans will see the Nationals take on the Orioles in an exhibition game. The evening matchup is open to season ticket holders and Nationals' guests, including many of the construction workers and their families.

The event will provide the first real test of the scene outside and inside the ballpark. Team executives and city officials have been concerned for months about transportation. Parking remains at a premium in the neighborhood, and Metro is cited as the easiest way to a game.

Yesterday, the traffic was light and good omens prevailed. Not the least of which was the home team coming out on top. GWU beat St. Joseph's 9-4.