Lapping Up a Major Victory, And Luxuries, at New Stadium

Hours before the Nationals took the field for their regular-season opener, thousands of fans streamed through the gates beyond center field -- but they didn't take their seats.

Not right away.

There was so much to see and do before the game began.

Such as walk the stadium's wide (and, on this night, cramped) concourse to check out the seemingly endless food stands, buy souvenirs and admire the views of the city and the Anacostia River.

"I just did three laps," said Chad Capellman, 34, a Web producer who grew up in Wheaton and had come back from his home in Quincy, Mass., for the game. "My favorite part are the tribute murals to the Negro leagues and Senators history on the pillars."

The video games in the PlayStation arcade also drew crowds.

"PlayStation 3 rocks," said Kevin Jones, 29, a lobbyist who lives in Arlington County, as he watched the digital Detroit Tigers play the Cleveland Indians on one of the video screens. "I'm here more for the ballgame, but this is pretty cool."

If last night is any indication of the future, the city and team can rest easy about their investment. But, of course, last night was special. President Bush threw out the first pitch. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) waded through the crowd, drawing cheers but also some catcalls from those who remember his voting against the ballpark as a member of the D.C. Council.

"Hey, Mr. Mayor, what do you think now that baseball is here?" one man yelled.

"Enjoy the night," Fenty responded.

In the plush Lexus President's Club, fans with the finest tickets escaped from the pregame chill with cocktails, hot hors d'oeuvres and wide-screen televisions on every wall.

"It's fantastic," said Lee Shenker of Rockville, sitting at the circular bar with his wife, Stacey. The Shenkers have season tickets in a box along the third base line but upgraded to the President's Club for opening night. Former season-ticket holders at RFK, they said they recognized several employees from the old park.