Nats Could Use Some Designated Sitters in Those Pricey Seats

Those numbers put the Nationals, who are cellar-dwellers in their division, at the top of the heap in at least one major league category. The most expensive season tickets to New York Yankees games, for example, are $250 per game. The Boston Red Sox -- last season's World Series champs -- charge $325 at their top end. The priciest seat at Oriole Park at Camden Yards is $80.

Direct comparisons, though, aren't entirely fair because a Presidential ticket does entitle its holder to such perks as a Nationals Park parking pass ("based upon availability"), a free buffet and access to the stadium's three high-roller clubs. From one of the clubs, fans can also peer down at the Nationals' indoor batting cage and postgame news conferences.

But doesn't the pricing disparity suggest that the Nationals overestimated their appeal among Washington's wealthiest baseball fans?

Burnett says yes, more or less: "I think with everything about the park, we're still in the evaluation phase. . . . We're taking a look at all things across the board. Who knows? Our pricing structure may be tweaked."

Not that the fans sitting in the luxe section have too many complaints. "These are incredible seats," enthuses Pat McVeigh, 36, sitting about eight rows back from the field for Thursday's game. "I'm not sure people understand how spectacular these views are and how elite these seats are."

McVeigh says his company, Bridge Education of Arlington, bought four Presidential seats as a business investment. For his firm, which provides technology training, the chance to bond with potential clients, partners and vendors for a few leisurely hours at the park is an invaluable marketing opportunity. "As a baseball fan and as a businessman, this is certainly worth $300 to me," McVeigh says. "No question about it."

A few rows away, Beth Ladd's husband, John, a lawyer, enjoys the close-up view. As the Ladds' three young sons take in the game, John Ladd calls the seats "fantastic." But he does acknowledge being a bit puzzled by the sparse turnout surrounding his family. "I'm sure the owners have a plan," he says, "but I don't know what the plan is."

McVeigh suggests that a little promotion wouldn't hurt. "Once word gets out, I think these will be the most sought-after tickets in town," he says.

"When you sit at the club level or in the suites, you get removed from what the game is all about, what you loved about it as a kid," he says. "When you sit here, you can hear conversations on the field, you can hear the snap of the bat. It brings you back to your first game, you know?"

McVeigh certainly didn't have to worry about anyone obstructing his view. On Thursday, he was sitting a few rows back, about 60 feet from home plate -- all by himself.