THE OPENING: A Slow Start Saved by Can't-Be-Beat Finish

THOMAS BOSWELL: Fresh Start in New Jack City

THE SCENE: Making Themselves Right at New Home

PLAYER REACTION: New Stadium Is Showered With Praise

THE ROADS: Traffic Fears Become Reality in Beltway Jam

FAN REACTION: The Crowd's Critique: Cheers and Some Jeers

TAILGATING: In the Parking Lots, the Grill of It All.

THE TECHNOLOGY: Curtain's Up on Big Show in Landover

THE VENDORS: At the Stadium, Sales on the Run

TV: On Tube, Stadium Wasn't the Clear-Cut Star of the Show

AWAY FROM THE FIELD: Seating Scores Big, Food Draws a Flag

THE NEIGHBORS: In Landover, Residents Keep a Wary Watch

RFK STADIUM: Around Old Stadium, Feelings of Emptiness

TICKETS: With Club, Sellout Is Far From a Lock

THE GOSSIP: One Woman's Sonny Day, and the Box Score

STADIUM FIRSTS