The new Nationals Ball Park

This past Saturday (March 29), I went to the new Nationals Ball park in DC. We chose to go on Saturday, even though it was an exhibition game, because we wanted to stay away from the circus that was the George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch mess. Good decision from what I heard :)
My hopes were high for the ballpark. As some (or all 1) of my readers know, I got on yearly trips with husband and friends to ballparks around the country. The goal is to enjoy some baseball, take in the local experience at the park, have some beers and find some cool thing to do in a city we otherwise never would have been to (Milwaukee, that would be you!). But a big part of the trip is the ballpark itself.

I have my personal favorites:
1. Pac Bell Park in San Francisco (I know, its AT&T park, but just like Candlestick is still Candlestick...)

• Great view of the Bay and on over to the Oakland Hills
• Excellent food that is representative of local establishments. Garlic from Gilroy in the form of the 40-clove chicken sandwich, Garlic Fries from Gordon Biersch (sp?), Compadre Nachos, Anchor Steam beer. All local and yummy.

2. PNC Park in Pittsburgh

• By far the best view from a stadium: You can see the Roberto Clemente bridge (which crosses teh Allegheny River) from the stands, and the vista is amazing. On game days, they close the bridge to just foot traffic.
• The food, again, relies on local fare: pierogies, Allegheny City Beverage, Primanti Brothers and their famous smash sandwiches. Yummy.
• Recognition of their heroes--Pop's Plaza (named after Willie Stargell), Roberto Clemente bridge, and a giant statue of those two plus Honus Wagner, Legacy Square to honor the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords
• General fan friendliness: Family bathrooms, a Home Run ball exchange policy, Kids ID bracelets, etc.
• in short, a lot to love

3. Fenway Park in Boston

• Yes, yes, a diehard Yankees fan putting this park on my list. But before I'm a Yankees fan, I'm a baseball fan. And how can a baseball fan not love Fenway Park? Now I wish the Sox sucked in their ballpark forever, but I can't dis the ballpark. Gotta respect the team for hanging on to the old dog and making lots of improvements. When I was last up there (Fall 96?) it needed a lot of work. But I've heard its getting better.

4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

• here, its all about the warehouse. A great design, good seats all over the house.

Back to the original topic of the post: The Nats new ballpark.

I was disappointed.

That's not to say that there weren't things that I didn't really like, but the overall effect was, eh.
Things I did not like:
1. Not much atmosphere or character. There is so much history and architecture that could have been used to inspire the stadium. Instead, we get (what felt to me) a carbon copy of the Phillies new stadium. Nice, but not memorable.
2. When you had a choice of a view of the river or a view of the Capitol building, you choose... neither? Well, I guess you can kind of see the Capitol from the cheap seats... but why not orient the building to get better view of the monuments? I mean nothing is allowed to be taller than the Washington Monument for a reason people!

What I did like:
1. Our seats (thanks, Eric). They are on club level, cushioned and quick access to a temperature-controlled area with food and bars.
2. Local food. Here, they did good. I had a Ben's half-smoke with chili and fixin's from Ben's Chili Bowl. I could also have scored chili Mac from Hard Times, some BBQ from Red, Hot & Blue, ice cream from Giffords. The food choices get an A from me.

Of course, since I am a Baseball Fan(atic), I'll still be going to my share of game there. Even if I am slightly disappointed. Maybe it will grow on me.