Washington Nationals new ballpark: Traffic Flows Smoothly, But Trains Are Packed

from The Washington Post:



How Did Fans Fare Getting To the Game?
Traffic Flows Smoothly, But Trains Are Packed

By Daniel LeDuc
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 30, 2008; Page C01

Washington's new ballpark hosted its first major crowd yesterday as more than 34,000 fans arrived for an exhibition game between the Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles, testing the facility and determining how easy it will be to get there.

Traffic moved smoothly, and drivers reported little trouble. But Metro trains -- promoted as the best way to get to Nationals Park, which is nestled in a dense Southeast neighborhood -- were packed, and some fans faced delays.

"It was standing room only, and they had to stop putting passengers on for a while," said J.D. Almond of Marshall, Va., who had taken the train to the Navy Yard Station, Metrorail's stop nearest the stadium.

Gates opened at 3 p.m. for the 6 p.m. game, giving the crowd ample time to arrive before the first pitch. Metro trains became crowded not only with baseball fans but also with sightseers attending the Cherry Blossom Festival and spectators leaving the early morning National Marathon, a sign that the ballpark will be competing with other major events when it comes to the fan travel experience.

Nine people were arrested outside the stadium last night for scalping tickets, D.C. police said. Two were arrested for vending without a license.

The Nationals host the Atlanta Braves tonight, the official opening game, and expect a capacity crowd of 41,888. President Bush has agreed to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and the game will be televised nationally on ESPN starting at 8 p.m. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. Fans will go through security, so the team advises arriving early. South Capitol Street SE near the ballpark will close periodically when Bush is at the game. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/29/AR2008032902260.html?hpid=topnews

the Rose Garden in Portland or an event of any kind at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The light rail trains are jam-packed.