I know I’m supposed to comment on Mark’s AL predictions, and I will, but after attending this evening’s pre-season contest at Nationals Park I thought it best to offer some impressions for those of you who will soon see a game in the new venue.

Despite the cold (if you’re going to attend Opening Night wear winter clothing) it was an excellent night of baseball. The sight lines are very good especially from the concourse where you can continue to watch as you get to where you’re going. The exception being that if you are in the first row of the 300 Level seats, the top of the plexiglass wall (which is clad in metal) obstructs the view of the infield if you are in the range of 6 feet tall. I am 5′ 11″ and my friend is 6′ 2″ and it was a problem for both of us. Luckily our seats were two rows behind and we had no problem from there.

From section 313 the Capitol Dome was clearly visible and is a beautiful addition to the atmosphere of the park.

Some general observations:

Home Run Potential - With the fences 336ft. down the lines and 377 ft. to the power alleys the park won’t necessarily give up a lot more home runs than did RFK — especially with the wind blowing in as it was tonight. But only time will tell.

Staff - From the ticket takers to the beer guys to the food people in the concession stands everyone had a smile on and greeted fans as guests. A great touch if the Learners can maintain the feeling past the honeymoon period.

Getting There - I was lucky enough to ride with a friend who had a parking pass at Ft. McNair. A four block walk was all it took to get to the park. It will not be that simple for most people and from what I could tell the bulk of the crowd came from the Metro and streamed into the center field entrance. Most seats were full for the start of the game so I assume getting there by subway was not a problem. I don’t know how people fared getting home by Metro but reports will no doubt be in the newspapers. Two fans I spoke to said they parked at RFK and took the shuttle and thought it worked wonderfully. Being free was no doubt an added bonus.

Concessions - Lots of ‘em and lots of variety with the best-named food stand being “Slice Down the Line,” a pizza joint along the first and third base lines. I didn’t try it but the kid three seats away seemed happy with his choice. The Ben’s half-smoke with chili, onion and mustard was very good and the coffee was tasty as well (no kidding). The service at the stands I used was attentive but slow; no doubt a result of tonight’s contest being the shake out cruise. Hopefully that improves since it was no better than the service at RFK. Fans put up with it in the old stadium — they won’t put up with it for too long in the new. On the upside, and this is no small matter as far as I’m concerned, there were plenty of condiment stands (unlike at RFK) and much like the system at Dodger Stadium (and Costco) you can churn out onion and relish to your heart’s content from stainless steel containers. Also, mustard and ketchup is available in almost limitless amounts from what I’m guessing is a tube-fed system from below the condiment counter. No more stupid packets of relish and plastic gallon-sized containers of ketchup!

Video Screen - In a word: awesome! Huge. Bright. Instant replays. Tons of information (although pitch speed wasn’t provided tonight). Like being at home in front of a 50-inch plasma.

Bathrooms - I only used the men’s of course but it was large (six stalls, 12 urinals) and had plenty of soap and papers towels. At RFK the dearth of washing items made me think the team was trying to save pennies to get a good arm in the bullpen. Alas, they were just skimping.

Disability seating - I didn’t do a count of spaces (I’m sure its on the Nats site somewhere) but since I have a friend in a wheel chair I made a point to look. There appeared to be plenty and several elevators service the upper decks.

Quibbles - A plastic cap for my coffee would have been nice — especially since it cost $3.50. And the much-touted cup holders are an improvement from the old place down the street but rather than being at the front of the arm rest on your seat they are on the rear of each arm rest of the seat in front of you. It’s not a huge problem but when people pass in front of you it will be easy for them, especially if they have food in their hands, to not see your draft beer cup at ankle level and give it a good kick and, in the process, soak their feet and waste a good chunk of your $7.50.

More than a quibble - Screech, that mangy, dirty, creepy-looking thing they call a mascot ought to be eliminated. And you can take that any way you wish. I’m not the first to make the recommendation and I won’t be the last. The worst thing about the franchise is that ridiculous pigeon masquerading as something lovable.

A secret - The elevators are separated from the concourse by a wall of glass with glass doors providing access which creates a vestibule for those waiting for the cars to arrive. That vestibule is heated (and I assume cooled in summer) providing a great respite from whatever the elements dish up. There is a very nice flat panel t.v. in the vestibule so you can still watch the game. Don’t tell anyone or they’ll be packed in April and August.

Teddy lost. “Sweet Caroline” played and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” was sung at the stretch. Baseball is back and it is wonderful.