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

[marmar]

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

[BlooInBloo]

1. Idiots take that as a reason to not push mass transit so hard.

[TZ]

2. Another good reason to take Metro...

Chimpy is throwing out the first pitch so they are CLOSING roads around the stadium periodically. YUCK!
:puke:

[northzax]

3. complaining about packed trains

is a bit unfair, really. There were some other things going on yesterday, like a marathon, the smithsonian kite festival and the opening of the cherry blossom festival. It was a bit much for a Saturday. It's only 30,000+ people to 'your logo here' stadium, probably fewer since a lot of people will drive to RFK and take the bus.

[Kingofalldems]

4. Nats win!!!!

Great looking ballpark. Walk off HR by Ryan Zimmerman.

[hughee99]

5. If all they have to complain about was that the trains were packed...

things must be okay. This is what happens when a lot of people try to get to the same place at the same time. Try getting to a Red Sox game on the "T" and see how crowded they are 40 minutes before game time. Be happy the trains are packed, in a few years they won't be because no one will be going to the games.