What a game. That was about as perfect and memorable of an experience as one can have at the ballpark. I'm still giddy, although I may have that emotion mixed up with a $7.50-a-beer hangover.
I'd like to begin by saying that the stadium itself is one of the greatest things I've ever seen, and could single handily keep me from ever moving from the D.C. area. BUT, I'm not here to discuss that. I'm going to discuss the negatives of this palace, all issues that can and should eventually be tackled by management.
The lines -- Obviously harped by the attendance of the Prez, but most people were waiting two hours to get in the stadium. That cannot happen. Bathrooms and food vendors were also a guaranteed 20 minute wait all night. Reminded me of the Beltway.
The service -- There are two bars in centerfield that are remarkable. I imagine I will be perched up in one of them for most of the summer as our seats are directly underneath. However, I stood at the bar, along with about 40 other thirsty patrons, waiting for drinks while two clueless bartenders stood around talking. How hard is it to find a few experienced D.C. bartenders to work 81 nights this summer? They'll probably make more from those games than 90% of Americans will make all year. It's disgraceful.
The food -- Eh, lotta options but no quality. This better improve. The popcorn had no salt or butter, onions and peppers for the sausage weren't cooked...I could go on. Ok, I will. True story: Last night ebaggg paid the stadium a ridiculous amount of money to have the scoreboard say happy birthday for our buddy, and when they didn't do it he marched his way over to Guest services. Well, needless to say the place was packed with people bitching about losing their kid or other serious issues, but one customer in particular was screaming, and I quote, "This popcorn has NO FLAVOR. I can't eat this!" Right on guy...
Post-game transportation -- We knew this would be a problem, but it's so much worse than anyone could have imagined. I heard it took some people 3 HOURS to get home on the metro to Arlington. I guess I'm paying 20 bucks a night for a cab.
The Help -- Last night I watched a ball-girl retrieve a grounder, hold on to the ball for two minutes, then hand it to a friend of hers that had ran from his seat, 20 rows up. All this while 50 youngsters are sitting five feet from her begging for a piece of memorabilia. This game is about the kids, always has been. Please do your job instead of trying to impress some loser from your high school. Eventually you'll just end up cheating on him with a guy three years older than you while you two go to separate colleges and try to 'make it work'.
Ladies -- Where were all the women at last night? I've never seen a 40,000 - 1,000 guy to girl ratio in my life. It was so bad that every decent girl there was getting incessant cat calls from each 40 year-old drunk in attendance. Guess that's kinda normal actually.
The Garages -- There's nothing anywhere around the Navy Yard, did we really need to put garages up to block the view of the city?
That's it for now. Overall, I would say despite massive issues, I was incredibly pleased with what I saw. It's gonna be a great summer, just give me a damn gin and tonic and get some decent ladies in the place...
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