The Washington Nationals of the Major League Baseball current home is “Nationals Park” which is also the first US LEED-certified green major professional sports stadium, incorporating a variety of sustainable design elements on a 25 acre site. Opened in 2008, this ballpark cost $611 Million to construct and originally seated 41,888 fans since reduced to a capacity of 41,546. From the upper decks, one can view the Washington Monument and Capitol Building. Owned by the Washington Convention and Sports Authority, the park’s name dates back to the early 1900′s ballpark that was used by the Washington Senators/Nationals until it was rebuilt and renamed Griffith Stadium. However, the Lerner family reused the prior name of National Park and still retains the naming rights for this ballpark.
The Washington Metro system is the main method of transportation to get to the Washington nationals stadium. Extensive renovations to the Navy Yard Station were required to handle the increased traffic of fans on game days as parking is very limited. Additional transit options are available such as water taxi services and buses. During 2009, several improvement projects were undertaken which included the expansion of the full service Red Porch Restaurant located in center field to accomodate additional sit down dining services, the installation of three statues honoring former ballplayers, new LED message boards which provide information and instructions for fans, and green advertisement panels. As well, the Lerner family spent millions more on an out-of town scoreboard, a 101 foot long by 47 feet high definition main scoreboard which is five times that of the RFK stadium to provide for the state-of-the-art video and audio technology.
The Washington Nationals ballpark features 79 luxury suites located around the infield on three levels of upscale seating. The Stars and Stripes Club is a two story exclusive indoor lounge and largest of three, the PNC Diamond Club ticket holders have access to a restaurant with bar and buffet which recently underwent renovations. The Presidential seats are situated behind home plate and the most expensive of all the stadium’s seating. It comes with a luxurious lounge and related amenities. The suites are all designed for the ultimate comfort and enjoyment while attending games.
The Center Field Lounge and reserved areas located beneath the Red Porch Restaurant include three rows of padded seats and includes refreshments. This ballpark also has additional unique restaurants and eating concessions throughout the park. The innovative design is such that the concourse and seating decks are configured to create their own neighborhoods with each its own identify and viewing experience. Fans have access to panoramic views of the riverfront, Navy Yard and other landmarks as they traverse the vertical circulations ramps constructed on various levels of the building.
For fans, accessibility to this park is unique in that over half walk directly off the street into their seats, without the need to climb stairs or take elevators, escalators or ramps because the ball field is located 24 feet below street level and the main concourse is at the same height of the street sidewalks. The Washington Nationals ballpark redefines that of modern sports facility architecture with the added focus on environmental remediation efforts which are continually ongoing.
