NewsTickets remain on sale for home opener
Kasten says recession a factor affecting Nats' businessBy Bill Ladson / MLB.com
04/12/09 3:17 PM ET
ATLANTA -- A day before Monday's home opener against the Phillies, Nationals team president Stan Kasten declined to say how many season tickets have been sold for the 2009 season. He did acknowledge the number is down because of the economy, the team is coming off a season in which it lost 102 games and the honeymoon period for Nationals Park is over. The Nationals are entering their second season at the new stadium.Kasten declined to give the number because other teams like the Braves are doing the same thing.
"Coming off 102 losses, there is going to be a drop-off [in season-ticket sales]," Kasten said. "Second year in a new ballpark, there is going to be a drop-off. And what is happening in our economy, what our customers are living with and fighting -- we don't know what to make of it all. I'm going to hold off [on making the announcement] for now. I just don't have a number for you today."
Kasten also said there are still tickets available for the home opener. Tickets can be purchased on Nationals.com. Fans attending Monday's opener, which starts at 3:05 p.m. ET, are encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays getting to the ballpark. The center-field gates will open at 12:30 p.m. with festivities leading up to the first pitch. Fans will also get to see the Nationals take batting practice after the Phillies.
Kasten still doesn't know if President Barack Obama will attend the opener and throw out the first pitch. Published reports indicated that he will not be at Nationals Park.
"I heard two things recently, but they were contradictory," Kasten said. "And I read some things that may not be true. I'll know tomorrow. Really, I will."
The Nationals will have a backup plan if President Obama doesn't attend the game. Kasten declined to say who that backup person will be.
Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
