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03/24/2008 11:05 AM ET
Washington Nationals host first Major League Baseball game at Nationals Park on Saturday, March 29
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The Washington Nationals will honor Washington DC officials and ballpark workers on Saturday March 29 at a special "sneak peek" season ticker holder and invitation-only exhibition between the Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles in the first-ever Major League Baseball game played at Nationals Park. Nationals Season Ticket Holders were given complimentary tickets as part of their season ticket packages and the opportunity to preview Nationals Park and the 2008 Washington Nationals prior to the next evening's Home Opener. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and City Council Members received tickets for distribution for constituents and others. The team also distributed tickets to employees who worked on the ballpark project and youth recreation groups. Additionally, an allotment of tickets was made available for residents in near SE/SW who are the team's new neighbors. All distributed tickets have no face value and cannot be sold.
"When the ballpark is completed, the keys will be turned over to the Nationals and we become responsible for making the ballpark the most fan and family-friendly entertainment in the Nation's Capital," Nationals Principle Owner Ted Lerner said. "The City has been successful in returning baseball to DC and in building for the franchise a first-class ballpark. It will be our job to make the franchise successful - on the field, at the ballpark, and in the community."
"City officials have done a marvelous job of building a beautiful new, first-class ballpark, under extraordinary conditions," added Stan Kasten, Nationals Team President. "They are delivering on one of the toughest building schedules imaginable and will have a new ballpark ready for a national television audience by Opening Day March 30. Their performance is to be commended."
Nationals Park will open to fans three hours before the first pitch, at 3:00pm. The Nats Express, the free shuttle for fans who choose to park for free at RFK Stadium, will depart from RFK beginning at 3:00pm and run continuously until one and a half hours after the final out. Fans will have the opportunity to view Nationals Batting Practice at 3:30pm along with a host of other pre-game festivities. Former Washington Senators PA announcers Charlie Brotman and Phil Hochberg will serve as the evening's pre-game emcees. At approximately 5:30pm, Nationals Team President Stan Kasten will kick off the ceremonies with a welcome to the crowd. Following his remarks, DC Sports & Entertainment Commission Chair Matthew Cutts and City Council Chairman Vincent Gray will address the fans. Mayor Fenty will close out remarks and lead District and team officials into the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony behind Home Plate. The U.S. Navy Color Guard will then present the colors, prior to the performance of the National Anthem by Navy Chief Musician Yolanda Pelzer. The umpires will receive the line-up card from City Council Chairman Gray and DCSEC Chairman Cutts will start the game by announcing "Washington...Let's Play Ball".
"It's a proud day in the District as we celebrate the grand opening of the city's newest monument, Nationals Park on time and within the cost cap. We are thankful for the leadership and support of the Mayor and the Council, and we truly appreciate all of the hard work by the construction team and the Nationals to make this dream of a new stadium a reality. It is our hope that the new stadium will not only serve the Nationals but also enhance the community," said DC Sports and Entertainment Commission CEO Gregory A. O'Dell.
The Washington Nationals open their regular season in a contest against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, March 30 at 8:05pm, broadcast nationally on ESPN. Season Ticket packages may be purchased by calling 202-675-NATS (6287) or going online at nationals.com. Individual game tickets may be purchased by calling 888-632-NATS (6287) or via nationals.com. For more information on transportation to Nationals Park, please log on to nationals.com/waytogo.
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