(Photo by Nationals Enquirer staff. Opening Day 2010 at Citizen's Bank Park South.)
"When I was standing with the president before the game, I heard all this cheering. I said to Ted Lerner, 'What are they chanting?' And he didn't know. Fortunately, he didn't know because they were chanting, 'Let's go Phillies!' "
(Bud Selig, via Thomas Boswell/Washington Post, 4/6/2010)
"We'll get the attendance we deserve. ... If we give the fans a reason to support us, they will be here in droves."
(Stan Kasten, via Nationals.com, 4/13/2009)
Welcome to PhilliesTown, Nats Fans!
Worst of all, it wasn't even close to a 50-50 split.
Easily 65% Phillies fans at Nats Park for Opening Day?
Like Stan said, if you give the fans a reason, "they" will be here in droves! And by "they", we mean Phillies fans, of course. Commenter "Dave" over at Nats Insider captures one of the many low points of yesterday's Nats' home opener (and that's not saying anything about what happened on the field):
I think my "favorite" moment of genuflection to the Phillies fans came when Jerome, the PA announcer, came on with the very important announcement about where the bus for philliestailgateparty.com was going to pick up its drunken passengers.
Then I looked up, and sure enough, the announcement was posted on the HD video board.
If I didn't feel at home in my own stadium before that moment, the announcement sealed the deal.
(via Nats Insider/comments, 4/5/2010)
All aboard the Stan Kasten Philadelphia Party Bus! But remember: what really matters is that the cash registers were singing. Someone's got to pay Strasburg's bonus, after all.
Nate from Nats Triple Play nails it here:
What rankles is when Washington fans feel like visitors, even interlopers, in their own park. From booing Ryan Zimmerman's awards presentations to serenading the visitors with nicknames and chants, the auditory experience of today's game was all Philly, all the time.
(via Nats Triple Play, 4/5/2010)
Opening Day 2010 goes in the books as one of the low points in the brief history of the Washington Nationals. Good thing 2011 is right around the corner.
And at least Bud Selig believes D.C. will become a baseball town someday.
Here, enjoy a taste of the ubiquitous "Let's Go Phillies!" chants breaking out in section 111 yesterday:
And finally, President Obama didn't exactly cover himself in glory yesterday: on the mound or in the booth.
Befriend the Nationals Enquirer on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
This Yahoo/Big League Stew post says "27 busses" left Citizen's Bank Park yesterday for DC loaded with Phillies fans. And they were able to get their tickets before Nats fans had the opportunity. Stan Kasten should resign.
Posted by: Anonymouse | April 06, 2010 at 11:12 AM
I'm a Phillies fan living in DC. Over all, I love this city but it's one of the worst sports cities in America. The fans here are as boring as most of the people in this town. So be grateful to the legions of Phillies fans that liven up Nationals Park from time to time. On most other days it is a boring, sterile ballpark. The only time it ever gets interesting is when opposing fans over-run the place.
Posted by: DC | April 07, 2010 at 12:18 PM
I think 103 losses is a more significant lowpoint than the stadium being overwhelmed by away fans.
Posted by: TC | April 07, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Phils fans were drunk and/or obnoxious. Worse of all, they seem to be proud of their behaviour.
Posted by: rodlang | April 08, 2010 at 08:15 AM
Unfortunately, we have to put up with these savages from time to time. Don't be surprised by their behavior, they're from Philly, after all. Guess the gas stations and fast food joints in Philly were understaffed opening day, all of their employees blew their day of vacation on a game.
Posted by: JW | April 08, 2010 at 08:45 AM
JW you are salty. Don't hate celebrate
Posted by: Fro Money | April 08, 2010 at 09:11 AM
I was able to buy Nationals season tickets in a very good location for a fraction of the cost of my Phillies season tickets. I plan on attending 12+ games this season in addition to the Nats/Phillies games. The fact that those season tickets are avail speaks volumes about the fan base in DC. In Philly you can't even purchase a SUnday package anymore because everything is sold out.
You can't blame the Nats front office for selling me aor anyone else tickets because that is their job, SELLING TICKETS! So stop crying and buy tickets. And for the record when I visit DC I will be spending money in your city at your ballpark. Oh yeah, and when they are not playing the Phillies I will be cheering for the Nats.
Posted by: JC | April 08, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Why are there so many philthies fans on here? Or just bad nats fans..anyways, stfu DC with your sports town talk or whatever. We have good, respectful fans and not a bunch of fat ass obnoxious faggot fans that the whole world hates.
Posted by: Adam | December 03, 2011 at 11:05 AM