newbie headed to the park with netting question

[NatsBall7977]

Hey folks, thanks for allowing me aboard.  I'm taking my 8 year old to his first game (driving up from NC) - Dodgers vs Nats 7/28.  A couple months ago I purchased front row tickets in Section 111 for the sole reason of allowing him to see the game up close and hopefully get a few autographs pre-game and then a foul ball at some point.  THEN I see the news of the All-Star break netting installment - while I totally understand it, what a huge bummer!  So I'm wondering a couple of things.  First, does anyone know if the netting is raised pre-game so fans can interact with the teams?  And is there still any chance of us getting a foul ball during the game?

And any other ballpark tips would be much appreciated.  THANKS

[RobDibblesGhost]

Hey folks, thanks for allowing me aboard.  I'm taking my 8 year old to his first game (driving up from NC) - Dodgers vs Nats 7/28.  A couple months ago I purchased front row tickets in Section 111 for the sole reason of allowing him to see the game up close and hopefully get a few autographs pre-game and then a foul ball at some point.  THEN I see the news of the All-Star break netting installment - while I totally understand it, what a huge bummer!  So I'm wondering a couple of things.  First, does anyone know if the netting is raised pre-game so fans can interact with the teams?  And is there still any chance of us getting a foul ball during the game?

And any other ballpark tips would be much appreciated.  THANKS

Hello -

This quote is from Mark Lerner's letter about the new netting: "The netting will be designed so that certain sections over each dugout can be raised pregame to foster fan interactions with players." Who know what that means since no one's seen it yet but hopefully it works out. Good luck...

[NatsBall7977]

thanks Rob, I had read that somewhere but wasnt sure how that would apply to Section 111 since the quote says sections over the dugout. 

[RobDibblesGhost]

thanks Rob, I had read that somewhere but wasnt sure how that would apply to Section 111 since the quote says sections over the dugout. 

You should be able to wander that way if you get there early. Fans often gather at the top of the dugouts. Get there when the gates open - they usually have a couple of players available for autographs on Sundays. I've never done it but you have to get a voucher first. Maybe someone who's done it can explain the process.

[dracnal]

You should be able to wander that way if you get there early. Fans often gather at the top of the dugouts. Get there when the gates open - they usually have a couple of players available for autographs on Sundays. I've never done it but you have to get a voucher first. Maybe someone who's done it can explain the process.

At least as of a few years ago, this was still the case. Sundays had four players usually available for autographs in different sections and there was a pre-set time window where you could queue up for a given player, regardless of where your seats were. On non-Sundays I notice a lot less interaction between the players and the fans.

[RobDibblesGhost]

At least as of a few years ago, this was still the case. Sundays had four players usually available for autographs in different sections and there was a pre-set time window where you could queue up for a given player, regardless of where your seats were. On non-Sundays I notice a lot less interaction between the players and the fans.

Thanks. Here's the info on the team site so I imagine it's current:

Sundays are Signature Sundays at Nationals Park! Two Nationals players will sign autographs for fans at every Sunday home game all season long. Autographs will take place at the top of the Nationals dugout starting one hour and ten minutes prior to first pitch, weather permitting and subject to player schedules. Fans must obtain a free voucher in order to participate in the autograph sessions - vouchers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis at Section 103, starting when the gates open two hours before first pitch. Fans are limited to one autograph voucher per person.

[NatsBall7977]

great, thanks everyone.  has anyone seen the new netting down the 1st/3rd base line?

[dracnal]

great, thanks everyone.  has anyone seen the new netting down the 1st/3rd base line?

They haven't had a home game since it was installed, but supposedly it's a very lightweight (but tough) netting that's supposed to be clear/translucent that barely affects view.  Having paid the pricy fee for a once in a life experience, sat in the second row directly behind home plate. After about five minutes, I only noticed the netting when a ball hit it.

[Baseball is Life]

great, thanks everyone.  has anyone seen the new netting down the 1st/3rd base line?

As you know, it was installed during the ASG break so not many have seen it. I would check back in after the Colorado series next week.

Re the rest of the park, you are going to a day game and Section 111 will likely be in the sun so make sure to bring sun protection. Also, you can bring in water and food and snacks if you want to save money. And remember no backpacks this year.

[NatsBall7977]

wait, you can bring food and water into the stadium?  you gotta be kidding.

[GburgNatsFan]

wait, you can bring food and water into the stadium?  you gotta be kidding.

Unopened water in a plastic bottle. Food suitable for the person(s) attending. I don't think they've ever stopped anyone, but don't be bringing in five sammiches and a 48 count box of Fritos.

No backpacks, but string bags are acceptable.

Cope can give you advanced strategies for bringing in liquor and knives.

[dracnal]

As you know, it was installed during the ASG break so not many have seen it. I would check back in after the Colorado series next week.

Re the rest of the park, you are going to a day game and Section 111 will likely be in the sun so make sure to bring sun protection. Also, you can bring in water and food and snacks if you want to save money. And remember no backpacks this year.

So it's a Washington summer and those seats will definitely get a LOT of reflected heat. Water is going to be -really- important, especially if you have more than one beer (or more than one soda for your kid). Acceptable food to bring in would be say, one Subway sub per person.  Soda is NOT okay to bring in, nor is alcohol. Just water in sealed bottles. 

[GburgNatsFan]

So it's a Washington summer and those seats will definitely get a LOT of reflected heat. Water is going to be -really- important, especially if you have more than one beer (or more than one soda for your kid). Acceptable food to bring in would be say, one Subway sub per person.  Soda is NOT okay to bring in, nor is alcohol. Just water in sealed bottles.

There's a Potbelly Sandwich Shoe down the street. Much more suitable than a Subway sub. Get a giant pickle because you'll be sweating out all that salt...

[NatsBall7977]

Potbelly sandwich shop, got it ... can i bring more than one bottled water you think?

[mitlen]

Potbelly sandwich shop, got it ... can i bring more than one bottled water you think?

Not sure about a young person but I know each adult ticker holder can bring an unopened bottle of water.

[Ali the Baseball Cat]

Some of the vendors outside cell big bottles, like 24 oz, which are frozen solid but melt fast.  Just make sure the seal is intact.

Potbelly sandwich shop, got it ... can i bring more than one bottled water you think?

[NatsBall7977]

does the autograph/voucher policy apply to visiting teams as well?  we're sitting near the LA dug out obviously and my father in law is a Dodgers fan, thought about trying to get something signed for him.

[bluestreak]

does the autograph/voucher policy apply to visiting teams as well?  we're sitting near the LA dug out obviously and my father in law is a Dodgers fan, thought about trying to get something signed for him.

Bring your kid, get there early, put him in a Dodgers cap and see what happens. I bet you'll get some autographs. The vouchers won't help you with the visiting team though.

[NatsBall7977]

from the Nats website:  "All food items must be contained in single serving bags within a soft-sided container or cooler that does not exceed 16"x16"x8". Metal, plastic or glass containers of any kind (except for clear, factory-sealed or empty, plastic water bottles, no larger than one liter, juice boxes, insulin containers, and baby food) are prohibited at Nationals Park. Only one water bottle per person will be permitted."

so it looks like i could take my Yeti soft side carry cooler, it fits those measurements.  that's awesome!

[NatsBall7977]

Bring your kid, get there early, put him in a Dodgers cap and see what happens. I bet you'll get some autographs. The vouchers won't help you with the visiting team though.

Thanks blue!

[Baseball is Life]

Potbelly sandwich shop, got it ... can i bring more than one bottled water you think?

I routinely bring in more than one bottle of water per person. Never been stopped.

[mitlen]

another question, the Nats fan info page says we can bring a "soft-side container or cooler no bigger than 16"x16"x8" ... does that mean PER PERSON? and does that mean it has to be a soft-sided cooler or can be a standard hard plastic cooler, as long as it fits the size requirements.

Not sure you've seen the pictures of the netting posted in other threads:

http://www.wnff.net/index.php?topic=32248.1425;msg=2083101

http://www.wnff.net/index.php?topic=32248.1425;msg=2083645

http://www.wnff.net/index.php?topic=37783.0;msg=2083068

[NatsBall7977]

thanks mitlen ... i had seen the 2nd picture ... the first link you sent is not showing a picture on my end, only "Posted on Twitter by the Mayor of Nats Town."

[mitlen]

thanks mitlen ... i had seen the 2nd picture ... the first link you sent is not showing a picture on my end, only "Posted on Twitter by the Mayor of Nats Town."

Just another angle from the 1st base side of the diamond (by the ball kid); first row.      The netting is a little more obtrusive from that angle.   If you want the original post, it's reply #1425 in the "Nationals Park Questions" thread.

[NatsBall7977]

okay thanks.  this sucks bc my SOLE PURPOSE of buying front row tickets on the 3rd baseline was so my son could get a foul ball.  i understand and appreciate the safety part but it still sucks.