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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 2, 2006
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I'd like to start a thread were fans can talk about support of the Nationals, or lack of, in the area. Post your thoughts and maybe point out places that are a good place to catch a game with other Nats fans.
I stopped in a local bar today, hoping to catch the Nats, and maybe some of the Nascar race (today was game three of the series against the Cardinals). This bar, in Herndon, had the Red Sox vs. Blue Jays game on the large screen. On other TV's they had the O's, Astros, Nascar, Indy Car, and an unknown soccer game. In fairness to them, they put the Nationals on when I asked, and when the Red Sox fans left, they put the Nationals on the big screen. While I appreciated it, I can't imagine going into a bar in Boston, and having the Nationals on. The fact they did not have it on (I arrived in the third inning) is sad, and I think speaks to a lack of support in the area for the Nationals. Any thoughts?
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 18, 2008
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I think the Nationals have a pretty good following especially given the fact that this team is still coming into its own with new owners and a brand new ballpark. I think its just a matter of time before Washington baseball enjoys the local following the likes of other more established teams. Compared to other teams the Nationals are still in their infancy.
GO NATS
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 5, 2006
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I see it like this,
Up until this season it just didn't "feel" like we had baseball in this town. I went to ONE game at rfk against the Phillies back in 06 and decided I need to wait until the park was done before I went back. It just didn't feel like baseball.
Now that we have a home field, I think you will see more people start following the Nats in this area.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 10, 2007
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I would'nt worry.
In esseance the team is only three years old. Basically an expansion team.
Remember DC is a tranient town.
Boston did when the world Series. Maybe is was a Redsox Bar.
Redskins rule this town. Then the WHIZ, and the CAPS just made the playoffs. It will take a playoff run by the NATS to pass the Whiz in popularity.
What this town does need to demand is what Michael Wilbon siad on TV SAT night. "Forget the Orioles. Orioles who? The post should quit covering them. Channel four news should quit covering them. "
I really would'nt worry. It will take time. The management of our "new" team is doing this the right way. Next year the Nats will be vying for second place. In 2010 they will be vying for a playoff spot.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:78
Level:Pro
Since:Mar 21, 2008
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I think one of the major problems with bars showing NATS games in the DC area is the fact that MASN looks like absolute dog shi*. I mean thank god atleast Comcast is in HD now so D.C. fans can watch a respectable Caps or Wzards game. I agree that this is a huge problem though when you have a bar playing a sox Blue Jays game over a nats game in this area. It's pathetic. I personally am from the Fairfax, VA area and literally the only bar I have ever seen a Nats game broadcast is Glory Days in Fairfax and Vienna.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:78
Level:Pro
Since:Mar 21, 2008
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I retract my statement. I completely forgot that MASN is in HD. I completely agree though with the statement above that sadly I think it will ultimately take a playoff performance for the Nats to get the recognition that they hope for. The building blocks I feel are in place for D.C. to develop into a threat in the NL east.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 2, 2006
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" I personally am from the Fairfax, VA area and literally the only bar I have ever seen a Nats game broadcast is Glory Days in Fairfax and Vienna"
Ironically, it was Glory Days I was talking about :), I believe that is a Herndon address.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 2, 2006
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I agree with the fact the Nats are "new" to the area, and the fact they have not been in a playoff hunt, have had a direct effect on fan support, but I still think it is a shame that a local sports bar would not have the game on automatically. The O's do take away fans, and as an ex-O's supporter, I had the same complaint back when they were the only game in town. I remember having to ask at Ramparts in Alexandria, to get a O's playoff game put on (it may be hard to believe, but the O's used make the playoffs!). In the interest of fairness on this one, I'll admit the O's had the audacity to play a game on a day the 'Skins were playing.
I think the new stadium has created a little bit of a stir, and people are at least talking about the Nats. As we are seeing with the Caps, a winning team creates interest. Maybe I'm reading to much into it, but I WANT MY NATS game :)
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 21, 2007
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You cannot expect a loyal fanbase to grow overnight. I live in DC, but I am from Tampa and am a Rays fan. I can tell you from experience that a team has to be around awhile and become at least respectable to gather a sizeable following. The Rays are finally doing that this year - hey, its only taken a decade.
In 10 years (hopefully less), the Nats will have fully kicked the O's out of town and will develop their loyal fanbase out of people who are growing up "with" the Nats. Gotta give it time.
In the mean time, don't take sh*t from Saux fans in your bars.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 2, 2006
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That makes sense. I guess my main problem was not so much with the fan support, as the lack of support from the "sports" establishments in the area. It boggles my mind that you can go into a local sports bar, and not see the local team. But, what you said makes sense, and I guess it follows that if the fans are there, the bars will follow. As it is, If the Nats keep up their current pace, no one will want to watch them at all :(
Your experience with the Rays is probably a good comparison. The Nats are new, and I would not call DC a "baseball" town. It may just take time.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:78
Level:Pro
Since:Nov 30, 2006
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first off...you were in henderson. second. washington d.c. doens't support there team like you think they would. lets all remember some people didn't want a baseball team in D.C. nor did they want the stadium in the city. doens't help that they are in a rebuilding process. if they are winning thye get support but if any team i nD.C. is losing, they get no love. thats why the CAP who are on fire are getting love from the city adn the surrounding areas.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:43
Level:Rookie
Since:May 25, 2007
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Can never see giving this team any support. Team should have been called the Senators from day one. Team was founded on political cause and ballpark was Linda Cropp's play field. About twelve more nine game losing streaks would be good.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 2, 2006
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I'm not sure what you are getting at. The Ballpark is very nice, and I don't find it hard to get to. In a couple of years that area will be very well built up. I'm not sure what "political cause" this fed, but I like the stadium. I believe a winning team will get fans in the seats.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 10, 2007
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The "political cause" was the City spent 600 mil on a stadium yet the school system ranks last [51st] in the country. On the other hand they could have let Virginia the forth richest state in the Union build it butt NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:43
Level:Rookie
Since:May 25, 2007
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The political part is I think the name should have been Senators as part of the history for baseball. However because of the "Taxation without representation" mentality , Linda Cropp and the city council felt Senators would not be appropriate. I say let them go back to Maryland if that is what they really want.
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Lack of support for the Nationals in the DC area
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 2, 2006
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I don't have a problem with the Nationals name, and I'm not sure how many people were looking for the Senators name to come back. No matter what they are called, I hope they can start winning some games.
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