Fans see beginning of the end
Link (JG)

“It was a mix of emotions Thursday for fans attending the final Wizards season opener at Memorial Stadium.

Before the 6 p.m. game against the Lansing Lugnuts, baseball fans began filling the parking lot and filing into the 15-year-old stadium. And they expressed a range of feelings from excitement to disappointment at the idea of moving the team downtown next season.”

[...]

“Rick Vance, who attended the opener with his three children, Miranda, Breanna and Korban, said they probably won’t attend nearly as many games after the Wizards make the move.

“Personally, I think it’s a little bit sad,” he said. “There just isn’t anything to do downtown.””

Thanks, Rick, for reminding us why we blog.

Harrison Square stadium: One year out
Link (WANE)

“The Wizards held their season opener Thursday night at Memorial Stadium against the Lansing Lugnuts. It’s a bittersweet season opener for the team.

That’s because this is the last season opener for them at Memorial Stadium. They’ve called the north side complex home for 15 years, but that won’t be the case next April, when the team sets up shop downtown.”

[...]
“”People will begin to drive by and see things stick up out of the ground within the next three weeks or so,” said Leatherman.

That’s when the stadium steel will be installed above ground. Below ground, you can still see a superhighway of pipes carry electric and phone service for the Harrison Square project. Construction on the other parts start at different dates, with the condos starting in June of 2008, and the hotel starting toward the end of 2008. They won’t be finished until at least 2010.”

Downtown stadium gets review, project approvals
Link (JG)

“The Harrison Square baseball stadium plans received more key approvals Thursday, but some changes will be required for sewer and stormwater systems.

Plans for the $30 million stadium were reviewed by city and county staff to ensure they meet the standards of 12 departments, including health and fire protection”

[...]

“Leatherman said the issues on the plans include having to relocate manholes to provide better access to the pipes if they become clogged. Of course, moving access points to the sewer pipes typically means the actual pipes need to be moved, Leatherman said, which takes time to design.”