Andrew Mollenbeck, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Fall fashion choices in the region this past weekend weren’t a statement of style (thankfully), but of energy surrounding two sports franchises.
Burgundy and red matched the occasion for the Redskins’ home opener and the Nationals’ push for a playoff position.
Both teams played Sunday afternoon, with fans at each stadium dressing the part while watching scoreboards and checking their phones.
“My daughter is actually at the Redskins game, so I’m texting back and forth with her,” said Eric Marx, who was at Nationals Park in a vintage Redskins jersey and a cap with a curly “W.”
In past years, simultaneous games in September would anticipate a thin crowd on South Capitol Street. But having already clinched a playoff birth, the Nationals showed this year is not like the others.
Sunday’s paid attendance was 33,111.
“We were just lucky to get tickets,” said Chris Laurent, who brought his family to Nationals Park.
“I think we’re pretty surprised how full the stadium is, especially with the Redskins game also on.”
Like others doing double duty as a fan, he wore a Redskins cap to the ballpark.
“It’s amazing what the Nats are doing. It’s giving a lot of energy back to the city, and on the football side, RGIII is giving a lot of energy to the city and what’s possible for them,” Laurent says.
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