Nationals accepting deposits for 2007

The Washington Nationals yesterday began accepting deposits for season tickets for the 2007 season, and said prices for the plans will not increase.

Fans interested in buying a new season ticket plan can now place a $100 deposit to guarantee seats for next year. They will have priority for tickets at the Nationals’ new ballpark, expected to open in 2008.

The Nationals are accepting deposits for full-season packages, along with 41-game and 20-game plans.

“The atmosphere in the city surrounding the Nats is great,” said Nationals president Stan Kasten, who has spent much of the last month lobbying fans and business leaders to buy tickets and luxury suites. “There’s a lot of excitement about the new stadium and our plan, so we’re getting a lot of people interested.”

There is some pressure on the Nationals to boost attendance in 2007, after luring 26,500 fans a game in 2006 — down from 33,600 in the team’s first year in Washington.

Prices for full season tickets range from $405 ($5 a seat, per game) for upper deck outfield to $3,240 ($40 a seat, per game) for lower-bowl field box seats. The average cost is slightly higher for 41-game and 20-game plans.

PNC Diamond Club and Field MVP seats are already sold out for 2007.

In addition to having a guaranteed seat, season ticket holders will receive discounts at the Nationals team store, plus bonus game coupons and the ability to buy additional tickets prior to the general public.

Kasten said the team soon will announce details about the relocation process for moving season ticket holders into comparable seats at the Nationals new ballpark.