Last summer, the Nationals’ ownership group held back rent payments to the District of Columbia government and demanded damages because it believed Nationals Park was not completed on time.
Sources say that dispute has been resolved and this year’s rent payment already has been made. That means fans will notice a winter’s worth of improvements when they return to Nationals Park on April 13 for the home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The biggest change is a new food vendor — the organization’s third in as many years. Levy Restaurants replaces Centerplate, which handled food and concessions last season. Team officials hope that means an end to long lines and food shortages that have plagued the stadium experience for many fans in recent years.
“You have to judge anything by the results,” team President Stan Kasten said. “I think we’re all looking forward to doing better [in 2009].”
The Nationals also have made noticeable cosmetic changes to the stadium. Increased signage, including light-emitting diode signs near ticket windows at both the center field and home plate gates, will direct fans around the park. Fans can sit and eat on new picnic tables now available on all levels throughout the park.
Also, the popular Red Porch Restaurant in the center field plaza has been expanded. Patio seating has been added on both sides of the restaurant, and sliding glass doors and windows have been installed so fans can feel more connected to the game. The restaurant’s menu also has been updated with local microbrews and meals created specifically for children.
Next week, the team will unveil three new statues of former Washington baseball stars Walter Johnson, Josh Gibson and Frank Howard at the home plate plaza entrance.
