Washington Nationals have ideas to overhaul ballpark
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A reimagined center field gate is part of the concept. Images: Adam Glanzman/MLB Photos via Getty Images and courtesy of Washington Nationals
With all this talk about new sports stadiums, the Washington Nationals don't want to be left out. The team wants to reimagine its fan entrance and jazz up the empty space around its parking garages.
Why it matters: Nats Park is getting old in stadium years (17).
State of play: The team has a few early ideas to improve the fan experience — and give people more of a reason to hang out around the stadium outside of game days.

- Center field entrance becomes a year-round plaza.
- The security gates would be pushed back, opening up everyday space for shops, retail and a sound stage for concerts.

2. Street-level restaurants and shops would line the corner of N and First Streets SE.
- It would liven up the exterior of a drab, concrete parking garage.

3. First Street SE would be more walkable.
- The Nats want a nicer connection between their stadium and the Anacostia River.

4. The corner of South Capitol and N Streets SW would be more welcoming.
- Again, more of those aboveground parking garages would be covered in something more visually appealing.
Zoom out: The renderings and descriptions are way in the concept phase. "These are just ideas to be evocative," said Gregory McCarthy, an executive with the Washington Nationals.
- Last week he presented the renderings to a group that included Mayor Muriel Bowser and Council Chair Phil Mendelson at the Capitol Riverfront BID.
The big picture: The District is spending $515 million of taxpayer money to overhaul Capital One Arena. And the city is talking with the Commanders about how to redevelop RFK Stadium — which probably will take more public funds.
- Last year, the D.C. Council approved a dedicated Ballpark Preservation and Improvement Fund.
- Tax dollars generated in the ballpark and the franchise's lease payment for the stadium will be funneled into the fund.
- At the time, McCarthy told Axios a third-party estimate found the stadium may need $350 million in upgrades through 2038, the year that the team's lease with the city expires.
The bottom line: "It makes a lot of sense to modernize the ballpark as early as possible so the neighborhood, and the city and the team can benefit from the improvements as much as possible," McCarthy tells Axios.
