An upcoming committee meeting on March 12th, chaired by Phil Mendelson, will focus on securing funds to continue enhancing Nationals Park.

In a press release introducing the "Ballpark Budget and Maintenance Amendment Act of 2023" at the beginning of January, Mendelson expressed enthusiasm for the future of Nationals Ballpark in the District. "We are thrilled for the future of Nationals Ballpark in the District," Mendelson said. "With this recommitment, the revitalization of our stadium can continue to be a staple in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. The District owns this stadium, and we must keep it in good repair and up to date. This bill also prioritizes paying off existing stadium debt."

The legislation aims to establish a Ballpark Maintenance Fund, stipulating that any remaining balance in the Ballpark Revenue Fund after bond defeasance will be transferred into this new fund. The fund will be financed through various revenue sources, including ballpark sales taxes (collected within the ballpark) and rent paid from the lease. Additionally, the legislation mandates that Events DC submit an annual report to the Mayor and Council, outlining ballpark expenditures from the prior fiscal year and planned spending for the current fiscal year and the next four years.

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Starting this fiscal year and annually until the Ballpark Revenue Bonds are defeased, the legislation requires that the Ballpark Revenue Fund can only pay the District's ballpark obligations after Events DC has utilized its funds and excess reserves to cover these costs.

Mendelson emphasized, "It is important to note that this legislation is entirely self-funded. It has no fiscal impact, requires no borrowing, and no General Fund revenue is being used for this maintenance. Not only are we providing a stable future for the ballpark and its team, but the ongoing upkeep will be paid entirely by the stadium and its fans."

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