DC Officials Upset Nationals Holding Big Events In Maryland

Officials Upset Nationals Not Holding Events In DC After City Paid For New Ballpark

DC officials are "outraged" that the Nationals are going to Maryland "for major events celebrating the team's first season" in the new city-funded ballpark, including a day-long FanFest celebration and the team's Dream Foundation black tie "Dream Gala," according to a front-page piece by Nikita Stewart of the WASHINGTON POST. There are no "firm plans, as of yet, to hold a kick-off event" in DC, though the team "is working on that." DC Council Chair Vincent Gray said, "We can't get respect. This is just an outrage." Nationals President Stan Kasten said that the Dream Foundation chose the Gaylord National hotel in Prince George's County because it was free, but added that the team "is holding events all over the region because the Nationals consider themselves a regional team." DC Council member Carol Schwartz said, "We gave them a $611[M] free stadium. I think that entitles us to have their gala at our businesses." Council member Jack Evans was "one of the most irate members," telling Kasten the Nationals "have an obligation to hold their gala here." Kasten after talking to Evans said that there "are no plans to change the venue" (WASHINGTON POST, 11/7).