The Washington Nationals have paid off the $3.5 million in back rent owed the District of Columbia for Nationals Park, putting an end to a protracted disagreement over the condition of the ballpark at the beginning of the season.The Washington Nationals have paid off the $3.5 million in back rent owed the District of Columbia for Nationals Park, putting an end to a protracted disagreement over the condition of the ballpark at the beginning of the season. As you’ll recall, the Nationals ownership said the facility was not finished at the beginning of the season, which was true from a legalistic viewpoint (team offices weren’t done, for instance), but not from a moral viewpoint: the team began playing games and holding events there on schedule. As part of the settlement, the District will spend $4 million immediately on ballpark improvements like better elevators, scoreboard improvements and more. Basically, the team agreed to pay the back rent after the city agreed to bring the facility up to the condition specified in the lease.