Funding Approved for Chase Field Renovation
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed legislation allocating up to $500 million for the renovation of Chase Field, home of the Diamondbacks. This law, supported by both parties in the state chambers, will use revenue from the stadium sales tax and nearby buildings for infrastructure improvements over the next 30 years. This includes improvements to the air conditioning systems and the retractable roof. The team will also contribute $250 million for stadium renovations, located in downtown Phoenix. This stadium boosts the activity of nearby businesses and restaurants during the baseball season. Governor Hobbs highlighted that this funding is a responsible use of public funds, will generate well-paying jobs, and will ensure the Diamondbacks’ permanence in Phoenix. Attendance at games has increased since the team’s participation in the 2023 World Series. They are currently averaging 31,420 fans per game, the highest figure in two decades.The legislation was approved on June 23, after months of debate, including the possibility of the Diamondbacks moving if a public funding agreement was not reached. The Diamondbacks have played in their downtown stadium for nearly three decades. The stadium is owned by the Maricopa County Stadium District. In 2017, the team sued the district over the financing of repairs and sought to eliminate a contractual clause that prevented them from seeking other stadium options. A persistent problem has been the park’s air conditioning system and its ability to keep it cool in the summer heat. Fans of country music star Morgan Wallen complained about the heat at a concert last July, even though the retractable roof was closed. Food stalls ran out of water, and some people simply left. The Chase Field was one of the first MLB stadiums to have a retractable roof. Currently, seven of the 30 teams play under one. Chase Field also has a small swimming pool in right field, one of its most recognizable features. The Legislature’s funding will not include improvements to the pool or the stadium’s luxury boxes, the latter of which was a point of contention for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. She joined the agreement after the bill was updated to prevent funds from being used for the luxury boxes and to set a limit on the amount of money the city would contribute for a land deal in the event the Diamondbacks separated from the Stadium District, according to Gallego’s chief of staff, Seth Scott. Democratic state Sen. Mitzi Epstein, who voted against the funding, said Hobbs’ support for the bill was wrong and harmful to Arizonans. She said she was disappointed that amendments to create public benefits, such as free broadcasting of the games, were not approved.Without the Diamondbacks at Chase Field, there wouldn’t be the tax revenue that is being used.
Christian Slater, Hobbs’ spokesperson
