Arizona governor signs $500K bill for upgrades to Chase Field

The Arizona Diamondbacks' home venue, Chase Field, will be upgraded after Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill Friday earmarking $500 million toward renovations.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bipartisan bill Friday, allocating up to $500 million for renovations at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The bill, which received support from both chambers of the state's GOP-controlled legislature, will utilize sales tax revenue from the stadium and nearby buildings to fund infrastructure upgrades over the next 30 years [1].

The Diamondbacks have committed to contributing $250 million of their own funds towards the renovations, which will focus on essential upgrades such as improvements to the air conditioning system and the stadium's retractable roof [2]. The legislation aims to ensure the team remains in Phoenix and provides good-paying jobs to the local community [1].

The decision to fund the renovations comes as the Diamondbacks have seen an increase in attendance, averaging 31,420 fans per game this season, the highest in two decades. This uptick in attendance has been attributed to the team's 2023 World Series run [1].

The bill's passage cleared the legislature on June 23 after months of debate, with concerns raised about the potential for the Diamondbacks to leave Phoenix without public funding [1]. This legislation is part of a series of bipartisan deals prioritized by Hobbs during the session [1].

The funding will not cover upgrades to the stadium's luxury suites or the small swimming pool in right field, which was a sticking point for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. The mayor agreed to the bill after it was updated to prevent funds from being used for suites and a cap was placed on the city's contribution for a land deal should the Diamondbacks break from the Stadium District [1].

The Diamondbacks and Maricopa County are now poised to negotiate a new lease agreement, which is critical for the team's long-term sustainability in Phoenix. This partnership will help mitigate the risk of relocation, given interest from other states such as Utah and Oregon [2].

Once the lease is finalized, the focus will shift to a phased approach for renovations, addressing essential infrastructure improvements such as HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical systems [2]. The state funding will emphasize these essential updates rather than superfluous additions.

This significant investment in Chase Field reflects a commitment to both the Diamondbacks and the city of Phoenix, fostering community pride and stimulating economic development [2].

References:
[1] https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45599472/gov-katie-hobbs-signs-upgrades-d-backs-chase-field
[2] https://motociclismo.pt/en/arizona-diamondbacks-secure-their-future-in-phoenix-with-groundbreaking-stadium-funding-bill-leading-to-massive-renovations/