Chase Field Upgrades Progress: Discover What’s Coming Next!

House Bill 2704, aimed at securing funding for renovations at Chase Field, has received bipartisan support and will soon be considered by the Senate.

Located in Phoenix, Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, faces an uncertain future as the team’s lease is set to expire in 2027. The recent loss of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah has sparked urgency among sports fans and officials to ensure the Diamondbacks remain in Arizona.

Derrick Hall, President, CEO, and General Partner of the Diamondbacks, expressed gratitude for the bill’s support. “Today was a first step victory in this much-needed public/private partnership,” Hall said, thanking Representative Jeff Weninger and Governor Hobbs for their leadership.

The bill proposes a tax recapture mechanism to provide ongoing funds for Chase Field’s maintenance and repairs. The Diamondbacks have indicated they will also contribute to the facility upgrades, bolstering the effort.

However, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego raised concerns about the financial implications. In a post on “X,” she pointed out that the bill would divert $200 million from the city’s budget, potentially impacting funding for essential services such as police and fire departments.

Weninger, the bill’s sponsor, noted that the funding strategy is similar to the one used for the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium, although Mayor Gallego disagreed with this comparison. “Phoenix’s tax dollars should support public safety and address homelessness, rather than subsidizing sports franchises,” she commented.