Diamondbacks Blast Maricopa County’s Latest Chase Field Offer as ‘Extremely Offensive’

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing significant challenges with their home venue, Chase Field, which requires extensive renovations costing an estimated $500 million. This revelation comes from team CEO Derrick Hall, who highlighted the urgent need for upgrades earlier this year.

Currently, the Diamondbacks’ lease at Chase Field is set to expire in 2027. In recent negotiations with Maricopa County, the venue’s owner, the team expressed a willingness to invest substantial resources in renovations. However, they found the county’s latest counteroffer to be deeply disappointing.

A team spokesperson remarked, “We found this letter extremely offensive. We have come to the table with hundreds of millions in resources to help renovate a ballpark we do not own, while the County has offered no dollars at all.” The spokesperson emphasized the absurdity of renewing a 50-year lease without a serious financial commitment from the county.

The specifics of the county’s offer have not been disclosed. However, a recent assessment revealed that Chase Field, the fourth-oldest ballpark in the National League, has systemic issues beyond routine maintenance concerns, such as a roof that only functions when fans are absent.

Attendance has also been a recurrent issue; the team has made just one playoff appearance in the last decade, contributing to their ranking near the bottom of the National League since 2005. The Diamondbacks are exploring options for year-round usage of the ballpark, including additional office spaces, restaurants, and hotels, to attract more visitors.

In a broader statement, the team expressed discontent, stating, “We have tried to work in a collaborative fashion… All along, we have done our part by investing millions into repairing this aging ballpark, while receiving little to no assistance at all.” They reiterated their commitment to finding a solution and thanked local government for their ongoing support.

12News has requested further documentation from Maricopa County regarding the negotiations and will provide updates as information becomes available. 12Sports’ Cameron Cox contributed to this report.