Arizona Moves Closer to Securing Diamondbacks’ Future with Stadium Repair Funding Bill
In a significant legislative move, Arizona is on the verge of using state and local tax revenues to finance stadium repairs for the Arizona Diamondbacks. This development comes as Governor Katie Hobbs has indicated her support for House Bill 2704, which has already passed through the state Legislature.
House Bill 2704 proposes the allocation of certain sales and income taxes collected at Chase Field over the next three decades to fund substantial repairs. The bill sets a contribution limit of up to $500 million, with a 3% annual inflation adjustment beginning in 2027.
The legislation saw bipartisan backing in the House, passing with a 35-20 vote following its Senate approval last week. Representative Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler), who sponsored the bill, emphasized the unifying nature of this initiative, stating, “Politics doesn’t have to be in everything. This is about a team we all love, a team that provides incredible economic development to this state, and a point of pride.”
However, the bill faced opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, who voiced concerns about using public funds to aid a private sports entity and its wealthy owner. Senator Analise Ortiz (D-Phoenix) highlighted constituent feedback, noting, “I heard from so many of my constituents, probably more than I’ve heard from on any other bill, that they are tired of being asked for their tax dollars to be spent on private corporations.”
Efforts by Senate Democrats to amend the bill with public-benefiting measures, such as reduced concession prices or a complimentary Diamondbacks streaming service for Arizona residents, did not succeed.
Despite initial resistance, the city of Phoenix recently backed the proposal after negotiating changes, including setting a 3.5% cap on its sales tax contributions. Governor Hobbs, who had previously refrained from stating her stance on various iterations of the bill, expressed her approval on social media once the House passed the bill, stating, “I’m thrilled that the legislature has passed a bill that will keep the Diamondbacks in Phoenix and create good-paying jobs. This is a huge win for every Arizonan.”
This agreement aims to quell concerns about the Diamondbacks potentially relocating, a fear that loomed after the state lost its professional hockey team due to similar funding issues. Although Diamondbacks officials have not confirmed intentions to move, rumors have persisted amidst ongoing disputes with Maricopa County officials regarding responsibility for major stadium repairs.
Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall celebrated the legislative progress, stating, “This will be a monumental victory for baseball and Diamondbacks fans when signed by Governor Katie Hobbs. We could then shift our focus to a proper lease extension, negotiation with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in hopes of modernizing and renovating this public asset to a level those fans deserve.”
While the Diamondbacks have pledged $250 million towards the stadium improvements, the legislation doesn’t obligate the team to fulfill this commitment. Instead, the bill mandates the team to cover any outstanding debts for the stadium district if the legislature revokes the law due to the team’s non-payment. Additionally, Phoenix has the option to assume ownership of the stadium land if the team’s lease with the county concludes.
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