Phoenix Supports Bill for Arizona Diamondbacks Stadium Repair Funding

In a shift that may impact the future of baseball in Arizona, the city of Phoenix has expressed its support for new legislation that could direct tax dollars to renovate the Arizona Diamondbacks’ stadium, Chase Field. This comes after the city negotiated specific amendments to the bill.

House Bill 2704, which has been making its way through the legislative process, proposes using sales tax revenue generated at Chase Field over the next three decades to finance significant repairs. This initiative arose from ongoing disputes between the team and Maricopa County regarding funding responsibilities for major upgrades, such as a new air conditioning system.

Though the bill passed the Arizona House in February and moved through a Senate Committee in March, it has yet to progress further.

Initially, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego opposed the bill when it passed through the Senate Finance Committee, citing concerns that it overly burdened the city financially without firm commitments from the team to help fund the project.

While the Diamondbacks have indicated a willingness to share in the repair costs, the bill’s current language only includes a non-binding “legislative finding” that they would contribute $250 million.

However, following a memo from the city’s government relations director, Phoenix has changed its stance, offering support contingent upon key adjustments:

• A definite contribution of $250 million from the Diamondbacks
• A cap on the city’s financial responsibility at $3.5 million annually
• Prohibitions on using public funds for luxury stadium features
• Ownership of the stadium land to revert to the City of Phoenix once the agreement concludes.

Recent amendments suggest that while the Diamondbacks wouldn’t be obligated to provide the $250 million upfront, they would need to cover any outstanding district debt if the law is repealed due to lack of contribution.

As of now, Mayor Gallego’s office has not provided additional comments on the matter.

KJZZ political correspondent Camryn Sanchez contributed to this report.