Bill to fund Chase Field improvements, keep DBacks in Ariz. clears state House

A bill to establish a funding mechanism for improvements to Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, took one step closer to passage when the state House of Representatives on Wednesday passed H.B. 2704 with bipartisan support.

What the bill does

Sponsored by state Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler), the bill allows the recapture of sales tax from merchandise, concessions, and other goods sold at the stadium to be placed into a fund to aid in repairing the stadium. The income taxes of team employees and their spouses (if filed jointly) will also be recaptured into the same fund.

Amendment bolsters guardrails, imposes penalties if team leaves

The bill was amended during a debate on Tuesday, adding explicit penalties were the Diamondbacks to vacate the facility at any time over the next 25 years.

$10 million penalty if the team leaves before October 1, 2035
$5 million before October 1, 2045
$1 million before October 1, 2050

The amendment also puts in writing the Diamondbacks’ previous commitment that the ballclub will also contribute to the modernization of the stadium. The amendment puts that contribution at $250 million.

The bill now also requires an annual report detailing reconstruction, maintenance, and improvement projects funded by both the County Stadium District and the team.

DBacks: Momentum for the bill

Team President and CEO Derrick Hall released a statement following the House passage thanking bill sponsor Weninger and Gov. Hobbs for their support.

Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry says bill a priority

Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said her organization was encouraged by the bipartisan support and is hopeful for a similar outcome in the state Senate.

“While the Diamondbacks are a beloved Arizona sports team, that doesn’t mean we have a guarantee they’ll stay here. It’s no secret that other states are actively trying to woo them away,” she said. “The reality is the publicly-owned Chase Field needs repairs. And while the Diamondbacks plan to directly fund a majority of that cost, we need a solution that brings everyone to the table. This bill is the solution we need. It establishes a sustainable, long-term public-private partnership to maintain a public asset. We’ve taken an important step in the process. Now it’s on to the Senate.”