Joseph KavetskySmall businesses in downtown Phoenix are supporting the passage of HB 2704, a bill to establish a financing mechanism for needed repairs at Chase Field and to ensure that the Diamondbacks remain downtown for decades to come, all without raising taxes. Area restaurants, bars, and other businesses in the downtown area garner a large share of their customers from the crowds coming from Diamondbacks games.
The state Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. J.D. Mesnard (R-Chandler) is set to take up the bill, introduced by Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler) March 24. Mesnard and Weninger represent the same Chandler-based district.
The bill, which was also assigned to the Senate Appropriations Committee, has already passed the Arizona House with bipartisan support.
At its core, HB 2704 will ensure that Chase Field remains a vibrant centerpiece of downtown Phoenix while directly benefiting the many businesses, restaurants, and hotels that depend on the foot traffic generated by the stadium’s events.
What small businesses are saying
Teddy Myers, founder of Pretty Decent Concepts, says the Diamondbacks’ presence downtown is essential to the success of his restaurants.
“Having the Diamondbacks in Chase Field downtown is crucial to the downtown small business community. Without them I don’t know that any of us would exist,” Myers said. “We support house bill 2704 so that small businesses like mine will continue to thrive and grow in downtown Phoenix.”
Eric Stoltz, owner of Willie’s Taco Joint, urged the passage of the bill, citing the DBacks as a vital part of Phoenix’s downtown economy.
“As the DBacks go, Willie’s goes. We need them down here. We need to have them in Phoenix,” Stoltz said. “Without those 81 games that we get from them it would be very difficult. So, we urge policymakers to pass bill 2704 to keep our DBacks in downtown Phoenix where they originated.”
Supporting local businesses and charities
The impact of Chase Field extends far beyond baseball. Downtown Phoenix small businesses rely heavily on the crowds drawn by Diamondbacks games, concerts, and other special events at the stadium. The downtown ballpark has generated $5.4 billion in GDP for Arizona over the past 25 years.
Chase Field is a key driver of tourism and economic growth, one of the reasons the bill is supported by business groups like the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association. A thriving, modern stadium keeps visitors coming, which supports local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. HB 2704 will ensure that Phoenix remains a premier destination for events and tourism.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are an integral part of Arizona’s business ecosystem, contributing not only to economic growth but also to charitable efforts throughout the state. Since 1998, the team has donated nearly $100 million to charitable causes statewide, underscoring their role as a key community partner, including for groups like the Arizona Animal Welfare League.
What the bill does
HB 2704 allows the Diamondbacks to recapture the sales tax revenue generated within Chase Field, including taxes from concessions, merchandise, and other in-stadium purchases. Additionally, income taxes paid by Diamondbacks employees and their spouses (for couples filing jointly) will be redirected into the same fund. This approach creates a steady, reliable funding stream to cover necessary repairs and upgrades to the ballpark, without increasing taxes or pulling from Arizona’s general fund.
Chase Field, originally opened in 1998, is now over 25 years old. Essential improvements—including updates to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems—are needed to keep the stadium competitive with modern sports venues and to continue attracting visitors, concerts, and major sporting events.
No new taxes
Critically, HB 2704 does not create new taxes. Instead, it reinvests existing tax revenue already being generated at Chase Field and by the Diamondbacks organization. A similar mechanism has successfully supported State Farm Stadium in Glendale, home to the Arizona Cardinals and countless major events.
Advocates say the bill is a practical, taxpayer-friendly solution to keep a vital economic engine thriving while avoiding any new financial burdens on Arizona residents.
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