Bill to ensure DBacks stay in AZ passes state Senate committee

The Arizona state Senate Finance committee on Monday passed HB 2704, a bill that will keep the Arizona Diamondbacks in the state, finance much needed repairs at Chase Field, and help ensure downtown Phoenix businesses continue to thrive. 

The committee heard testimony from Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez, business leaders in support of the bill, and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who expressed her opposition to the bill. 

What supporters said

“The Arizona Diamondbacks are a community asset. As long as we have called Arizona and Chase Field home we have received support and love generously from the community, as we have returned it in droves,” Gonzalez said. “Just some of our contributions to the community include $93 million donated to charitable programs and non profit organizations to date. More than twice of what the Suns and Cardinals have done.”

Gonzalez highlighted the Diamondbacks Little League jersey program, which covers more than 60,000 kids. He also spoke about the team’s support of first responders—100% of the profits from Gonzo’s Hometown Heroes Fund supports police officers, firefighters, and first responders. 

 “It’s well known that the Diamondbacks do more than host fun and games. They are a major economic driver. Since they’ve been in that stadium they’ve generated $5.4 billion GDP. So, fast math, that’s $216 million a year,” said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “It’s attracted major events like the MLB All Star game. That one event, $67 million economic impact.” 

Opponents of the bill

Despite her concerns about drawing sales tax money away from other public projects that voters have already approved, Mayor Gallego said that she wants the Diamondbacks to stay in Arizona in Downtown Phoenix, and pointed to the deal the city has with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, who play at the downtown PHX Arena. 

What the bill does 

The bill enables the Diamondbacks to reclaim sales taxes generated at Chase Field from concessions, merchandise, and similar transactions by directing them into a fund that would be used for stadium modernization projects. An earlier provision to divert income taxes from team employees and their spouses into the same fund as the sales taxes was removed via an amendment by Finance Committee Chairman J.D. Mesnard (R-Chandler.).

As made clear by the bill’s proponents, the bill guarantees the Diamondbacks’ long-term presence in Arizona, reinforcing the team’s role as a vital economic driver for restaurants and small businesses surrounding the stadium, as well as a key contributor to charitable initiatives that have benefited communities across the state. To date, the team is approaching $100 million in total charitable donations during its tenure in Arizona.

Where Arizona parties stand 

Beverage distributors, the Foundation for Blind Children, the Phoenix Community Alliance, the Ariz. State Building & Construction Trades Council, and more organizations are in support of the bill.