Guest ContributorThe Arizona House of Representatives on Monday passed House Bill 2704, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at modernizing Chase Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks, while ensuring the team remains a fixture in downtown Phoenix.
What the bill does
- Establishes a funding mechanism by redirecting sales taxes generated from concessions, merchandise, and other stadium transactions to a dedicated stadium improvement fund over the next 30 years.
- Recaptures income taxes from select Diamondbacks employees into the same improvement fund.
- Caps public investment at approximately $500 million, tied to annual inflation adjustments, to finance essential infrastructure upgrades—such as HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, retractable roof, and scoreboard enhancements.
- Includes a $250 million private investment commitment from the Diamondbacks, with provisions for annual reporting on how project funds are spent and what improvements are made.
- Imposes penalties if the team vacates Chase Field early.
Business community voices support
“HB 2704 delivers a smart, sustainable funding model that upgrades a key public asset without raising taxes—and more importantly, it gives Arizona the certainty that the Diamondbacks will stay downtown for decades to come,” said Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge. “We’ve been clear: this legislation aligns taxpayer interests, business growth and community pride.”
In addition to the Arizona Chamber, the bill was supported by a broad coalition, including labor groups representing professional trades:
- Arizona Beer & Wine Distributors
- Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association
- Arizona State Building and Construction Trades Council
- Boilermakers Local 627
- Carpenters Union Local 1912
- Chandler Chamber of Commerce
- East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance
- Foundation for Blind Children
- Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Phoenix Leadership Inc.
- IBEW Local Union 640
- International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation Workers Local 359
- Ironworkers Local 75
- Laborers International Union of North America Local 1184
- Phoenix Community Alliance
- Phoenix Raceway
- Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
- United Dairymen of Arizona
- Valley Partnership
- Visit Phoenix
- West Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance
Why it matters
Chase Field opened in 1998 and has never undergone a major renovation, and the aging infrastructure threatens its long term viability. The Diamondbacks have already spent millions on improvements such as a new roof and LED lighting, but a full-scale modernization requires public-private partnership through HB 2704.
Beyond infrastructure, the legislation ensures significant economic and community benefits: an estimated $5.4 billion in GDP generated over the team’s tenure, continued support for surrounding businesses and downtown tourism, and preserved charitable contributions that exceed $90 million.
Gov. Hobbs ready to sign
With the bill headed to her desk, Gov. Katie Hobbs praised the Legislature’s passage of the bill, describing the House vote as a “huge win” that protects jobs and bolsters Arizona’s economic vitality.
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