Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed off on a major investment for Phoenix’s Chase Field, greenlighting a bill that allocates up to $500 million in taxpayer funds for renovations. The legislation, which found favor across party lines, will be funded by sales tax revenue from the stadium and nearby developments over a projected span of three decades. The bill includes upgrades to the retractable roof and the air conditioning systems, crucial for comfort in the desert heat, according to ABC15.
As the home team, the Arizona Diamondbacks have pledged to contribute an additional $250 million for the stadium enhancements. The team’s commitment comes amidst a surge in fan attendance, averaging 31,420 fans per game this season, the highest in two decades as reported by AP News. These numbers are playing out after the Diamondbacks sparked local excitement with their 2023 World Series appearance.
The passage of this bill comes at a time when other cities are in the throes of public funding contests for their sports teams. The Oakland A’s have recently decamped to Las Vegas with a deal including $380 million in public funds for their new ballpark. Similarly, efforts are underway in Kansas and Missouri to secure the loyalty of local NFL and MLB franchises with financial sweeteners…