Arizona Senate to Vote on Controversial $1 Billion Stadium Renovation

Categories: Arizona Business NewsArizona State News

Chase Field, where the Arizona Diamondbacks play, is at the center of a proposed $1 billion renovation plan.

News Summary

Arizona lawmakers are gearing up to vote on a contentious $1 billion renovation plan for Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks. After bipartisan backing in the House, concerns about costs and taxpayer contributions linger as negotiations continue. The proposed bill aims to allow bond financing for repairs while diverting tax revenues from sales and income generated at the stadium. Local sentiment largely opposes taxpayer-funding for private ventures, raising questions about the fiscal responsibility of the state budget.

Arizona lawmakers are currently moving swiftly to finalize the state budget, which includes a vote on a controversial $1 billion taxpayer-funded renovation plan for Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The bill, which has undergone months of negotiations, is slated for a vote in the state Senate on June 18 or 19.

The proposed renovations were prompted by the Diamondbacks’ inability to reach an agreement with Maricopa County regarding funding responsibilities for the upgrades. The House of Representatives previously passed the bill with bipartisan support, achieving a vote of 35-25 in February.

Despite initial backing, the bill faced skepticism from several lawmakers and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. Concerns have been raised about the accuracy of the cost estimates, which some fear could end up exceeding $1 billion. The Senate’s progress on the bill was hindered by a lack of sufficient votes, but recent negotiations led by the office of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs have aimed to adjust and refine the proposed plan.

The current version of the bill would allow the Diamondbacks to utilize bond financing for necessary repairs and suggest a diversion of tax revenues generated from sales and income at Chase Field to cover these costs. Such tax revenues, however, are currently earmarked for critical public services such as K-12 education and public safety.

Discussions surrounding key amendments to the bill have included a cap on taxpayer contributions and regulatory reforms for the board responsible for overseeing Chase Field. However, Democrat senators have voiced their opposition to the current wording of the bill unless significant changes are made to the funding structure.

If amendments are incorporated, the legislation would need to return to the House before it could be sent to Governor Hobbs for potential approval. The Diamondbacks organization has actively sought support from their fan base, encouraging fans to contact state lawmakers in favor of the renovations.

While two Republican senators have openly opposed the bill, making it increasingly challenging to secure the necessary votes for its passage, the State Senate President, Warren Petersen, expressed optimism regarding the bill’s support despite previous resistance.

If the legislation passes, it would result in a decrease of approximately $9.2 million annually from the state’s general fund, alongside a reduction of about $5.8 million from local funds. Under the proposed plan, financing for Chase Field improvements would come from sales taxes collected from stadium vendors, with a mandate for additional contributions from Maricopa County.

Furthermore, significant provisions in the proposed bill include a requirement that the Diamondbacks contribute at least $250 million towards maintenance and repair expenses. The bill also stipulates penalties for the Diamondbacks if they were to leave Chase Field before 2055, reinforcing the commitment to maintain the team’s presence in Arizona.

Community leaders have raised ongoing objections to the bill, questioning the fiscal responsibility and prioritization of public funds to support a private sports franchise. Local sentiment surrounding the issue appears largely critical, with public opinion indicating a strong resistance to taxpayer-funded stadium subsidies and renovations.