New Chase Field funding plan proposed to keep Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona State Representative Jeff Weninger (R) is taking a swing at Chase Field’s future with proposed legislation aimed at sprucing up the ballpark without new taxes. Representative Weninger joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the hopeful plans for this bill.

The bill, HB 2704, sketches out a funding game plan that hinges on recapturing existing sales and income taxes generated by Chase Field and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“Reality is reality if you’re having to upgrade a stadium that you don’t own, at a certain point that’s just not feasible,” Representative Weninger said.

With the expiration of the Diamondbacks’ lease at Chase Field drawing near in 2027, both the franchise and fans are facing the possibility of the team relocating, something Representative Weninger and his team are working hard to avoid.

“They [Arizona Diamondbacks] have not said that they’re leaving but we think this is a sustainable way that we can have them stay here, renovate Chase Field with the existing tax revenue that’s being spent and collected at Chase Field,” Representative Weninger said.

Maricopa County holds the funds and power to proceed with this bill. There has been small repairs for example LED lights, however there are $500 million in repairs and updates, according to Representative Weninger.

He believes this bill is beneficial for the Phoenix community because of Chase Field’s events that keep the restaurants and bars around the stadium thriving and is confident the bill will pass.

“I think everybody, regardless of party down at the legislature and the Capitol knows we need to keep the Arizona Diamondbacks in Arizona,” Representative Weninger said.