Arizona Senate Passes Diamondbacks Stadium Bill, Sends to House

The Arizona Senate passed legislation Thursday that would help fund Chase Field renovations, sending House Bill 2704 back to the state House for final approval.

The bill allows sales tax dollars collected at the ballpark over the next 30 years to fund major repairs at the Arizona Diamondbacks' stadium. The House previously passed the measure in February.

The legislation caps public funding at $500 million and requires the Diamondbacks to contribute $250 million. Maricopa County must match Phoenix's contribution under the proposal.

If passed, the team would face a $10 million penalty if it leaves Arizona before 2035.

Diamondbacks officials say the 27-year-old stadium needs major repairs.

"The stadium is in dire need of improvement and repair," said Luis Gonzalez, a former player who now serves as senior advisor to the team's president and CEO. "We need a new scoreboard, the roof needs fixing, then there are the critical repairs nobody sees: the plumbing, the pipes and the other infrastructure fixes."

The renovations would address heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical work, plus visible upgrades like a new scoreboard.

State budget analysts estimate the bill would reduce Arizona's general fund by $9.2 million annually and cut local government revenue by $5.8 million per year.

Critics argue the measure diverts money from essential services.

"House Bill 2704 takes tax dollars away from education, roads and safety and gives it to the stadium for repairs and luxury upgrades," said Sen. Mitzi Epstein, D-Chandler, who voted against the bill. "It benefits baseball billionaires."

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Maricopa County Board Chairman Thomas Galvin have raised concerns about taking funds away from schools and public safety.

The team says money earmarked for education, jails and public safety would remain untouched.

The Diamondbacks' lease at the county-owned Chase Field expires in 2027.

The House must now approve the Senate's version of the bill before it can become law. The original House version passed 35-25 in February.

Supporters expect the measure to pass the House and receive Gov. Katie Hobbs' signature, though the governor's position remains unclear and has the possibility to go into effect next week.