The Arizona Diamondbacks are fine for now. Though what about going forward? Could Chase Field be in Jeopardy? Only time will tell.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Seems like the D-Backs front office are now dealing with a massive headache right before the 2025 season begins. There was a lot to say it seems, when Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego made a statement about public funds when it comes to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chase Field: “Although the team’s comments give the impression it will split renovation costs with taxpayers, there is reason for real skepticism,” Gallego said.
We should know more about this situation on Monday, when the bill will be heard with the Senate’s Finance Committee. The conversation should give more of a sign of support or objection.
Fans gather inside Chase Field before the Diamondbacks’ home opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 6, 2023. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego also mentioned:
“Not only is forcing taxpayers to pay for these kinds of lavish amenities poor public policy, but spending public funds on items that do not serve a public purpose and for the benefit of a private entity raises a Gift Clause issue.”
So where do we go from here? Obviously, I personally don’t want to see this going any further. After losing the Arizona Coyotes, even the thought of another team bouncing out of here makes my drink empty. There are a lot of specific outlines that this bill entails, and Governor Katie Hobbs will have to review them. She showed support and backed the D-Backs in their stadium tax plans in February earlier this year, even when local leaders opposed.
Jul 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; L to R; Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derek Hall and Arizona Diamondbacks player Luis Gonzalez and former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson and Arizona Diamondbacks managing partner Ken Kendrick look on during the Diamondbacks Hall of Fame ceremony before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
None of us know what the future holds, but it seems like a storm is brewing. Not a good one either, it very well could make a haboob seem like a sandbox. Let’s all hope for the opposite.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
