PHOENIX – With a critical state vote on the horizon, the Arizona Diamondbacks are pressing lawmakers to act on HB2704, a bill that could determine whether the team remains in downtown Phoenix.
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Fans gather outside Chase Field for the Arizona D-Backs Opening Day game against the Chicago Cubs in Phoenix on March 27, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The bill, which proposes state-supported funding for overdue renovations at Chase Field, must be approved by both the Arizona Legislature and Gov. Katie Hobbs before July 1. Key facility upgrades include air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical repairs. The team’s current lease at Chase Field expires following the 2027 season.
Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall speaks to the media during the D-Backs 2025 season preview of its newest food, concession areas, promotional giveaways and special events on March 18, 2025, in Phoenix. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
D-backs CEO Derrick Hall emphasized urgency during an appearance on Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta, saying lawmakers should not assume passage is guaranteed.
“It could go to the Senate floor if the president decides to put it on the floor, and then if it is approved, and the biggest problem is that everybody just assumes it’s going to get approved and get it done. And there’s just this lethargic approach going on right now, and I don’t want the legislators just to assume it’s going to happen. They have to help us make it happen.” (Credit: Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta.)
Fans gather outside Chase Field for the Arizona Diamondbacks Opening Day game against the Chicago Cubs in Phoenix, on March 27, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It’s not just recapturing sales tax, but Ken Kendrick is willing to put up his own money to help with this process. The D-Backs will be spending more money to also enhance fan experience as Kendrick also noted that he has been watching how the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals have been embracing that idea and how it has lead to success. The lease expires after the 2027 season, and the D-Backs front office sounds like they are 100% committed to staying in downtown Phoenix. (Credit: Burns and Gambo | Arizona Sports)
Diamondback fans are absolutely killing it by filling out Cards in support of HB2704. We need more of this though.
Stop by section 126 to fill out the Card to keep the Dbacks in Arizona today or tomorrow. https://t.co/YiEhpmLgaG pic.twitter.com/8uDkHTyM6y
— ???? Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) June 15, 2025
The D-Backs have set out stations at Chase Field that include cards where you can fill out your information to urge your state legislators to vote yes on HB2704. A website was also created with more information where fans can read more about HB2704 and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ future at Chase Field at https://www.keepazmajorleague.com/.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
