Arizona's baseball stadium renovation bill, HB2704, is sliding through the state legislature as Derrick Hall, the Arizona Diamondbacks President and CEO, expressed his belief that this bill is set to become the law of the land. According to ABC15, the bill found favor in the House and is now aimed at the Senate. "We think it could go through committee next week and so then it would go to the floor," Hall said. His assurance doubles down on the support expected from both civic chambers and the governor's office.
The city of Phoenix was initially skeptical about the financial play. Chase Field and the D-backs are a notable source of city tax revenue, and a potential loss loomed large on the horizon. The D-backs have been batting compromises back and forth with the city, noting concessions on several issues in their quest for renovation funds, as detailed in the Sports Business Journal.
On a related note, Hall announced improvements to the stadium's roof and partial fixes to the air-conditioning woes. "We can now open it during a game or after a game for all of our postgame needs," Hall mentioned to the Sports Business Journal. He admits the cooling plant issue is still on deck, but insists conditions this season should be more manageable than the last.
With HB 2704 on the edge of crossing home plate, the future of Chase Field could be one of community-funded refreshments, assuming the bill doesn't strike out in the legislative leagues.
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