Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs speaks before President Joe Biden at the Intel Ocotillo Campus in Chandler on March 20, 2024. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is set for major renovations. On Friday, Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bipartisan bill allocating $500 million to upgrade the Phoenix stadium. The funding will come from sales tax collected at Chase Field, nearby businesses, and select employee income.
The Diamondbacks organization also pledged an additional $250 million toward the project, bringing the total renovation investment to $750 million.
At the signing ceremony, attended by Diamondbacks stars Corbin Burnes and Corbin Carroll, Gov. Hobbs said on X (formerly Twitter), “I’m not going to let Arizona lose the Diamondbacks. This deal keeps the team downtown, creates good-paying jobs, and ensures families can enjoy baseball for generations. Let’s play ball!”
Team and City Leaders Celebrate the Deal
Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall expressed relief. Speaking to Phoenix’s 12News, Hall said, “We weren’t sure what Plan B was going to be if we couldn’t fund this building. I’m grateful to Gov. Hobbs. She’s a baseball fan, a Diamondbacks fan, and I’m a fan of hers.”
Team manager Torey Lovullo also praised the move, calling it “an unbelievable measure.” He added, “This has been in the works for a long time. I’m grateful for everyone who made the sacrifice to keep the Arizona Diamondbacks in Arizona where they belong.”
What Will Be Upgraded at Chase Field
Renovations will include improvements to Chase Field’s retractable roof and upgrades to the air conditioning system. Other infrastructure improvements are also planned to enhance the overall fan and player experience.
The stadium, which opened in 1998, has seen rising attendance this year. Two seasons ago, the Diamondbacks reached the World Series but lost to the Texas Rangers.
Arizona has already lost one major team. Last year, the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City. They were renamed the Utah Hockey Club and later the Utah Mammoth.
This new stadium deal is seen as a strong move to avoid losing another franchise. With bipartisan support and renewed investment, the Diamondbacks look set to stay in downtown Phoenix for years to come.
