Written by Todd Sanders, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber
As a leader in the Phoenix business community, I know that major economic drivers donât just happenâthey require smart policies and strategic partnerships. Thatâs exactly what HB 2704 delivers. This legislation provides a dedicated funding mechanism to renovate publicly owned Chase Field, ensuring the Arizona Diamondbacks remain in downtown Phoenix for decades to come.
Phoenix thrives when its downtown is vibrant, its businesses are booming, and its community has something to rally around. Thatâs why HB 2704 isnât just about baseballâitâs about Phoenixâs future.
This bill provides a sustainable, responsible way to reinvest tax revenue generated at Chase Field back into the public asset, ensuring the Arizona Diamondbacks and other events held at the stadium remain in downtown Phoenix for decades to come. No new taxes. No handouts. Just a smart plan to keep a publicly owned facility in top shape while protecting a powerhouse economic driver for our city.
For nearly 30 years, Chase Field has been an anchor in downtown Phoenix, drawing millions of fans and visitors into our restaurants, hotels, and businesses. From the World Series to the MLB All-Star Game, College Football Bowl Games, massive concerts, and the World Baseball Classic, the stadium fuels our economy year-round. The 2023 postseason alone pumped $107.6 million into Phoenixâs GDPâmost of it from out-of-state visitors spending money in our bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Without the Diamondbacks and their 81 summer home games, that revenue disappears. In a city where summer can be a slow season for business, the team is an essential economic stabilizer. Without them, downtown Phoenix businessesâespecially the locally owned spots that make our city uniqueâwould face a devastating blow.
Renovating Chase Field is a job for multiple stakeholdersâstate, county, city, and the Diamondbacks themselves. HB 2704 ensures everyone has a seat at the table, with no single entity carrying the full cost. The Diamondbacks have already committed $250 million to the renovations and the bill caps contributions from the state, city, and county at $500 million.
Itâs a common-sense approach. Other cities are investing resources into their teams and stadiums to keep them competitive. Phoenix should do the same.
The Diamondbacks arenât just a teamâtheyâre part of our community. Theyâre on track to reach $100 million in charitable giving this year, supporting youth sports, education, and local nonprofits. Theyâve built 45 baseball and softball fields across Arizona and, just last year, provided over 60,000 kids with free jerseys and caps.
And while other teams are pricing fans out, the Diamondbacks have kept Chase Field the most affordable ballpark experience in MLB for 15 years straight. With programs like âKids Free Weekendâ and the $299 season pass, they make sure everyoneânot just big spendersâcan enjoy the game.
Weâve seen what happens when a major league team leaves. The Coyotesâ departure to Utah was a wake-up call. Losing the Diamondbacks would be an economic gut punch, and once theyâre gone, theyâre not coming back.
HB 2704 isnât just about baseballâitâs about keeping downtown Phoenix thriving, protecting jobs, and ensuring our city remains a major-league destination.
The time to act is now. Letâs keep the Diamondbacks where they belongâright here, in the heart of Phoenix.