PHOENIX — The Chase Field bill finally went to bat this week after numerous talks between the governor, lawmakers, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Maricopa County, and the city of Phoenix.
The bill passed the Senate Thursday night, but because it got a 94-page amendment, it must get final approval in the House before it is sent to the governor's desk.
The bill would divert sales tax revenue from Chase Field and income tax revenue from the team to a fund that would pay for fixes and upgrades to the ballpark.
The city has objected to their sales tax revenue getting diverted, and the county opposed a later proposal for the county to contribute money to the ballpark fund.
Currently, revenue from non-baseball events — which Chase Field hosts more than 150 a year — goes into a reserve fund to pay for ballpark upkeep.
“But it is not enough for the $500 million worth of work that we have identified needs to be to Chase Field as soon as possible,” Amilyn Pierce, the Diamondbacks' vice president of government affairs, previously said.
More specifics on what the bill does, following the passage of the bill by the Senate on Thursday:
- Diverts $500 million in sales tax over 30 years from the city of Phoenix and Maricopa County to the stadium district fund that owns Chase Field for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to the ballpark.
- There is a $3.5 million annual cap on the tax revenue that goes into the fund. This cap goes up by 3% every year from 2027 to 2055. The $500 million total cap also increases from 2027 to 2055.
- Most of the income tax from players and team employees, like trainers and coaches, also goes into the fund.
- Money from the fund can't be used for pool suites, suites, or club seating.
- The Diamondbacks will have to pay the fund any debts for Chase Field projects if the team leaves Chase Field or if the Legislature repeals the tax diversions because the team didn't pay their fair share.
- Changes the makeup of the Maricopa County Stadium District Board, with appointees from the mayor, Board of Supervisors chair, lawmakers, and governor.
