Latest news with #HouseBill2704
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How does Chase Field's political drama compare with other states? We asked an expert
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been trying to revamp Chase Field for years now. So far, that journey has left them without the proper funds to renovate the 27-year-old stadium. On the to-do list is fixing the retractable roof, which team officials can't open with people in the stadium because of the risk factor. Upgrades to the HVAC system, widening the concourses and a new premium section are on the list as well. This year, they're betting on a public-private partnership deal introduced by state Rep. Jeff Weninger. The Chandler Republican introduced House Bill 2704 that would redirect the sales and income tax generated by the team to an improvement fund. The bill passed the House on a bipartisan vote, but on Monday, a Senate committee approved an amendment. The new version removes a provision that would have redirected income taxes generated by the team and its staff to the stadium, meaning those dollars would continue to go to state, county and city coffers. It proposes a 50-50 split between Phoenix and Maricopa County to provide as much as $500 million a year from the sales taxes collected at the stadium – a change that prompted the county to oppose the bill. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by Bret McCormick. He's a beat writer for the Sports Business Journal covering fan experiences, ticketing and sports facilities. Bret talks with Ron and Mary Jo about the reality of the Diamondbacks ballpark situation and how Arizona compares to other states in similar positions. Later in the episode, Ron and Mary Jo break down the bipartisan support — and bipartisan opposition — the bill is finding in the Legislature. The best way to listen is to subscribe to The Gaggle on your favorite podcast app, but you also can stream the full episode below. Note: The Gaggle is intended to be heard. But we also offer an AI transcript of the episode script. There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio. Follow The Gaggle and all azcentral podcasts on X, formerly Twitter and Instagram. Listen to The Gaggle : Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher You can share your thoughts with us at 602-444-0804 or via email here. Reach the producer Amanda Luberto at aluberto@ Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @amandaluberto and on Bluesky @amandaluberto. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Chase Field revamp hits snags in Legislature. What to know
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Love paying higher taxes in Phoenix? Then thank the Arizona Legislature
Phoenix soon may be reaching deeper into your pocket. The City Council is considering a half-cent boost to the city's sales tax. You can thank the Arizona Legislature for that. Remember a few years ago when Gov. Doug Ducey and the Legislature cut the income tax, a move that primarily benefited the state's wealthiest residents? Remember last year when Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Legislature eliminated the residential rental tax? All this, 'to put more money into people's pockets'? Turns out, our leaders didn't really 'put more money into people's pockets.' They simply shifted who is reaching into your pants. So, now Phoenix is staring at an $85 million hole in its budget and pondering a half-cent increase to the city's sales tax, to 2.8%. But wait, there's more. The Legislature is considering a plan to snatch away even more of the money that pays for little luxuries like police and fire service and parks and libraries and such. This, to pay for nicer digs for the Arizona Diamondbacks. House Bill 2704 would divert $15.7 million in state, county and city tax revenues every year for the next 30 years to pay for upgrades to the county-owned Chase Field. Of that, Phoenix would lose another $3.5 million to $6.5 million each year, depending upon whose estimate you believe. It is apparently not enough that we — without a public vote, of course — built the team a place to play. Now, we're expected to rebuild the joint for the team. A team, by the way, that is now worth $1.43 billion, according to Forbes. That's a 3% jump in value in just one year. Not bad for a team that Ken Kendrick bought for $238 million in 2004. Opinion: State help for Chase Field is not a handout I'd say Kendrick, who is now a billionaire, could pay for his own upgrades, but yeah, I know, SACRILEGE. The Arizona House passed the bill on a bipartisan vote on Wednesday. Count the DBacks as thrilled. 'Today was a first step victory in this much-needed public/private partnership … ,' Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall said after Wednesday's vote. 'Allowing this proud franchise to remain at Chase Field for continued economic and community impact is in the best interest of the city, county, state, and Major League Baseball.' So is suggesting that the team pay for its own playground. Well, it's in the best interest of the city, at least. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the bill represents a $200 million hit — one that'll have 'a real impact on our ability to pay for police and fire services.' Meanwhile, the City Council will vote March 18 on a plan to increase the sales tax to cover the $85 million hit that they're already enduring. You can thank the Arizona Legislature for that. Reach Roberts at Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz, on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz and on BlueSky at @ Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix can't pay bills with Diamondbacks deal, tax grabs | Opinion
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arizona would be fools to let the Diamondbacks walk away
Arizona is a sports state. We pack stadiums, host championships and attract millions of fans. But major league teams aren't guaranteed to stay forever — just ask Coyotes fans. The loss of an NHL franchise should be a wake-up call. We can't afford to lose another. That's why House Bill 2704 was introduced — to keep Arizona a top-tier sports market. This bill creates a responsible, sustainable framework to modernize a publicly owned stadium and secure the Diamondbacks' future in Arizona. This isn't just about baseball; it's about protecting a powerful economic engine and preventing the costly mistake of losing another franchise. The competition for professional teams is fiercer than ever. Cities like Salt Lake, Nashville and Portland are making aggressive plays, offering lucrative stadium deals to lure franchises away. If we don't act, Arizona risks becoming a market that leagues overlook or abandon. The Diamondbacks' lease at Chase Field expires in 2027. We can't wait until the eleventh hour to find a solution. Cities that plan ahead and invest in their teams will keep them; those that hesitate will watch them leave. The DBacks play a bigger role in Arizona than just baseball — they help drive jobs, tourism and economic growth. Their impact goes far beyond the ballpark: $107 million in direct economic impact from the DBacks' 2023 playoff run alone. More than $5.4 billion in GDP from Chase Field over 25 years, hosting marquee events like the World Series, MLB All-Star Game and College Football Bowl Games. $93 million invested in Arizona communities — which as DBacks CEO Derrick Hall has said, is more than any other local sports franchise. Thousands of jobs supported, from stadium employees to hotels, restaurants and businesses that rely on game-day traffic. Spring training and MLB tourism inject millions of additional dollars into the state each year. Major League Baseball teams aren't just entertainment. They're economic powerhouses. Losing one doesn't just hurt fans — it cripples local businesses. Look at Oakland, where shuttered storefronts and struggling restaurants are the fallout of losing an MLB team. We can't let Arizona make the same mistake. Chase Field is now one of the oldest ballparks in the National League. Built in 1998, it has never undergone a major renovation, and its HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems are failing. Aging infrastructure doesn't fix itself. These upgrades are necessary to keep the stadium functional, competitive and built to last. HB 2704 ensures Chase Field remains a premier venue through a proven public-private partnership that keeps the Diamondbacks in Arizona without putting the burden on taxpayers. The plan doesn't create a new tax — it reinvests revenue that Chase Field is already generating. If you don't attend games, your tax dollars won't, either. Letter to the editor: Are DBacks too cheap to fix the AC? Similar models, including the voter-approved Arizona Sports Tourism Authority, have successfully kept teams like the Arizona Cardinals in state by maintaining world-class venues without shifting costs onto taxpayers. HB 2704 ensures that every dollar stays within the stadium, funding critical improvements that protect Chase Field as an asset for the state. The Diamondbacks aren't asking for a handout — they're investing in their own future. They've already spent millions on repairs on a publicly owned building, including a new roof and LED lighting, and will cover the majority of the estimated $500 million renovation cost. HB 2704 simply provides a sustainable funding mechanism to complete the necessary upgrades. Sports are the pulse of Arizona's identity and economy, bringing national visibility, tourism and major investment to our state. The Diamondbacks' World Series run wasn't just a victory for the team — it was free advertising for Arizona's business climate and quality of life. We can't afford to gamble with the future of professional baseball in Arizona. The NHL forced the Coyotes to relocate after years of instability over their venue. If we fail to act, Major League Baseball could face similar questions about the DBacks' long-term future in Phoenix. HB 2704 is a smart, strategic and necessary solution to keep Arizona at the forefront of professional sports. Lawmakers and business leaders must come together to secure the Diamondbacks' future in Phoenix. It's time to step up to the plate and pass HB 2704. Danny Seiden is president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Rep. Jeff Weninger, R-Chandler, is the sponsor of HB 2704. On X, formerly Twitter: @dbseiden and @jeffweninger. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks can renovate Chase Field without a handout | Opinion
