Diamondbacks ‘probably’ past deadline of getting major Chase Field work done this offseason

It has been over a year since House Bill 2704 was signed into law, setting up a tax recapture funding mechanism for renovations at Chase Field, but the Arizona Diamondbacks still have not agreed to a lease extension.

The Diamondbacks continue to negotiate with the Maricopa County Stadium Board, which was established by HB 2704. The next board meeting is on Friday.

Team president Derrick Hall told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mike Broomhead Show on Tuesday that the team is “probably past the deadline of getting some major work done this offseason,” as a lease needs to be in place before the Diamondbacks can access the public funds.

The D-backs hoped to have had a solution by Aug. 1 to lock in construction plans for this offseason.

The Diamondbacks’ lease at Chase Field expires next year, and the team is looking to make significant updates to the building, such as:

• Roof replacement
• HVAC
• Concrete repairs
• Mechanical, electrical and plumbing

The work planned for this offseason was expected to cost approximately $80 million. The team paid $20 million for upgrades last offseason, most visibly the video board and ribbon boards.

“We were trying to have conversations, yet focus was on different aspects and different targets. I mean, for us, we were trying to get to the postseason,” Hall said. “We were traveling so much. It doesn’t make sense not to meet in person. And it was moved over to the subcommittee that would handle the lease extension.

“So it’s just a few of them, including the board chair, who’s done a fabulous job trying to keep everybody on track because you have so many different opinions. You have so many that really don’t have experience. They shouldn’t, in sports or with the stadium, and you’re exchanging language where naturally both sides are not thrilled with what they have in front of them and want changes and want discussion. We’ll get back to those conversations. And at the end of the day, hopefully there is a solution because we’ve never swayed in saying that we want to be right here.”

The bill provides funding for 30 years with penalties if the D-backs depart before that timeframe ends.

Hall previously expressed his frustration with the process, telling Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta earlier this month that he did not think it would be so difficult.

The Diamondbacks secured $500 million in funding for Chase Field renovations, pledging to invest team money for a public-private partnership to upgrade a ballpark that the team has used since its first season in 1998.

The latest board meeting will be available to stream on YouTube at 9 a.m. MST.

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