Suns and City of Phoenix lay out reasons for new deal in first meeting
Jan 6, 2019, 1:34 PM
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
The first round of public discussions were held on renovations to Talking Stick Resort Arena, the home of the Phoenix Suns.
Five meetings were scheduled to allow the public to comment on a proposed $230 million project funded with $150 million by the city and $80 million by the Suns organization.
During the first meeting on Saturday, presenters laid out five key points of the deal stressing the city would still own the building, where city funding for their side of the renovations would come from, the multi-use capabilities of the arena, the economic impact the arena has on the city and how the plan would bringing the arena up to NBA standards.
Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Phoenix Christine Mackay presented the deal alongside several city council members, other city officials and members of the Suns organization including President Jason Rowley.
Mackay stressed that city funding would come from an existing tax fund and would not impose new tax increases.
However, some citizens in attendence argued that it was not the best use of city funds and that the Suns organization makes enough money to shoulder a heavier burden for the price of the renovations.
According to a law group that represents the Suns, 46 citizens also spoke at the meeting.
Suns owner Robert Sarver wasn’t in attendance, but Suns guard Devin Booker, center Deandre Ayton and interim general manager James Jones were all there.
The proposed renovation deal would keep the Suns in Phoenix through 2037.
The Suns would be expected to build and pay for an off-site practice facility, which would allow more space in the arena.
The deal estimates that the Suns would pay the city $60 million in fees and rent over the newly negotiated term.
The current operating agreement between the city and the Suns could end as soon as 2022.
Four other meetings regarding the deal are scheduled for:
• Jan. 7: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Paradise Valley Community Center
• Jan. 8: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Goelet A. C. Beuff Community Center
• Jan. 9: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at South Mountain Community Center
• Jan. 10: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Desert West Community Center
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