Diamondbacks could leave Phoenix if stadium isn’t improved
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The Arizona Diamondbacks are threatening to leave their current home at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix if it is not improved to a state-of-the-art condition, according to the Arizona Republic.
The Diamondbacks hope that Chase Field can be retrofitted to reach a modern state, but made it clear that they would look at stadium options elsewhere if that is not a realistic possibility.
If Maricopa County does not give the team permission to look at other stadium options, the team is prepared to sue, saying that it will, “ask the court for all appropriate relief."
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The team also cited $187 million in repairs to Chase Field that have yet to be addressed by the county in its justification of a hypothetical move.
The Diamondbacks are currently prohibited from discussing stadium options with potential partners until after the 2024 season. Their current contract with Chase Field and the county lasts through 2028.
In a team statement, Diamondbacks chief executive Derrick Hall addressed the issue of the county being unable to handle repairs to Chase Field.
“This spiral is insurmountable and will result in a Chase Field that will no longer be a state-of-the-art facility as our agreement requires and may, in fact, become unsuitable for continued use. We cannot risk being put in that position,” Hall said.
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The 48,519-seat stadium has been home to the Diamondbacks since 1998.
