After just 17 seasons, the Arizona Diamondbacks are ready to leave Chase Field behind, according to a report from Arizona NBC affiliate 12 News.
The Diamondbacks want out of their current 30-year lease with Maricopa County so they can negotiate with other entities for a new stadium. However, the county rejected the club’s request to vacate the taxpayer-owned Chase Field.
County Board Chairman Clint Hickman wrote to Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall explaining the lease had restrictions put in place so taxpayers would not be left with an empty stadium that they paid more than $238 million for.
The Diamondbacks issued a letter of their own in response, and have threatened to sue the county should they not get what they desire (click to enlarge)
Statement from #Dbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall: pic.twitter.com/r6g0FoBGrA
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 24, 2016
Hall said the lack of upkeep on the current stadium has forced the team to look at alternative options for its home games. He wrote the county has made it clear it will not be able to fund the necessary improvements and maintenance for Chase Field, things that the team estimates to cost at least $187 million dollars. Hall offered to absolve the county of this financial burden in exchange for the ability to find a new home.
This is not the first time these two parties have clashed. Four years ago, the team proposed a shift in ownership of the stadium to the city of Phoenix in order to increase its control over the stadium. Additionally, back in January the franchise issued the county a 15-page memo detailing its dissatisfaction with the current relationship, and indicated the club’s desire to look for a new home.
Chase Field is located in heart of downtown Phoenix, and was opened in the Spring of 1998.
