By Craig Harris | The Arizona Republic
CEO Derrick Hall said having Phoenix replace Maricopa County as the stadium’s landlord would ensure the team’s future in downtown
Arizona Diamondbacks Chief Executive Derrick Hall said Sunday that the franchise wants the city of Phoenix to replace Maricopa County as Chase Field’s landlord, a move he said would ensure the Major League Baseball team’s long-term future in downtown.
A swap would give the Diamondbacks, currently at odds with the county over stadium enhancements, an opportunity to have the ballpark renovated or to get a new facility by taking advantage of the city’s municipal bonding authority, Hall confirmed. The Maricopa County Stadium District, an arm of county government, operates the stadium but does not have any ability to raise taxes to help the Diamondbacks.
