(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Phoenix Rising Football Club.)
By Theo Mackie | AZ Central
The Phoenix City Council on Wednesday approved a deal to lease land for a Phoenix Rising soccer stadium on the site of the former Greyhound Park racetrack near 38th and Washington streets.
“Welcome home, Phoenix Rising,” Mayor Kate Gallego said, after Wednesday’s 8-0 council vote.
The term of the lease is five years but structured in a series of one-year options. The site is part of Sky Harbor International Airport land, located north of the airport and overseen by the Phoenix Aviation Department.
Rent for the lease is $300,564 for the first year and will increase each year with inflation. Rising also will be responsible for any construction costs, although the club could receive rent reimbursements from Sky Harbor if its investments benefit the airport beyond the term of the lease.
Like Rising’s current ground lease at Wild Horse Pass, the proposal is for a temporary stadium, along with associated facilities such as concession stands and a practice facility.
One difference is that the proposal for the new stadium includes the possibility of a sportsbook on the site. At Wild Horse Pass, fans could not place wagers — even on mobile apps — due to sports betting restrictions on land owned by Indian communities. The current stadium is on the Gila River Indian Community near Interstate 10 and the Loop 202 freeways west of Chandler.
“Their move to Phoenix will not only create a centrally located location for them, but also is going to excite the fan base and also bring economic value to the city,” said councilmember Carlos Garcia, who represents District 8. “I’m thrilled to welcome them to District 8 and can’t wait to cheer them on.”
