By Rebekah L. Sanders | The Republic
Maricopa County abruptly canceled its search for a new Chase Field events manager Monday, heightening uncertainty surrounding its conflict with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The events-management contract is a key part of the Diamondbacks’ argument that the team should be allowed to break its lease at the 19-year-old stadium to look for another home.
The Diamondbacks have complained that the current manager has failed to attract enough non-baseball events to generate revenue for stadium repairs, a claim the county disputes.
The county recently put out a request for proposals seeking bids on a new 10-year contract to begin July 1. It drew two bidders.
On Monday, however, the county sent brief letters to both announcing the cancellation of bidding. The bidders were Select Artists’ Associates/SMG, the current manager, and R Entertainment, both based in Scottsdale.
