The city of Scottsdale, Arizona has announced that it is working with Major League Baseball franchise the San Francisco Giants on a plan to modernise the team’s spring training venue.
Scottsdale Stadium is owned by the city and has a capacity of 12,000. It has served as the Giants’ spring training venue since it reopened in 1992 and Scottsdale is hoping to ensure the team’s long-term future in the city.
The city and the team will also work with non-profit group Scottsdale Charros to upgrade the stadium, which was last renovated in 2005.
The city noted that Scottsdale Stadium consistently draws spring training crowds near the top of the Cactus League attendance table, with supporters filling city hotels, resorts, restaurants and shops. Outside spring training season, the stadium hosts summer and fall league baseball, along with other events and programmes.
The city has proposed a new flexible-use building that would serve as the Giants’ clubhouse during spring training season and as a multi-use event venue for the rest of the year. The Charros Lodge area in right field would be expanded and become more shaded, while left field berm areas would also be modified and the main entry plaza completely renovated.
Once approved, construction work is slated to begin next month, with phase one of the project scheduled for completion in February 2020.
The project also includes additional improvements such as an extended deck area off the left field berm, expanded shade and other fan amenities. The city said it will revisit these plans with the Giants once phase one is underway.
The Giants’ current deal to play at Scottsdale Stadium will expire in 2025. The team is currently negotiating an agreement with the city that would ensure its stay at the stadium until at least 2044, through two possible five-year extensions.
Financial terms of the renovation work were not disclosed but the ABC15 Arizona website said the project will cost $23m (£17.6m/€20.3m).
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