Here’s when Phoenix officials will hold meetings on $230M Suns arena deal

PHOENIX — Residents in Phoenix who want to voice their opinion on a $230 million Suns arena renovation deal can do so at a series of public meetings that will be held next month.

The City of Phoenix announced Thursday that the five meetings to inform the public about the proposed agreement will be held between Jan. 5 and Jan. 10.

The meetings will be held on:

• Jan. 5: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Talking Stick Resort Arena (Visitors can park for free at the Jefferson Street Garage.)

• Jan. 7: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Paradise Valley Community Center

• Jan. 8: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Goelet A. C. Beuff Community Center

• Jan. 9: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at South Mountain Community Center

• Jan. 10: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Desert West Community Center

The Phoenix City Council last week unanimously agreed to postpone a vote that would revamp the nearly 30-year-old Talking Stick Resort Arena, the oldest in the NBA that is not currently undergoing renovations, between 2019 and 2021.

The deal, which was met with a lot of criticism from residents, would have the city’s Sports Facilities Fund, which is made up of tourism tax money, contribute $150 million.

The Suns would pick up $80 million and be responsible for any costs passing the $230 million mark.

Renovations would include the replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructures.

The new agreement would extend the contract through 2037, with the option to add on five years.

The Suns would be expected to build and pay for an off-site practice facility,  which would allow more space in the arena.

The deal estimates that the Suns would pay the city $60 million in fees and rent over the newly negotiated term.

The current operating agreement between the city and the Suns could end as soon as 2022.

A poll from earlier this month found that a majority of Phoenix voters likely to cast a ballot in next year’s special election would not support the proposal.

The Data Orbital poll showed nearly 66 percent of the respondents said they were not in favor of the $230 million renovation deal.

The city also launched a website that features related documents, economic impact and more information.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Griselda Zetino contributed to this report. 

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