Tempe approves deal to renovate Diablo Stadium, keep Angels past 2035
May 28, 2021, 12:15 PM
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX — The city of Tempe has agreed to commit $50 million to renovating Diablo Stadium as part of a deal that will keep the Los Angeles Angels in their longtime spring training home at least through 2035.
The City Council on Thursday approved the memorandum of understanding, which sets formal intentions between the city and the Angels to strike the new deal.
A new lease deal will be sent to the Tempe City Council this summer for approval following negotiations and will replace the one that went into effect in 2004.
“Fans know that spring training in Tempe is a one-of-a-kind experience, with a fantastic team, a welcoming atmosphere, amazing views and our central location,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said in a press release.
“Partnering with the Angels and with our community, we are going to invest wisely in Diablo Stadium and make that experience even better in the years to come.”
The Angels have played at Tempe Diablo Stadium, the oldest facility in the Cactus League, since 1992.
When approved, the first phase of the stadium’s approval could be completed by the start of spring training in 2022.
It will include a new three-level building on the third base side of the stadium to house a home team locker room, suites, organizational offices and a team store.
The second round of renovations will add a new outfield concourse, shade structures, modernized restrooms and better traffic flow outside the facility.
“For nearly 30 years Tempe Diablo Stadium has served as the backdrop of spring training memories for our fans while also playing a vital role in the preparation of our teams,” Angels Owner Arte Moreno said in the release.
“The Angels organization is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the city of Tempe and we look forward to modernizing one of the most picturesque ballparks in the Cactus League.”