D-Backs Invest Limited Amount In Chase Field Upgrades

The D-backs have spent only about $3.3M "upgrading Chase Field in the year since the team took control" of the ballpark from Maricopa County government, according to Rebekah Sanders of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The "bulk of the money" -- nearly $2.7M -- "went to converting the field from grass to artificial turf earlier this year." The club in the past had "struggled during summers to maintain grass at Chase Field because the retractable roof needed to be open to give the grass sunlight but closed before games to cool down" the ballpark for fans. Before taking control of the ballpark in May '18, the D-backs "argued that millions in additional repair dollars would be needed this year, but most of that list has not been completed." For instance, "no concrete or steel repairs have occurred since the team took over." D-backs officials said that the club has "spent slowly to conserve money for future repairs," while ensuring the ballpark "meets all safety requirements" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 9/24).