Board overseeing ballpark forms subcommittee to finalize lease as consultants warn of roughly $600 million in repairs

The board overseeing the ballpark voted to form a small subgroup to finalize a lease amendment after consultants presented infrastructure assessments that identified roughly $600 million in needed repairs and upgrades.

Ethan, a JLL consultant who led the formal presentation, told the board that "somewhere those the total cost of those, infrastructure assessments, come somewhere near about $600,000,000," and itemized major categories: about $40 million for concrete repairs, $35 million for roof work and "we're we're almost $300,000,000 just in the mechanical, electrical plumbing systems." Randy, a second consultant, said the team has spent about $20 million so far and is planning about $80 million more in near‑term work during the 2026–27 off‑season, for a near‑term total of approximately $100 million.

Why it matters: Board members said they cannot approve large capital spending until they resolve the lease and funding mechanics. One member pressed for the costs and phasing behind the recommended contractor; presenters said finalizing a contract with Oakland construction and an August 1 "go/no‑go" decision are necessary triggers for procurement and to hit the off‑season schedule.

Debate over timing and temporary fixes was sharp. A board member recounted asking the third‑party experts whether a short‑term "band‑aid" was feasible; the consultants replied it would still cost "5 to $10,000,000" and would not avoid a full replacement of roughly $31–$35 million within a year or two, meaning the board should consider doing the roof work now.

Funding questions centered on who advances near‑term money. A board member noted that existing sales tax or other revenue sources do not cover the immediate needs and that, under the approach discussed, the Diamondbacks would advance funds as "first money in, first money out" while lease negotiations seek a longer‑term mechanism for repayment.

The board also discussed procurement approach: consultants said they are collecting a list of pricing and fee proposals from Oakland to incorporate into a base agreement and plan to use guaranteed‑maximum‑price contracts for each phase. Members emphasized sustainability and materials choices during contractor interviews and said they asked bidders about insulating and waterproofing strategies for the roof to reduce cooling load.

Action taken: A board member moved to "go ahead and establish a smaller group made up of the executive director, the chairman, myself and Zach to undertake getting the lease amendment document ... to present to the balance of the board for any comment and or a final vote." The motion was seconded, put to a voice vote and approved with no objections. The board directed the subgroup to coordinate with counsel and report back to the full board electronically and at the next scheduled meeting if possible.

Other business: Members discussed arranging tours of other stadiums, including a possible Petco Park visit, and confirmed the next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 7, with tentative September dates noted. With no further business, the board adjourned.

Next steps: The newly formed negotiating subgroup is expected to review the legislation, coordinate with counsel, finalize the lease amendment language and return a draft to the full board for comment and a potential special‑meeting vote before the August 1 procurement trigger.