The City of Phoenix and Arizona State University announced on Tuesday that Sun Devil baseball will begin playing at Phoenix Municipal Stadium at the start of the 2015 season. Phoenix Muni, which has been the Spring Training home of the Oakland A’s since 1982, has a seating capacity of nearly 8,000 and is located in Papago Park, just over two miles from ASU’s Tempe campus.
The Sun Devils played a number of baseball games at the stadium in the 1960s and ‘70s, including postseasons and high profile series that often broke attendance records.
“The relocation of Sun Devil baseball to this excellent facility would not have been possible without the support and dedicated effort of Mayor Greg Stanton as well the dedication of Councilman Sal DiCiccio in whose district the stadium is located. Phoenix Municipal Stadium will be an outstanding home ballpark for the ASU baseball team,” said Dr. Crow. “It is close to campus, has double the seating capacity of Packard Stadium with far better amenities, and it affords us the opportunity to highlight ASU’s baseball legacy throughout the ballpark. Packard Stadium has seen many years of use and needs upwards of $25 million in repairs. This move will enable us to develop the corner of Rural and Rio Salado, which will both benefit the City of Tempe and provide some of the revenue we will need to renovate or replace Sun Devil Stadium.”
“This is the beginning of a bigger picture for the entire area. This bigger picture will bring more life to the area and will also enhance important organizations like the Phoenix Zoo and the Arizona Botanical Garden” said District 6 Phoenix Councilman, Sal DiCiccio.
“Arizona State baseball has a long history at Phoenix Municipal Stadium dating back to the 1960s,” Vice President for University Athletics Steve Patterson said. “We’re excited to work with the City of Phoenix on this project. Our baseball team has played some great games at this stadium. This move is both a nod to our tradition as well as a dramatic leap forward to an exciting future. We expect to continue Sun Devil baseball’s prominence and success at Phoenix Muni.”
On Feb. 6, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved the 25-year lease agreement that allows the team to have priority use of the stadium. ASU will also cover all operating expenses and capital improvements to the facility under the revenue-sharing agreement.
“This is a win-win for the City of Phoenix and ASU. We have collaborated on many successful projects in the Downtown area. This agreement is part of our growing partnership, and I look forward to our next project together” said City Manager, David Cavazos.