The Milwaukee Brewers and the city of Phoenix struck an official deal allowing the Major League Baseball team to use the Maryvale Baseball Park for the next 25 years for their spring training home, according to AZ Central. 

Being hailed as the “new model” for a partnership between sports teams and cities on how to lucratively fund sports facilities, City Council recently made the decision to move forward on the deal, which includes:

  • A requirement by the Brewers to spend between $41 million and $63 million on renovations on the 19-year-old facility.
  • The Brewers will take over operations the park, for which Phoenix will pay the team $1.4 million annually.
  • The Brewers will have the opportunity to purchase the facility at the end of 25 years at an appraised value.
  • The Brewers will take on all future maintenance costs, including depositing $1 million annually into a capital replacement fund starting in 2022.

In return, the Brewers get to keep all ticket and concession revenue, excluding a small portion the city will reap. Ultimately the deal will provide a new clubhouse, concessions, restrooms, kids play area, retail, ticket building, and a wider first-base concourse. The city can expect economic gains by way of hotel and rental car use, as well as restaurants and retail visited during spring training.

As part of the deal, the Brewers have agreed to give back to the community through several donations. City pools will get $50,000 per year for free admission as part of the city's youth program. The team will also partner with the Grand Canyon University to offer tutoring programs for Maryvale students, as well as fund future events for the schools and other community groups.