A's May Snag Hohokam

With a new bond-financed spring training facility for the Chicago Cubs in the planning stages, Mesa could keep the venerable Hohokam Stadium operating with the Oakland Athletics as tenant.

The A’s are considering leaving their current Cactus League home at Phoenix Municipal Stadium when their lease expires in 2014. With Hohokam available after the Cubs leave, the A’s recently approached Mesa to negotiate a possible deal. Negotiations are expected to last through May 15, according to a press release from the A’s.

Rob Harman, deputy parks director for Phoenix, told the Arizona Republic that his city would try to keep neighboring Mesa from luring away the A’s.

The Cubs are scheduled to move from Hohokam to Mesa’s Riverview area after 2013 spring training. The A’s plan to stay in Phoenix through 2014.

The A’s draw smaller crowds for spring training games than the Cubs, the most popular of the 15 Cactus League teams that train in Arizona. Mesa city manager Chris Brady said that some of Hohokam’s 12,500 seats could be removed to bring fans closer to the action.

Phoenix invested $6.4 million to upgrade Municipal Stadium in 2004. The stadium is expected to receive $3.7 million for renovations from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority this year.

In November, 2010, Mesa voters approved a bond issue for a new Cubs stadium expected to cost up to $99 million.

Last October, the City Council approved a 30-year deal with the team. The city says the Cubs will pay for costs over $84 million on the stadium and will spend $15 million on related projects.

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