Fuzzy Math Plagues State Bill on Stadium Funding

The chief sponsor of House Bill 2736 in the state legislature has been quoted as saying that this measure would raise about $59 million to help build the new Cubs spring training facility in Mesa plus another $81 million toward other Cactus League needs. While this turkey might fly with the math-challenged politicians in Arizona, to think the proposed $1 car rental fee and 8% Cactus League ticket surcharge will come up with anything close to the stated amounts is nothing but fantasy. The debt service alone on $59 million in bonds will be $4.2 million per year. Based on current activity levels, the bill would raise only around $3.9 million annually. Making matters worse, both of the named tourism related sources of revenue are falling, not rising. Of course, the likely strategy here is to tap the general fund for the difference.