Mesa Looks at $200 Million Tab for Cubs Spring Training Complex

Taking a page out of the Glendale playbook, the City of Mesa is now facing the prospect of shelling out over $200 million for the privilege of building a new practice and stadium facility for the Chicago Cubs. How could that be when the city repeatedly says there is an $84 cap on public participation? Well, let’s start with the fact that the agreement between the Cubs and the city states that, in addition to the $84 million, the city is responsible for the entire cost of infrastructure and public parking. How much could that be? Glendale spent $37 million on infrastructure and still ran out of money to complete roadways and other improvements. Add in over $80 million in debt service over the planned 30-year bond period and you’ve got your total; unless, of course there are cost overruns.

Anyway, the City of Glendale said at the outset their stadium and practice fields would cost $81 million. One year into construction, the price had escalated up to $115 million and upon completion the total was over $150 million – plus interest since they borrowed all the money. This comparison is especially appropriate since the Glendale project is mentioned in the memorandum between Mesa and the Cubs as a development pattern they wish to follow.