Destination: Downtown

Article originally posted on Phoenix Business Journal on May 16, 2025

The development makeup of downtown Phoenix has changed dramatically in the past two decades and while there are many factors behind that change – including the expansion of higher education campuses, light rail and more housing – sports, entertainment and other large events have played a key role in the area’s transformation.

Chase Field, PHX Stadium (formerly Footprint Center) and the Phoenix Convention Center collectively bring millions of people every year to downtown Phoenix. The majority of those people do not live or work downtown – many aren’t even from Arizona – but their presence has shaped what downtown Phoenix is today.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently seeking a way to fund renovations at Chase Field, which opened in 1998 and has not had a significant update since. The Legislature is in the midst of considering a bill that would help ensure Chase Field is a magnet for downtown visitors for years to come.

Find Complete Article Here: https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2025/05/16/downtown-phoenix-sports-and-event-development.html