Diamondbacks threaten to sue if upgrade demands not met

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Maricopa County holds a multi-million dollar agreement with the ballpark and isn't playing ball.

Chase Field is only 18-years-old, but the Diamondbacks say it's no longer state of the art and is already one of the oldest parks in the National League.

The Diamondbacks want to shop around for another place to play if they cannot come to an agreement with the county to cover $187 million in maintenance costs.

When FOX 10 tried to go to the Diamondbacks Spring Training game at Salt River Fields, the Dbacks said no. Instead, fans spoke to FOX 10 in the parking lot.

"I think it is one of the nicer ones personally... to me it looks fine, I cannot tell what is on the inside if that is what the problem is," said Lisa Kramer.

"Well you know I don't know what is wrong with it, it looks fine to me. The Cubs are playing in a stadium that is a hundred years old, Wrigley Field up in Chicago," said Jack Larimore.

Maricopa County says the team agreed to pay $187 million for maintenance at Chase Field through the 2027 season. The team counters by saying the county agreed to foot the bill. Fans say the dispute shouldn't cause the team to move.

"It is the Arizona Diamondbacks, you cannot leave this beautiful ballpark unless you can make a better one I do not think they could leave," said Freddy Valladolid.

"I would prefer they stay there, I like the stadium, I like it there," said Janet Bihary.

The dispute between the team and the county has been simmering for a while, but now it has boiled over and is a big story just in time for opening day of the MLB season.