The University of Arizona could extend its lease agreement at Hi Corbett Field, allowing its baseball program to continue using the facility.
Since 2012, Hi Corbett Field has been the home of the University of Arizona’s baseball program, providing the long-time spring training and Minor League Baseball facility a tenant. The University of Arizona and the City of Tucson are working on the terms of a new agreement that would amount to a 25-year lease.
Under the terms of the proposal, the University of Arizona would see its annual rent drop by a significant amount, but with the understanding that it invest in upgrades and assume management and maintenance costs of the facility. The city is set to vote on the proposal, which will also require the approval of the university’s board of regents. More from Tucson News Now:
The vote will come nearly four years before the old lease, signed in 2011, is set to expire.
Under the terms of the new lease, the University lease payments would be reduced from $262,000 annually to a nominal $10 a year.
In exchange, the University must make $3 million in improvements, take over management and operations of the field, and pay all utilities.
The new lease was negotiated by City Attorney Mike Rankin, who was not available for comment.
The Tucson City Council is expected to consider the lease proposal on Tuesday. Should it move forward, the new agreement would still permit the city to collect 2% of sales from merchandise, as well as alcohol, drink, and food sales. If the city signs off on the agreement, it will then be left to the board of regents to consider.