According to Arizona Republic reporter Jeff Metcalfe, Arizona State is looking into at moving part of or their entire 2014 schedule to the new Mesa AZ facility being built for the Chicago Cubs which approached the school with the idea. The new facility will cost about 84 million dollars and the Cubs have discussed co-branding the stadium with Arizona State. The stadium will only be five miles from the school’s campus and is an excellent fit for the Sun Devils which plays at Packard Stadium which was built in 1974. Packard Stadium’s current facilities and other amenities are not up to the current standards around college baseball so this would be a major upgrade for the Sun Devils. Lisa Love recently discussed the possible move by sending out an email to season ticket holders which can be read below.
Dear Sun Devil Baseball Season Ticket Holder,
Arizona State University officials were contacted recently by the Chicago Cubs Baseball Club regarding the prospect of offering a partnership with their organization, at a minimal cost in the new Spring training facility that they plan to build at the Tempe/Mesa border on the Rio Salado Parkway. This partnership could save Arizona State University Athletics a considerable sum of money relative to the renovation of Packard Stadium or the construction of a new baseball facility. It is proposed that our Sun Devils will headquarter their team operations there for the practice and playing seasons, beginning in February, 2014.
This opportunity would provide us a state of the art facility, very close to campus, featuring fantastic amenities for athletes and fans alike.
The Cubs are currently in the architectural and design phase of the project and we have been invited to be part of that process. At the completion of this phase, Arizona State will determine its’ level of involvement.
As a loyal fan and season ticket holder I wanted you to be aware of this development. Please know that we value the wonderful tradition that is Sun Devil Baseball. Any partnership that we would develop would be one that would enhance our program in a manner to produce championship results. We also consider the fan experience to be a top priority and this would be a most positive move in that area as well.
Thank you for the great support you give our athletics program.
Lisa
This is the second straight day that a Pac-12 school has announced that they are looking into moving games off-campus. As of right now, both Arizona and Arizona State do not draw well with their student bodies and the move will likely increase attendance from outsiders of the university who are looking for a good night out with friends as both facilities will be able to sell alcohol. This is absolutely a story to watch over the next couple of years.
