A report on Scottsdale Stadium as a philanthropic driver
By Terrance Thornton | Digital Free Press
If baseball is America’s Pastime then Scottsdale Stadium represents to those who call the Phoenix metropolitan area home — the heart of the Arizona Cactus League.
Adding to the allure of Scottsdale Stadium are ongoing renovations and modern improvements overwhelmingly supported by the City Council and local stakeholders has translated into an enhanced baseball experience luring baseball’s devoted from all over the country.
“In short, the fans have a better experience in the modernized Scottsdale Stadium. Ongoing improvements through 2026 will further expand concessions, restrooms, seating, and entertainment opportunities for fans,” said Scottsdale City Manager Jim Thompson.
“Tailored improvements to maximize all the potential uses at the stadium, while maintaining the venue’s unique attributes. Collectively these improvements show the commitment from the city, the San Francisco Giants, and the Scottsdale Charros to providing world-class facilities that benefit the fans, players, and local community.”
For the Scottsdale Charros, the Charros Lodge atop right field offers a one-of-a-kind Scottsdale experience helping to spur economic activity all year long at the brick-and-mortar asset.
“In addition to making Scottsdale Stadium a better showcase for the Giants and spring training, these investments have substantially expanded the year-round usability of Scottsdale Stadium,” Mr. Thompson said.
That usability includes, Mr. Thompson explains, new event space along with innovative technology upgrades throughout the facility.
“The 25,000-square-feet of indoor air-conditioned event/ballroom/meeting/party spaces are available for rent,” he said. “These improvements were contemplated in concert with Experience Scottsdale and downtown hoteliers who can market these spaces to possible conventions, business meetings and expositions.”
More shade throughout and the emergence of The Fieldhouse at Scottsdale Stadium has transformed Scottsdale Stadium, Mr. Thompson contends.
“The ultimate vision is being realized — leveraging tourism funding to expand year-round use of Scottsdale Stadium so that hoteliers, event planners and local business and citizens have a unique venue for a variety of event opportunities in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale,” he pointed out.
The 21st century Scottsdale Stadium is a product of partnership with the San Francisco Giants, Mr. Thompson said.
“The Giants participated in the costs of improvements in 2019-20 to enhance the player development facilities at the stadium. That work, along with their commitment to the Papago Park facility cemented their commitment stay in Old Town Scottsdale for an additional 25-35 years,” he said. “Similarly, the Charros also contributed to the 2019-20 improvements, upgrading their hospitality area, which allows them expanded seating and service amenities to provide to their patrons — another improvement to the fan experience.”
Scottsdale Stadium is vital spur to local tourism engine
The Scottsdale Charros and city of Scottsdale are all in at Scottsdale Stadium, according to Karen Churchard, Scottsdale tourism director.
“Scottsdale Stadium has long been an economic driver for the community through primarily spring training,” she said. “The city’s hotel occupancy is usually its highest — nearly 90% — in March due to spring training. Additionally, the new renovations, added venue spaces provide versatile and unique settings for events, large and small.”
Ms. Churchard explains expansions and improvements at Scottsdale Stadium are meeting the needs of the day.
“From a tourism and events perspective, this much needed space and square footage expands Scottsdale’s arsenal for meetings and conferences both locally and nationally, and furthers the opportunity as an economic driver,” she said.
All Charro Lodge ticket proceeds at Scottsdale Stadium support the philanthropic efforts of the Scottsdale Charros and The Charro Foundation, including promoting education through scholarships and programming, youth sports, and cultural enrichment in the local community.
“Having lived in the metropolitan area for many years, I’ve long known the philanthropic efforts of the Scottsdale Charros that come from hosting spring training here in Scottsdale,” Ms. Churchard said of the reputation of the people who make up the whole Charro organization. “It is heartwarming to see the grant dollars that are provided to nonprofits that help improve the quality of life for many.”
Baseball and Scottsdale go together like cowboys and sunsets, Ms. Churchard said of the vision at play in “The West’s Most Western Town.”
“Baseball helps with the allure of owning and operating a business here in Scottsdale. I know that spring training at Scottsdale Stadium is the most anticipated event each year for businesses in Old Town Scottsdale and throughout Scottsdale. And for many businesses in Old Town Scottsdale, a sizable amount of their annual profits is due to spring training,” she said. “Scottsdale Stadium is special for many reasons. It is ambiance and old school charm are at certainly at the top. But what makes Scottsdale Stadium so special is being in Old Town Scottsdale.”
