Fixing Chase Field's Air Conditioning Could Take Next Two Offseasons

The Arizona Diamondbacks say replacing the corroded and clogged piping is a major challenge that will require significant investment.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have installed a new scoreboard at Chase Field, but fixing the aging ballpark's air conditioning system will be a much bigger challenge that could take the next two offseasons to complete. Team president Derrick Hall and owner Ken Kendrick say the cooling plant still works, but the miles of piping that distribute the air throughout the stadium have become corroded and clogged over time, making it difficult to get the cool air into the building. The Diamondbacks plan to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into infrastructure upgrades at the aging ballpark, with the air conditioning system being the top priority.

Why it matters

Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is a crucial venue for the team and the city of Phoenix. Ensuring the ballpark's air conditioning system is functioning properly is vital for providing a comfortable experience for fans, especially during the hot Arizona summers. The Diamondbacks' commitment to investing in the stadium's infrastructure demonstrates their dedication to maintaining the facility and keeping it up-to-date.

The details

The Diamondbacks' president Derrick Hall said that fixing the air conditioning system will be the team's "first and foremost" priority next offseason, and the project could take two full offseasons to complete. Owner Ken Kendrick explained that the cooling plant itself still works, but the miles of piping that distribute the air throughout the stadium have become corroded and clogged over time, making it difficult to get the cool air into the building. The team has numerous other infrastructure renovations planned for the aging ballpark, including work on the roof, HVAC system, and concrete, with hundreds of millions of dollars set to be invested.

  • The Diamondbacks have a new scoreboard in place for the 2026 season.
  • The air conditioning system repairs are planned for the next two offseasons.

The players

Derrick Hall

The president of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ken Kendrick

The owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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What they’re saying

“Over time, the piping that the cool air runs through becomes corroded and clogged.”

— Ken Kendrick, Owner (arizonasports.com)

“I think the cost is going to be much higher than we thought. But again, we have to address those right away. It is not such a safety issue now, but it could become one.”

— Derrick Hall, President (arizonasports.com)

What’s next

The Diamondbacks have to continue negotiating a lease extension with Maricopa County now that a funding mechanism is in place. The lease is up in 2028.

The takeaway

The Arizona Diamondbacks are making a significant investment to upgrade the aging infrastructure at Chase Field, with the air conditioning system being the top priority. This demonstrates the team's commitment to maintaining the ballpark and providing a comfortable experience for fans, even as they face the challenge of an expensive and time-consuming project to replace the corroded and clogged piping that distributes cool air throughout the stadium.