Spring Training: Los Angeles Angels Agree To Stay In Tempe

TEMPE, AZ — The city of Tempe and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed upon a lease extension at the team's Spring Training facility.

The Angels will continue to play at Tempe Diablo Stadium through at least 2035, with the city completing a major renovation at the facility prior to the 2022 Cactus League season.

A Memorandum of Understanding was approved by Tempe's City Council on Thursday night, with formal lease approval to come at some point this summer, the city said.

Under the deal, the Angels can chose to extend the team's lease at the Tempe facility through either 2040 or 2045.

“Fans know that spring training in Tempe is a one-of-a-kind experience, with a fantastic team, a welcoming atmosphere, amazing views and our central location,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said in a statement. “Partnering with the Angels and with our community, we are going to invest wisely in Diablo Stadium and make that experience even better in the years to come.”

Diablo Stadium, which was built in 1968, has hosted the Angels since 1992. It will undergo a two-pronged renovation that includes a new, three-level building on the third base side of the stadium, housing new locker rooms, suites, offices and a team store, which will be completed by 2022.

The second phase of the Diablo Stadium renovation project includes a new outfield concourse, in addition to a new fan shade structure, updated restrooms and traffic flow improvements, the city said.

The renovation projects are expected to cost $50.9 million, paid by the city and the Angels.

“We would like to thank Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, the City Council, and City Staff for their leadership throughout this process,” said Angels Owner Arte Moreno in a statement. “For nearly 30 years Tempe Diablo Stadium has served as the backdrop of Spring Training memories for our fans while also playing a vital role in the preparation of our teams. The Angels Organization is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the City of Tempe, and we look forward to modernizing one of the most picturesque ballparks in the Cactus League.”