Cubs Stay Put in Mesa

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 23, 2010 6:45PM

Perhaps Crane Kenney was green with envy after the White Sox moved into sparkling new Spring Training digs in Glendale, Arizona last winter. For the past year, the Cubs' president has been exploring options for new spring training facilities for the North Siders -- even toying with the idea of the Cubbies moving to Florida and the Grapefruit League after more than 50 years in Arizona. While wooed heavily by Naples, Florida, the Cubs have decided to stay put in Mesa after reaching an agreement with the city for a brand new $84-million facility.

As part of their 25-year lease agreement, the Cubs' new Spring Training complex will include a 15,000-seat stadium, offices, training rooms and four full-sized practice fields -- and it'll be theirs alone. Many team share Spring Training facilities, like the Sox and Dodgers do in Glendale. The Cubs will have a say in the stadium's new design -- a mini Wrigley perhaps? --and full control of the park when finished. They'll manage it, and also have naming rights for a sponsor and control of signage inside the park. Guess that means the end of the HoHoKam Park name?

Many Cubs fans are relieved to hear their team is remaining in Arizona. A large number of Chicago area "snowbirds" have chosen to spend the winter months in the warmth of the Phoenix area at least in part because it allows them a chance to see the Cubs play in person. And countless other fans make the trek annually to Mesa to see the Cubs during the pre-season, too. For many, the Spring Training tradition just wouldn't be the same in the humidity of Florida instead of the dry heat of Arizona.