Spring training cancelation could cost Goodyear up to $1M

By Madeline Ackley
Twitter: @Mkayackley

The city of Goodyear could lose up to $1 million in revenue if the ongoing Major League Baseball lockout scraps this year’s spring training season. 

But contract negotiations gone awry between MLB players and owners threaten to delay or outright cancel this year’s spring training season, after two previous years of pandemic disruptions that have cost the state and local governments hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue. 

The COVID-19 pandemic cut the season short in 2020, and fan capacity was limited to just 25% in 2021 because of COVID mitigation measures. 

The games raked in an estimated $644 million for the state during 2018, but just $363 million in 2020. 

Cactus League Executive Director Bridget Binsbacher said she is concerned about the possibility of a work stoppage impacting spring training in 2022 but did not want to speculate on the outcome of the ongoing MLB negotiations.

“After two years of COVID-disrupted spring training, our stakeholders are counting on a strong 2022 Cactus League season. I believe it is vital to the recovery of Arizona’s hard-hit tourism industry,” she said. “I can tell you that we’re hearing from fans across the country that they are looking forward to baseball in the Arizona sunshine.

Goodyear, which hosts the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds at the Goodyear Ballpark is a major tourist destination during the spring training season, and stands to lose between $500,000 and $1 million if it’s canceled, said city spokesperson Corinne Holliday.

READ: Officials concerned MLB lockout could delay, cancel spring training

While the lockouts have plenty of fans and local governments biting their nails, Holiday said the city isn’t all that worried yet. 

“We are always hopeful for a positive resolution,” she said. 

Other West Valley cities say they are expecting the best, but planning for the worst.

Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps said in December if moves are not made by the middle of January he will gather city managers from other Valley cities with Cactus League ballparks and discuss engaging MLB about the lockout.

“It will for all intents and purposes be three years that we’ve not been able to even come close to recapturing just a part of the money that is necessary to repay the significant investment that not only Glendale, but the other cities have made,” Phelps said.

Whatever happens, Valley cities are prepared for opening day on Feb. 26.

“This much we know: our 10 ballparks will be ready to open when needed,” Binsbacher said. “During the last two seasons, we’ve learned to be prepared for unforeseen challenges. That’s why I’m confident that no matter what the circumstances, our eight host municipalities and the tribal community will be ready to work together to ensure a safe, secure and enjoyable spring training experience for all involved.”

Madeline Ackley can be reached at mackley@iniusa.org or found on Twitter @Mkayackley.

Editor’s note:  Philip Haldiman and Mark Carlisle contributed to this report.