PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It’s a whole new ballgame for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who’ve been looking to upgrade their home base and stay at Chase Field.

The team has been striking out in its attempts to reach a new lease agreement with Maricopa County, as both sides bicker over who should pay for ballpark improvements and renovations.

Now, a possible solution has appeared out of left field.

State House Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler) introduced House Bill 2074, which would create a guaranteed revenue stream to help the Diamondbacks fix up Chase Field and keep the team in Arizona long-term.

“What makes it appealing is, it’s not a new tax,” said Weninger. “It’s tax that’s generated from within the stadium to improve and maintain a public asset. The D-backs don’t own the stadium. I think that’s one thing I try to get through to people.”

The proposal is similar to how the Arizona Cardinals use sales and income taxes from State Farm Stadium to fund renovations there.

HB 2074 calls for all sales tax from sales generated from events at Chase Field to go into a fund to finance ballpark repairs, maintenance and improvements.

Income taxes from players and staff would also go into the fund

Both revenue sources are expected to generate about $15 to $20 million per year.

“In this case, it’s taking everything that’s already generated there at the ballpark and just keeping it with the ballpark, when it comes to repairs and renovations, and its necessary,” said D-backs CEO and president Derrick Hall. “As a team we are likely to put in $200 to $300 million into this ballpark, as well, so it will be a true public-private partnership that we’ve been seeking.”

Hall believes that if lawmakers approve HB2074, it will lead to a lease agreement with Maricopa County that will guarantee the team stays in Arizona for at least another 25 years.

“I’m hopeful this will get to next stages and will pass and get approval, and we can make this our forever home “said Hall.

Weninger said the bill has support from both Republicans and Democrats.

“I am hoping this is a solution we can come together on, and hopefully look forward to another World Series title very soon,” said Weninger.

If tax revenue from Chase Field stays at Chase Field, it would be taking money away from funds that would have gone to state and local services that are used for everything from health care to prisons to education.

Critics argue that’s not ideal when many programs are strapped for cash.

HB2074 is scheduled to have its first hearing next week.

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