The Chicago Cubs have hit a home run with Mesa, Arizona.
Arizona voters overwhelming passed a proposal to construct a new spring training facility for the Cubs in their southwestern city. The move will keep the team on the mound in Mesa for at least 30 years.
The $84 million complex will be built about two miles from the Cubs' current spring training facility at Hohokam Park. The Cubs will pay for all the upkeep. The team also plans to develop an entertainment and shopping area near the ballpark.
"The Cubs have been in Mesa for close to 50 years," said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts to the East Valley Tribune. "We'd like to stay in Mesa for another 50 years and we look forward to taking what is a truly great spring training experience and turning it into the most remarkable spring training experience ever."
Mesa plans to fund the some of the costs for the new ballpark with an increase in the city's hotel tax. The city will also sell undeveloped land.
The Cubs new spring facility will open in 2013.
