The city of Spokane Valley is playing a crucial role in the renovation of Avista Stadium, which is currently facing the need for significant upgrades to meet Major League Baseball’s new requirements. The Spokane Valley City Council recently voted unanimously to provide $2 million from its lodging tax fund towards the $22 million project. This contribution is in line with state law, which requires local governments to spend lodging tax dollars, primarily from hotel room taxes, for the benefit of the tourism industry.
Avista Stadium, a 65-year-old facility, has served as the home field for the Spokane Indians, but it requires a series of upgrades to comply with the new Major League Baseball regulations. These upgrades, which are mainly aimed at improving the conditions for minor league players, include a complete rebuilding of the playing surface, expanded locker rooms, improved lighting systems, and more. The cost of the MLB-mandated upgrades is estimated to be around $16 million, with the Spokane Indians requesting an additional $6 million to enhance fan amenities.
The responsibility of raising the funds and completing the renovations falls on both the Spokane County, which owns the stadium, and the Spokane Indians. Failure to do so by the start of the 2025 season could result in the loss of the team’s MLB affiliation. To help meet the cost, the Spokane Indians have pledged $2 million, while Spokane County has agreed to pay up to $8 million for the renovations, subject to certain conditions.
The Spokane County Commissioners, French and Kerns, have agreed to contribute $8 million towards the renovation of Avista Stadium, provided that the Spokane Indians fulfill several conditions. These conditions include securing an additional $8 million, increasing the annual lease payment from $25,000 to $100,000, taking responsibility for all future maintenance, and sharing a portion of their revenue with the county. Despite the commissioners’ offer, the Indians have not yet declared their stance on the conditions set forth.
The $2 million contribution from the Spokane Valley’s lodging tax fund is just a small piece of the $22 million project cost, but it is a crucial step in the Indians’ journey to secure funding from the Washington Legislature this winter. The Indians, along with 11 other baseball teams in the state, are lobbying for stadium renovation funds, and the Indians are seeking $5.8 million.
Yet, Senate Majority Leader, Andy Billig, who also serves as a co-owner of the Indians, has stated that he will not participate in the lobbying effort and will abstain from voting on the state budget if it includes funding for the team.
The Spokane Valley City Council members believe that preserving the Indians and renovating Avista Stadium is in the best interest of the city. The Council members have the support of hoteliers on the Valley’s lodging tax advisory committee, who understand the significance of the Indians in providing affordable summer entertainment to local families. Councilman Rod Higgins also believes that the renovation project will have a positive economic impact on Spokane Valley, especially now that the Indians have moved up to the High-A minor league level and play more home games each year. He strongly believes that “it’s well worth the investment.”