Plans have been unveiled for a new Phoenix Suns’ practice facility, as the organization has announced a site and other project details.
The new practice facility will be built in Phoenix on 44th Street, just north of Camelback Road. Among the features planned for the facility include offices, private health and training amenities, and two NBA/WNBA basketball courts for the Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.
The new building will be privately financed by the Suns. This development had been expected, as a $230 million Talking Stick Resort Arena renovation package approved by the Phoenix City Council in January called for the Suns to privately finance an off-site practice facility estimated at $25-$50 million. The new off-site training space will replace an existing practice area within Talking Stick Resort Arena, effectively allowing it to be repurposed as part of the upcoming renovations.
“Robert Sarver’s investment in our new training facility demonstrates his commitment to ensuring we have the proper resources to compete at the highest level,” Suns general manager James Jones said in a press statement. “There are extensive limitations to the player development and training space available in our nearly 30 year old arena. The development of this stand-alone, secure and private facility will enhance our player health, development and wellness capabilities, and allow us to retain and attract the best basketball talent to the Valley for years to come.”
According to a press release issued by the Suns on Friday, the organization is planning to break ground this summer. An estimated completion date was not mentioned in that announcement.
As part of the funding agreement for the Talking Stick Stick Resort Arena renovations, the City of Phoenix will contribute $150 million from its Sports Facilities Fund–which receives revenue from taxes on car rentals and hotel stays–and the Suns will pay the remaining $80 million in addition to financing the practice facility. The agreement calls for the Suns to commit to the arena through 2037, with an option potentially extending their stay until 2042. Renovations are slated to take place on a schedule from 2019-2021.
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