Local businesses feel brunt of economic loss from departure of Tucson Baseball Team
By Sean Mahoney
Published on March 20, 2026.
The Tucson Baseball Team has decided not to return to Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tucson, citing visa issues that may have delayed their return due to increased scrutiny on visas for other teams visiting the city. The team was expected to bring in $12 million each year, and its hotel rooms were generated in Tucson. However, taxpayer dollars through Pima County face minimal impact, with operational costs offset by the team's rent payments and improvements made during the World Baseball Classic qualifiers. Felipe Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Tucson, said hotels and vendors had made commitments based on expected bookings. The situation highlights the vulnerability of small businesses and the need for stability at local venues.
Read Original Article