Anaheim residents are awaiting the results of an assessment of Angel Stadium's condition as the sale of Angels Baseball from current owner Arte Moreno to LA Rams owner Stan Kroenke progresses. The timing of both the assessment's completion and the expected finalization of the team sale is prompting concerns that Moreno could avoid repair costs, potentially leaving the responsibility to Kroenke.
Moreno, who has faced public criticism from fans for years, announced the sale of the major league baseball team to Kroenke in a joint statement at the beginning of this month. City officials have described the move as signifying a new era for Anaheim. This announcement follows approximately four years after a previous Anaheim City Council sought to determine the condition of the city's significant taxpayer asset, subsequent to a corruption scandal that derailed an earlier deal to sell the stadium to Moreno.
The stadium assessment, which officials publicly stated in 2023 would take two months, is now being conducted in phases and is expected to conclude by the end of the year. This timeline is notable as it is anticipated to be wrapped up before the Angels team sale is finalized, creating ambiguity about who will be financially responsible for any needed repairs identified.
Requests for clarification on this matter from city officials, Angels spokespeople, and Kroenke's representatives have not yielded direct answers. State Senator Tom Umberg, who successfully pushed for an audit of the Angel Stadium lease, believes that Moreno and Kroenke will address repair costs during their negotiations. Umberg expressed hope that the stadium sale proceeds, stating that it is in the interest of Anaheim citizens and taxpayers for someone other than taxpayers to be responsible for the stadium's upkeep, maintenance, and operation. State Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, who joined Umberg in calling for the audit, did not respond to requests for comment through a spokesperson.
The audit, which was completed while the property assessment was underway, revealed that the current lease significantly limits the revenue Anaheim receives from the stadium. Auditors also found that the lease's unclear terms have prevented city officials from verifying proper maintenance of the property. Furthermore, auditors noted an unresolved dispute between city leaders and Angels executives regarding tens of millions of dollars for repairs, with the ballclub asserting the city will owe them for excess spending post-lease, a claim the city disputes.
Questions are also emerging about the future of the stadium and the approximately 150 acres it occupies. Orange County Register business columnist Johnathan Lanser suggested that Kroenke might demolish the existing stadium to construct a new one and redevelop the extensive parking lots. Lanser argued that a new, modern stadium with luxury amenities would be more aligned with contemporary standards and help generate revenue. A spokesperson for Kroenke indicated to Forbes earlier this month that while immediate redevelopment is not planned, it could be considered in the future.
Under the reinstated stadium lease, the Angels are obligated to maintain the property at a "first class professional level." City Attorney Rob Fabela has previously stated publicly that this stipulation means the Angels are responsible for repairs. The lease also permits the stadium tenant to assign the lease to a new team owner without city consent, provided Major League Baseball approves the franchise sale, which has yet to happen.
Joanna Hunter, a spokeswoman for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, declined to answer questions about who would pay for repairs or if Kroenke agreed to the purchase without knowing the stadium's condition. She referenced the September 1 joint news release announcing the sale, stating they could not provide further information. Similarly, a spokesperson for the Angels declined to comment directly on repair cost responsibility. However, the Angels spokesperson noted that the lease is tied to the team regardless of ownership, similar to when they inherited it from Disney, and that the city has no role in the sale. In the past, the team has stated that it has exceeded the lease's requirements for maintenance and improvements under Moreno's ownership.
City Spokesman Mike Lyster stated that the lease has not yet been reassigned, as the proposed team acquisition still requires review by the proposed acquirer and Major League Baseball approval, which is expected to take several months. Lyster deemed it premature to speculate on the matter. He could not immediately provide the cost of the stadium condition assessment to the city so far. Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and other city council members did not respond to requests for comment last week. Aitken has previously told the Voice of OC that if the deal is approved, the current lease, which she has criticized, will remain in effect. Umberg suggested that if the stadium is not sold, city officials should renegotiate the lease with Kroenke once he takes over, asserting that the current lease is unfair to Anaheim taxpayers. He emphasized the importance of the rent and upkeep reflecting the best interests of Anaheim citizens, ensuring a fair deal while retaining the Angels in the city.
