On Tuesday night, the Arizona Coyotes took a big step toward fulfilling their cherished dream of a new center arena.
The Tempe City Council voted unanimously 7-0 to approve the last 3 pieces in its schedule for the Coyotes’ proposed $2. 1 billion arena and entertainment district.
One step remains before Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo and his team get the green light to proceed: a public referendum scheduled for May 16, 2023.
“Tonight is a momentous occasion,” said Coyotes President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez, to the media after Tuesday’s city council meeting. The beginning: This is the right project, this is the right deal and we are the right team to execute it. »
“In fact, this, as built, is the most productive entertainment district arena deal in the history of the state of Arizona,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “It’s something I’m very proud of, as mayor. “
Tuesday’s voting adventure goes back decades and temporarily brought the Coyotes to the new Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University. The stadium has a capacity of 4600 NHL hockey seats, thousands less than other league venues, and also required only about an additional $20 million to be in condition for the NHL, adding an annex that will house NHL-quality locker rooms and educational facilities.
Construction of the annex wasn’t complete when the Coyotes played their first 4 home games of the season a month ago. Lately, the team is 10 games away from a record 14 consecutive road games and will return to Mullett Arena on Dec. 1. 9, the league-leading Boston Bruins.
After overseeing the tumultuous Coyotes lifestyle since the original Winnipeg Jets franchise first moved to the desert in 1996, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was on hand to explain his Tuesday.
To calm ongoing discussions about the potential relocation that has plagued the franchise virtually since its inception, Bettman told the city council that the team would be willing to sign a 30-year non-relocation agreement. He then sweetened the pot by adding that the league would be dedicated to hosting an upcoming NHL draft or All-Star Game at the new stadium, two major events that generate excitement for the host city and the team, as well as significant economic benefits.
“We are very excited about the customers of the Tempe Entertainment District,” Bettman told reporters after Tuesday’s meeting. “Clearly, the Coyotes want a new arena, and Alex Meruelo’s commitment to this franchise and to Arizona has been unwavering. He’s our support, and if you look back over the past 25 years, our commitment to Arizona has never wavered.
“We think it’s going to be a win-win scenario for the network and for the Coyotes. “
And while the Tempe City Council was very important in pushing the allocation all the way to the referendum phase, the allocation still has its critics. The proposed site is two miles west of Mullett Arena and just over two miles east of Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport. Being so close to the airport, there are noise considerations, specifically with regard to the residential component of the assignment, as well as possible disruptions to flight paths.
According to Mayor Woods, the Coyotes have met with members of the Tempe domain network for the past six months, answering their questions and concerns, as well as comments from city council members. “I found that they were very willing to replace, negotiate and upload other things that, frankly, help make the deal even better,” he said.
According to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, Doreen Garlid was one of two board members who voted to oppose the progress of negotiations over the arena’s allocation last June. But she felt comfortable enough with the main points, as lately they are expected to move to referendum level on Tuesday.
“While I still have doubts about this being the solution for our last giant city-owned land, it makes sense that we would give the other people of Tempe a chance to weigh in with their vote,” he said.
Bettman expressed himself in the referendum process.
“We believe that when other people perceive the merits of this project, it will get broad support,” he said.