Today is a joyous day for some, and for others, a “here we go again” day – depending on how you feel about the Arizona Coyotes. Their second effort to secure a long-term home in the Phoenix metropolitan area took a significant step today, with the Coyotes announcing they’ve submitted a letter of intent to purchase a parcel of land in Mesa, Arizona, on which to build an arena and entertainment district similar to the team’s failed plan in Tempe, which did not pass a public referendum.
The release didn’t specify exactly where the parcel of land is located, however. It’s unclear whether the letter of intent is in reference to the abandoned Fiesta Mall, which the Coyotes have had reported interest in as far back as May. PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan reported last night that a number of other potential sites in Mesa had proved “problematic” – which could also include Fiesta Mall.
It is, however, important to note that this does not solely pave the way toward a purchase and new arena on the site in question today. The Coyotes are still free to explore other options in the Phoenix metro area, which they clearly plan to do with haste as the uncertainty around their playing home drags on. Morgan also says the team is considering sites in Phoenix proper, as well as Scottsdale, but there’s still a “long way to go” until a final deal is reached.