Last night, Tempe City Council unanimously approved a development plan for a $2.1 billion project that would include a new arena for the Arizona Coyotes. The next step will be a special election on May 16, 2023, when the public will have their say on the proposed project.
Coyotes CEO Xavier Gutierrez released the following statement:
It starts with gratitude tonight — Thanking the city council and thanking the city staff for all of their incredible hard work. It’s about being able to touch every person in this city, in this community — that is our community — and starting with that by letting them know it is our community, to let them know just how incredible this is.
While this does not guarantee a new rink for the Coyotes, who are currently sharing a building with Arizona State University, it is another massive step toward one. A permanent facility in Tempe would be a significant win for a franchise that has struggled with attendance and sponsorship for years, partly due to an out-of-the-way rink in Glendale.
At the meeting, owner Alex Meruelo also directly addressed one rumor, telling those in attendance (which included Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports) that he would not be selling the team to Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets. Fertitta has expressed an interest in owning an NHL team in the past.
Notably, Gary Bettman and Bill Daly were at the City Council meeting, showing support for the Coyotes’ plan. The commissioner has been a staunch supporter of keeping the team in Arizona for years but was also very vocal that a new home – one not in Glendale – was required.