The Arizona Coyotes appear to be nearing a resolution in their pursuit for a new arena in Phoenix.
A north Phoenix location has gained significant attention for a potential new home of the Arizona Coyotes.
It is said that the land in question is part of the State Trust Land, located north of Loop 101, with the Desert Ridge Marketplace to the east and Scottsdale Road to the west. Obtaining State Trust Land is not a straightforward process; the State must first hold a public auction and then sell it to the highest bidder.
Since the Coyotes relocated from Winnipeg in 1996, their arena has been a continued debate and battle that has left the team playing in various venues throughout the valley over the years.
In the beginning, the team played their inaugural season in the Footprint Center for several years, but relocated to Glendale in 2003. Unfortunately, the Coyotes’ lease at Desert Diamond Arena was not extended beyond 2021 by the City of Glendale and it forced the team to find a new home.
While they contemplated and attempted to build an arena in various parts of the Phoenix Metro area, the team ultimately had to take their best option to hang their skates at Arizona State’s Mullett Arena for the interim, while looking for a more permanent venue. There was a strong hope that the Coyotes would call Tempe home, with the proposed Tempe Entertainment District, unfortunately that plan was voted down in May. The $2.1 billion project was expected to create a 16,000-seat arena, practice rink, 300,000 square feet of upscale retail, 1,600 apartments, two hotels and a theater.
The Coyotes and ASU have a deal for the pro team to play two more years at the arena with an option for 2025-26.
“The Coyotes remain committed to building the first privately funded sports facility in Arizona history and ensuring the Valley as the Club’s permanent home,” a statement from the Coyotes in August read.
The northeast Phoenix site would allow the Coyotes to stick to the same timeline as the proposed Tempe Arena, taking two-and-a-half to three years to complete. The site is anticipated to include residences, hotels, restaurants and shops, a sports book and a practice rink adjacent to the arena.
