The Arizona Coyotes’ plans for a new rink have moved forward after the Tempe City Council unanimously approved the project for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise.
The Coyotes submitted a proposal for a new arena and entertainment district in September 2021, which will span 46 acres and cost $2.1 billion. The construction includes a 16,000-seat arena, a driving range, two hotels, retail stores, 1,600 apartments, a theater and a sportsbook.
The franchise says it will invest $2.1 billion in private funds for the arena project “without raising taxes or using existing city revenue through the issuance of public infrastructure bonds sold to private investors,” according to the proposal
The Coyotes estimate the entertainment district will generate $13.1 billion in new spending at the site, averaging $435 million over 30 years. The site has been used as a landfill and would need to be repaired before construction could begin.
The Tempe City Council’s decision will allow residents to vote on the project during a special election on the 16thth May 2023.
The Coyotes are currently playing at Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat facility on the campus of Arizona State University (ASU) while they await the new rink.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also confirmed that the Coyotes would have a 30-year term without relocation. He also told the council that Arizona would host an NHL Draft and an NHL All-Star Game assuming the development was completed.
“We are very excited about the prospects for Tempe’s entertainment district,” Bettman said. “Obviously, the Coyotes need a new track and [team owner] Alex Meruelo’s commitment to this franchise and to Arizona has been unwavering. We want to make clear the league’s support for the franchise.”
Coyotes President and CEO Xavier Gutierrez added, “The Arizona Coyotes and the Meruelo family are deeply grateful to the City of Tempe for their unanimous support and cannot wait to move forward on this transformative development.
“The Tempe Entertainment District will be a huge win for this community, and we have no doubt that the voters of Tempe will agree. Our project will turn a landfill into a landmark.”
