Arizona Coyotes: Speculating About Possible New Arena
The Arizona Coyotes are potentially just weeks away from announcing eagerly awaited details about a new arena. Where it’s located, what it will look like, and how many seats it will hold are just a few of the unknowns, but that shouldn’t stop us from speculating.
After Arizona Coyotes President and CEO Anthony Leblanc announced at the NHL Draft that a new location had been chosen, we all tilted our ears forward in anticipation of the details.
Except that was it. There were no details.
Now, two months later, we know about as much as Sergeant Schultz. We know nothing.
Leblanc said he hoped to announce all the details by the end of the summer. This was after he said we’d know more by the end of the season.
In fairness, I think Leblanc is excited and eagerly wants to talk about it, which is why he keeps bringing it up. It’s just that until it’s finalized, there’s not much he can say.
Like all Arizona Coyotes fans, I really want to know what the plan is. New arenas aren’t built that often. These buildings become integral parts of the city, pieces of all of us.
This is exciting stuff.
In the absence of facts, I think it’s time to fill the void with some good old-fashioned speculation, mixed in with some personal wishes.
Let’s focus on what we do know first.
We know that there is a plan and a primary site. We know the Coyotes are focused on the east side of the Valley. Likely sites include near the 101 and 202 intersection, and on or near the campus of Arizona State University.
We also know that whatever they’re planning, it’s genuine and not a smokescreen.
When the Coyotes flew defenseman Alex Goligoski out to Arizona to convince him to join the team, Goligoski signed a long-term deal with the Coyotes, and publicly said he liked what he heard about the arena plans.
And the team was confident enough in those plans to have sent a “we’re just not that into you” letter to Glendale’s City Manager back in May.
So there’s actually a site. It’s real.
I believe that the recent reports about purchasing the site of the old drive-in theater near the 101 and 202 makes the most sense, if they can get it done.
This site is also my personal choice. There’s room for an arena, parking, and all kinds of new retail and restaurant opportunities.
The fact that the land is on the Salt River Indian Reservation is an advantage, since certain decisions can be made that don’t involve the oversight and politics that come with city councils and state legislatures.
Planning and construction could hopefully be expedited, as well as infrastructure improvement.
Convenience for fans is a major consideration, something that was missed in the decision to build an arena in Glendale. Building an arena near the fan base is crucial.
The outstanding convenience of this new site can’t be overstated.
It’s near two intersecting highways and major roadways, offering easy access in and out for fans. Anyone driving to an evening game from Scottsdale, Tempe, the East Valley, and areas to the west would no longer face a marathon drive.
It’s the closest we have to the Goldilocks zone, not too close and not too far, for anyone from Grand Canyon University to Gilbert.
Just right.
Most importantly, this new location would instantly enable the season ticket base to flourish. It would also be great for the casual ticket buyer who wants to make a night of it.
Downtown Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe would be easily accessible after the game for those who want to stay out on the town. Visiting tourists at the myriad of resorts in the area would now have Coyotes games as a viable nighttime option.
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There’s only upside in this location. And that’s where I’m placing my bet.
So if you’re listening Mr. Leblanc, let’s get it done and start building.