Arizona Coyotes: Arena Lease Deal Renegotiation Possible

Arizona Coyotes-City of Glendale Renegotiation of Arena Deal Only Logical Choice

With a 7/31 date set for evidence to be presented in the Arizona Coyotes vs City of Glendale arena lease hearing, the two sides may be considering a settlement. That could be good news for both sides, seeing the city wants to keep the team in the arena, but under new terms of a renegotiated deal, and the team needs a place to play NHL hockey. It also would be good news for the Arizona Coyotes fans who are tired of hearing judge’s gavels, instead of slap-shots off the opposing goalie.

Recently, Jude LaCava of FOX 10 Sports hinted things might be beginning to change in his tweet recently:

The Arizona Coyotes want attention turned away from the Gila River arena controversy, and directed towards their play on the ice. Even if the team were to win the lawsuit, and be awarded monetary damages, they still will need to play in the city’s arena; and that would be very uncomfortable, seeing as how they have gone after each other over the arena lease. I mean with 13 years remaining on the signed lease agreement, that’s a long time to hold a grudge, when the two parties involved should be working in harmony to bring exciting NHL hockey to the valley.

More from Coyotes News

A settlement would serve a number of positive results:

The team could get back to concentrating on winning hockey games, which it really needs to do after a horrible season last year.
The COG could stop belly-aching about water under the bridge on the details of an agreement they approved, whether or not it was the current city council members or not — a deal is a deal, right? (I believe those were the judge’s words, if I’m not mistaken)
The team at this point, would need to further their recent history of disharmony, rumors, and disruption if they continue to allow the slow moving legal system to come to a solution before the season begins again in October.
The COG wants to pay less to have the arena managed, and the Coyotes could negotiate that dollar figure, or allow the city to hire a private contractor to manage the arena. They would like at least $2-3 million reduced off the current fee they pay IceArizona.
In return, the IceArizona would like the elimination of ticket surcharges to happen, making ticket prices more affordable to the average hockey fan. This could help both sides come up smelling like roses, because the city can brag that they have saved the city taxpayers money, and the hockey club can boost that they are reducing ticket prices — something which doesn’t happen much, if at all, in professional sports.

If the two sides can agree to agree (so far that hasn’t happened), then another city council vote would need to take place. That would leave the possibility of a referendum vote, slowing down the results even more. The council could call an emergency vote prior to the 7/31/15 evidentiary hearing, and if they get the new agreement passed with a super-majority vote of at least 5-2, it would eliminate the citizen’s ability to go forward with a referendum.

Would a 5-2 vote even be possible? It could, seeing that the five votes to cancel the lease would be in favor of a new agreement making them look better to their constituents, by saving them taxpayer funds. The two votes who originally opposed the lease cancellation vote may even vote for a new agreement, depending on it’s content and conditions. A solid 7-0 vote would prove the two parties can once again (or have they ever…) get along in harmony.

Finally, many have suggested to the Arizona Coyotes that they should just pack up and move to downtown Phoenix. Arizona Coyotes President/Co-Owner, Anthony LeBlanc blew that idea out of the water, since the Phoenix Suns are the primary tenant of their facility, and dates have already been booked. The hockey club’s purpose of getting their own arena was to be able to sell suites, and have first selection of dates in THEIR facility. Giving that up even if a new multi-purpose arena were to be built, is just too much to ask. If such an arena were to be built, you know the Phoenix Suns will still get first booking priority.

Then again, this could all be for naught, IF the team decides to move… to another city. IceArizona has stated that WILL NOT happen, but when push come to shove, something’s gotta give. The next couple of weeks may be a crucial time for the Arizona Coyotes.

We’ll need to see how it all unfolds.

Next: Arizona Coyotes: Glendale Arena Lease Court Update

More from Howlin' Hockey

Home/Coyotes News