The Arizona Coyotes are evidently not waiting for the clock to strike midnight before they move to a new home.
The Arizona Coyotes are taking their own future into their own hands. Coyotes President and co-owner Anthony LeBlanc stated that they are in talks with the City of Phoenix for a new home. Ideally, for the City, the Coyotes would share a new arena with the NBA Phoenix Suns and WNBA Phoenix Mercury.
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While at the NHL Board of Governors Meetings in Pebble Beach this week, LeBlanc said “We are in very progressed talks with the City of Phoenix and as well we have forged a tight alliance with Arizona State University and we are having discussions with them about the potential for a facility…we are exploring those pretty aggressively.”
“We are in very progressed talks with the City of Phoenix…We are having discussions with them about the potential for a facility…we are exploring those pretty aggressively.”
After the City of Glendale voted to revoke the original 15 year lease with the Arizona Coyotes, the future of the team was somewhat up in the air. A new band-aid of a lease was created, but for only two years.
The debacle with the Glendale City Council has created a horrible taste in the mouths of the “new-ish” ownership group. The owners’ view is for the best interests of the team, and their investment, and they feel is time to explore other options. They haven’t had to look far.
Upon the announcement of Glendale’s decision to revoke the 2003 lease, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton started making a pitch to move the team back downtown. Stanton views the Arizona Coyotes as “an asset” and that you do not give up assets without a fight. Stanton said on KTAR radio:
"“I don’t want to lose this regional asset and so I’m willing to do my part to make sure that that regional asset stays in our community”"
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The organization originally played in downtown Phoenix. In 1996 the old Winnipeg Jets moved into the America West Arena and became the Coyotes. While the team was successful, the facility and deal left much to be desired. AWA had obstructed sight lines for hockey, and the lease at AWA made the Coyotes a simple tenant, unable to enjoy various revenue streams.
Eventually, they moved to Glendale where their existence has been plagued with issues in ownership, bankruptcy, and a Glendale City Council who didn’t keep their word after making a deal on the 15-year lease.
The move to Glendale also took the team from their natural fan-base in the eastern Valley.
A move back downtown, or to Tempe, would do wonders for the Arizona Coyotes bottom line. Ticket sales, suite sales, attendance and sponsorships all should rise with a move across the Valley. Additionally a move to downtown or the east valley would help the Coyotes take more advantage of their growing partnership with ASU. It would be a win-win for both groups.
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The clock is ticking on the current lease in Glendale. The fools at the City Council shot themselves in the foot, and will severely damage the other tenants at Westgate. For the Arizona Coyotes, this cloud certainly has a silver lining which should benefit the team. I for one, cannot wait to see them in their new home.
One final thought might be concerning who pays for this projected new arena? Phoenix has much invested in the Suns, and will do all they can to make the finances not become an obstacle.