After failing to strike a deal with Glendale to stay in the Gila River Arena, the Arizona Coyotes hope they will be more welcomed in the city of Tempe. The franchise confirmed that they have submitted a bit to buy two parcels of land in the area with the intention to build a new home for themselves.
“We are pleased to have submitted a proposal to the City of Tempe,” said the Coyotes in a statement. “As regulations surrounding the RFP process dictate, we cannot comment any further at this time, but we remain incredibly excited about this extraordinary opportunity.”
Coyotes have been playing in Gila River Arena since 2003 after leaving Phoenix’s America West Arena, which they shared with NBA’s the Suns. While the team had every intention to remain at their current home, the city of Glendale wasn’t so keen on the idea.
The Glendale City Council first voted against a long-term deal in 2016, forcing Coyotes to lease the arena on year by year basis. This was followed by last week’s announcement from the city in which they said that their agreement with Coyotes will end following the 2021-22 NHL season. The decision was explained by “increased focus on larger, more impactful events and uses of the city-owned arena.”
After learning about the city’s decision, the team owner Alex Meruelo said that he has no intention of moving the team outside Arizona.
Since arriving in Gila River Arena, the Coyotes have made four postseason appearances. Their best run came during the 2011-12 season when they won the Pacific Division and reached the Western Conference Finals.
