Coyotes Make Another Move Intended To Keep Team In The Desert

Wednesday, August 09, 2023


The Arizona Coyotes appear to be leaving no stone (or potential arena real estate site) unturned in their efforts to try to build a new home to keep the team in the Phoenix area. They have executed a letter of intent to purchase a piece of land in Mesa. 

"The Coyotes remain committed to building the first privately funded sports facility in Arizona history and ensuring the Valley as the club's permanent home," said the team in a statement. 

ESPN is reporting that this won't be the only piece of land they try to secure in their efforts to find the right spot. The Coyotes are "looking at multiple sites so we can expect other letters of intent."

The team has been temporarily playing in the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena since 2022, on the Arizona State campus in Tempe. The team was taken aback when area voters back in May put the kibosh on the 'Yotes plan to build a $2.1 billion entertainment district in Tempe. 

With their future in doubt, the Coyotes are being 'dogged' in their determination to find a new home in the desert. CEO Xavier Gutierrez said back in June that the team had "a half dozen" potential locations on their radar, and none of them would need a public vote for the construction of an arena, as was the case in the disappointing ballot for the Tempe spot.

"We appreciate the tremendous support that we have received from many communities, elected officials, and community leaders who have expressed their desire to see the Coyotes remain in the Valley permanently," the team said after releasing the news of the letter of intent. "We would also like to thank NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly for their steadfast support of the club's efforts to find a permanent arena solution, and for their recognition that Arizona is a tremendous hockey market."

Photo: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports



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