The Arizona Coyotes have taken the initial step in their quest for a new home, submitting an application for state trust land in north Phoenix, as confirmed by the team to 12News on Friday. This move follows their eviction from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, their home since 2003. The application, covering 200 acres of state trust land near the Loop 101 on Scottsdale Road, was filed in June 2023 by the Fennemore Craig law firm on behalf of the Coyotes.

Key Steps and Potential Challenges Ahead

If the application receives approval, the land will proceed to auction, introducing the possibility of other bidders acquiring the property. Subsequent stages involve securing financing, addressing infrastructure development, and exploring potential government tax benefits. The Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals is set to convene on Feb. 8, with the Coyotes’ application not currently on the agenda, but subject to possible inclusion until the morning of Feb. 7.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s Perspective

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman commented on the Coyotes’ pursuit of a new arena during the league’s All-Star Weekend in Toronto. He mentioned Coyotes Owner Alex Meruelo’s singular focus on a specific property and expressed optimism about addressing the timeline in the coming weeks. Bettman expressed confidence in Meruelo’s commitment to building an arena in the Valley, emphasizing recent assurances from Meruelo.

Coyotes’ Temporary Home and Past Setbacks

Since leaving Glendale, the Coyotes have been temporarily playing at Mullett Arena on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, which has a seating capacity of approximately 4,600 fans for NHL games—currently the smallest in the league by a significant margin. Previous attempts to establish an arena and entertainment district in Tempe were thwarted by voters in May 2023. Owner Alex Meruelo has been linked to land in Mesa, having executed a letter of intent to purchase a plot in August 2023.

Arizona’s Rich Sports Landscape

Phoenix boasts a vibrant sports scene, hosting five major professional teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Arizona Coyotes. Major sporting events, such as the Fiesta Bowl, WM Phoenix Open, NASCAR events, and Cactus League Spring Training, contribute to the Valley’s robust sports calendar.

In a social media statement, the Coyotes reiterated their commitment to Arizona, expressing anticipation of sharing exciting news about their future soon.

Shaping the Future for the Arizona Coyotes

As the Coyotes navigate the complexities of securing a new arena, their commitment to Arizona remains unwavering. The upcoming decisions regarding land approval, auction outcomes, and subsequent steps will significantly impact the team’s future. The Phoenix sports landscape, with its diverse array of professional teams and major events, underscores the importance of the Coyotes finding a suitable and sustainable home in the Valley.