Tempe City Council unanimously endorsed the Arizona CoyotesTuesday night, the proposal of an arena and entertainment district was approved by the majority of voters, giving them a clear support for it ahead of the May 16, 20,23 referendum, which will decide its fate.
The Coyotes want to build an arena for 16,000 people and entertainment district on city land at Rio Salado Parkway (at the west end Tempe Town Lake). The project would cost $2.1 billion and include two hotels and a 3,500-seat theater as well as up to 1,995 homes.
This project is called “Landfill to Landmark”, as 1.5 million tonnes of trash will be removed from this site. It is estimated to cost $75 million.
“The Tempe Entertainment District is a big win for this community and we have no doubts that Tempe voters will agree,” Coyotes CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez stated. “Our project provides a beautiful home for the Coyotes and also serves as a vibrant square for Tempe. It generates thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue for this city. We are grateful and thrilled.”
It is expected that the project will also include a gambling component. Alex Meruelo is the owner of the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno (Nevada) and the Sahara Las Vegas.
“We are committed to making a positive difference and helping the community. Meruelo made rare public remarks about Meruelo’s generosity and sacrifices. “I would prefer to remain here for 30-40 years.”
Two votes were cast in opposition to the June council vote to approve arena negotiations. Doreen Garlid was the councilmember who voted against the agreement. She stated Tuesday that she feels more at ease with Meruelo’s finances.
Garlid stated that while there are still some doubts about whether this is the best choice for our last large piece of city-owned land but it is logical for us to allow the residents of Tempe to vote.
The team called Glendale home for the 2003-2007 season. But, the city council didn’t renew its arena lease. While they waited on Tempe’s approval for construction, the Coyotes moved to Mullett Arena at Arizona State. This arena is shared with the Sun Devils men’s hockey program.
Mullett Arena will be home to the NHL for three seasons. There is an option for a fourth season. Mullett has a capacity of 5,000 people for hockey, which is the smallest in the NHL. The add-ons cost $19.7million to make the space NHL ready. The annex, which measures 15,000 square feet, was built adjacent to the arena. It houses NHL-quality lockers and training facilities for the Coyotes as well as away teams.
Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner spoke out in support of Tempe arena deals and stated that the league was in favor keeping the Coyotes in Arizona.
The club is willing to sign a non-relocation agreement of 30-years for the project. He said that all the factors indicate that the club wants to stay here and, frankly, the NHL also wants the club to remain here.”
Bettman said that the NHL had committed to bringing an All-Star Game or (NHL draft) to Tempe if the arena project is approved.