A report from PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan [https://gophnx.com/new-arena-site-offers-meruelo-coyotes-last-chance/] came out last week stating the Arizona Coyotes are zeroing in on a parcel of land in northeast Phoenix, adjacent to Scottsdale in purpose to build a new arena. With the Coyotes seeming to get closer and closer to finding a permanent home, what will a new arena actually look like? Coyotes President Xavier Gutierrez said that he wants to build something that is a ‘landmark’ [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/arizona-coyotes/news/coyotes-looking-to-make-arena-announcement-within-next-60-days] for Arizona that could be used for more than just hockey, but what does that exactly mean? According to Morgan [https://www.12news.com/article/sports/nhl/coyotes/arizona-coyotes-phoenix-arena/75-91afcfa8-3b0f-40bb-a64e-f7a878188493], this potential new site would include residences, hotels, restaurants and shops, a sports book and a practice rink adjacent to the arena. If everything were to all come into fruition, it would be huge for the Coyotes as they will be the ones to headline this huge sports and entertainment district. The Coyotes currently play at Mullett Arena which holds just 4,600 seats. Arizona’s original proposed arena in Tempe that was ultimately rejected this past May was supposed to hold a capacity of 16,000, so that very well could be what the Coyotes organization may target for a new home in northeast Phoenix. While Coyotes fans should be excited by all this news, a new arena will take decently long to build. Morgan reported [https://www.12news.com/article/sports/nhl/coyotes/arizona-coyotes-phoenix-arena/75-91afcfa8-3b0f-40bb-a64e-f7a878188493] that a northeast Phoenix site will stick to a similar timeline as the original Tempe plan which was supposed to take about two-and-a-half to three years to complete. 20231208_Carcone_Postgame Nothing is set in stone yet regarding the Coyotes search for a permanent home, but the speculation and potential of an arena in northeast Phoenix is certainly something hockey fans in the Valley should keep an eye out for and be optimistic about.
