*Photo from ABC 15 Arizona*
The efforts to stay in Arizona are continuing with haste. The Arizona Coyotes announced on Wednesday that they are aiming to build a new arena in the city of Mesa, Arizona.
The Coyotes said in a statement that "We can confirm that Coyotes Owner, Chairman & Governor Alex Meruelo has executed a Letter of Intent to purchase a parcel of land located in Mesa, Arizona to be the potential site for a sports arena and entertainment district for the Club. 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. In addition to this property in Mesa, the Club will continue to explore other potential sites in the East Valley."
"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. 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."
Mesa is the 3rd largest city in Arizona and has a population of about 520,000 people. The Coyotes previous bid to build a new arena and entertainment district in Tempe, Arizona failed by a wide margin in a city election in May, with the estimated cost of the project around $2.1 billion.
After getting kicked out of Gila River Arena in Glendale, the Coyotes signed a lease with Arizona State University to play at their rink for 3 seasons, with the lease expiring when the 2024-2025 season ends. The Coyotes have long vowed to stay in Arizona despite relocation rumors.
Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University marks the 3rd arena the Coyotes have played in while in Arizona, and if they succeed in Mesa, that would be the 4th. In December 2022, Forbes ranked the Coyotes as the least valuable franchise in the NHL.
Since the Coyotes relocated from Winnipeg in 1996, they have faced a lot of arena turmoil. They originally played at America West Arena in Phoenix from 1996 until 2003 before they moved to Gila River Arena in Glendale, and now they enter their second season at Mullett Arena in Tempe.
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