TORONTO -- A new home for the Arizona Coyotes in Tempe, Arizona, will be a game-changer for the franchise, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Monday.
The Coyotes announced they are in plans with Catellus Development Corporation, the master developer for the Arizona State University Athletic Facilities District, to work toward building a 16,000-plus seat arena with an attached 4,000 seat multisport facility in Tempe, Arizona.
"I think first and foremost it'll stop all the speculation as to what may or may not happen to the franchise," Commissioner Bettman said. "Secondly it will, I believe, based on the locations I'm hearing about, ensure that from an attendance standpoint this franchise can thrive and I think it will assure the long-term future of this franchise beyond doubt."
The plan is for the Coyotes to play in the main arena, with the attached second facility being used for Coyotes practices, Arizona State athletics, youth hockey practices and games, and community events.
A second phase of the project is expected to include a hotel in the area.
The Coyotes have played in Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, since December 2003. Prior to that, they played at America West Arena (now Talking Stick Resort Arena) in Phoenix after moving to Arizona from Winnipeg in 1996. The team is expected to work toward finalizing an agreement with the city of Glendale to remain in Gila River Arena until their new arena is built.
The agreement between the Coyotes and the developer gives them until June 30 to create a budget, design and operational plan for the development.
"We are thrilled to partner with Catellus on this tremendous project that will include our future new home in the East Valley," Coyotes majority owner, chairman and governor Andrew Barroway said. "The Coyotes are committed to Arizona, and we are extremely excited about our bright future."
Coyotes president and CEO Anthony LeBlanc said the East Valley of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area was targeted for their new home.
"While we have tremendous fans all across the greater Phoenix metro area, not to mention the entire state, it became clear that the East Valley is home to a majority of our fans and corporate partners," LeBlanc said. "Our fans in the West Valley have shown us tremendous support over the past 13 years and we look forward to working with them as we transition to our new home in the future."
The announced site for the new arena, near Tempe Town Lake at the northwest corner of East Rio Salado Parkway and South McClintock Drive, is about 10 miles east of Talking Stick Resort Arena.
"I think it's very exciting for that market," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. "They've had challenges in Glendale and they've recently had relationship challenges with the people who run that arena. I think a different location and a better relationship can do wonders for that franchise and I expect it will."
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