The Arizona Coyotes are skating on thin ice as their future in the Grand Canyon State hangs in the balance. With a pivotal land auction looming in June, the Coyotes’ fate could pivot dramatically, either anchoring them in Arizona or sending them packing to a new city. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking for the Coyotes’ ownership, who are eager to secure a 95-acre plot in Phoenix to build a new arena and solidify the team’s presence in the region.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shed light on the situation during his ‘Saturday Headlines’ segment, noting that ‘relocation will be on the table,’ especially if the Coyotes come up short in the auction. The franchise has acknowledged that maintaining the status quo is not a viable option, signaling a critical juncture for the team’s long-term viability in Arizona. The starting bid for the land is set at $68.5 million, a figure approved by the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals, which also greenlit the Coyotes’ participation in the bidding process.
The Coyotes’ potential move is not a new topic of conversation; it has been a simmering issue for years. The team’s current situation at Mullett Arena, a modest 5,000-seat NCAA facility, is far from ideal for an NHL franchise. A previous plan to construct an arena in Tempe was quashed by a public referendum, leaving the Coyotes in search of an alternative solution. The urgency of the matter was echoed by NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh, who expressed his ‘serious concerns’ about the club’s direction and the pressing need for a ‘home.’
The NHL’s patience appears to be waning, with Commissioner Gary Bettman recently emphasizing the desire for certainty. The Coyotes’ owner, Alex Meruelo, is determined to win the auction and provide that stability. However, should the bid fail, relocation scenarios are being prepared, with Salt Lake City and a potential third NHL stint in Atlanta among the speculated destinations.
The Coyotes’ tumultuous history in Arizona, marked by ownership changes and arena disputes, underscores the significance of the upcoming auction. The original Winnipeg Jets’ transformation into the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996 began a saga that has yet to find a resolution. Now, with the auction set to be advertised for 10 weeks before taking place, the Coyotes and their fans await a decision that could redefine the franchise’s trajectory.
When the Coyotes lace up for what could be their most consequential off-ice battle, the outcome of the land auction will either pave the way for a new chapter in Arizona or mark the end of an era. The hockey world watches with bated breath as the Coyotes skate towards their destiny, with the hope of securing their place in the desert or facing the reality of a new beginning elsewhere.
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