Coyotes’ ownership begins Mesa, Arizona land deal
The Arizona Coyotes are continuing their mission to stay in the American Southwest, and the team’s owner Alex Meruelo has begun the purchase of 41 acres in Mesa, AZ.
Breaking Coyotes News https://t.co/vRJGPGhv3i
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 9, 2023Meruelo and the Coyotes saw their hopes of remaining in Arizona seriously dented when Propositions 301, 302, and 303, which were all necessary for the team to build an arena in nearby Tempe, were rejected via special election in May.
Later in the summer, team CEO Xavier Gutierrez indicated that the Arizona franchise, which finished sixth-worst in the NHL last season, was vetting scores of in-state alternatives to the nixed Tempe arena.
“We still want to put our money where our mouth is and build something that is best in class … we are committed to making this happen,” Gutierrez told assembled reporters at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
The report that the team is making a land purchase similar in size to the Tempe plan, which would have been 48 acres, shows that Mereulo, Gutierrez, and Co. are serious about moving forward on an arena in the state despite their recent setbacks.
In the meantime, the team will continue to play home games at Arizona State University’s Mullet Arena, which they have leased for the next two seasons with an option for a third in 2025-2026. It is the smallest home building in the NHL by some distance.
The Coyotes and league commissioner Gary Bettman expect to announce positive developments on the arena front by the turn of the year. Until then, the Yotes must prove they have an on-ice product worthy of the greater-Phoenix area’s support.
To do that, GM Bill Armstrong signed free agents Jason Zucker, Alex Kerfoot, and, most recently, Matt Dumba throughout the summer. The veteran additions and trade coup Sean Durzi will add to a core of young star Clayton Keller and debuting rookie Logan Cooley.