In a recent development, the Tempe voters have rejected the proposal put forth by the Arizona Coyotes for a new arena. This decision has left the future of the team in Arizona uncertain. The proposal was for a $1.7 billion arena and entertainment district that would have been built on a 46-acre site near Tempe Town Lake.
The Arizona Coyotes have been playing at the Gila River Arena in Glendale since 2003. However, the team has been looking to move to a new location for several years now. The Gila River Arena is located in a remote area, making it difficult for fans to attend games. The team has also been struggling financially, with low attendance and revenue.
The proposed arena in Tempe was seen as a solution to these problems. The new arena would have been located in a more central location, making it easier for fans to attend games. It would have also provided the team with a new revenue stream through the entertainment district.
However, the voters of Tempe did not see it that way. The proposal was rejected by a margin of 60% to 40%. The main reason for the rejection was the cost of the project. Many voters felt that the $1.7 billion price tag was too high, and that the money could be better spent on other projects.
The rejection of the proposal has left the future of the Arizona Coyotes in doubt. The team’s lease at the Gila River Arena expires in 2022, and it is unclear if they will be able to renew it. The team has been exploring other options, including a move to another city.
The rejection of the proposal is also a blow to the NHL, which has been trying to expand its presence in the southwestern United States. The league has been looking to add another team in the region, but the rejection of the Coyotes’ proposal makes that prospect less likely.
In conclusion, the rejection of the Arizona Coyotes’ proposal for a new arena in Tempe has left the future of the team in Arizona uncertain. The team has been struggling financially and has been looking to move to a new location for several years. The proposed arena in Tempe was seen as a solution to these problems, but the voters of Tempe rejected the proposal due to its high cost. The future of the team in Arizona is now in doubt, and the NHL’s plans for expansion in the region have been dealt a blow.
