On Thursday night, the Tempe City Council voted to approve negotiations to go forward for an Arizona Coyotes Tempe arena project. The 5-2 vote in no way determined the final outcome to move the project into the stage of beginning the construction process. In fact, the eight-hour meeting was the first public meeting concerning the proposal.
Airport Opposition, Fan Support Characterized the Meeting
Much of the airport’s lengthy discussion, was in opposition to housing being placed in the entertainment district as planned. The noise levels and the proximity to the airport were described by Sky Harbor International airport officials, including pilots as a safety risk. The Coyotes’ land use attorney, Nick Woods pretty much put those concerns to rest with his effective rebuttal.
Even Coyotes’ players Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, and Christian Fischer showed up to voice their support for the Arizona Coyotes Tempe arena. And don’t forget Coyotes legend Shane Doan was also there.
One council member, Lauren Kuby voiced her concerns about owner Alex Meruelo’s financial gaffes. She noted late bills not being paid by the team while they used Gila River Arena in Glendale. She displayed a business viability assessment of Meruelo’s portfolio performed by Dunn & Bradstreet. It wasn’t pretty. For the Coyotes as well as the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL, it showed that Meruelo has a high delinquency score. He also has a moderate to high failure risk. Then there’s the high overall risk assessment and a credit recommendation of a maximum of just $5,000 for the Coyotes. That had council member Kuby mentioning that her kids could easily match that figure. Remember Meruelo is a billionaire.
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Where do we go From Here?
This means that the council and the hockey team, along with the developer, airport officials, and community action groups have the opportunity to discuss and resolve any issues concerning the project. As Tempe mayor Corey Woods commented, this proposal means we all sit down and talk. As he related to advice from his father, talking things out hurts nothing and could clear the air.
When those negotiations will commence is anyone’s guess. One big news item that Chierstin Susel of GOPHX.com reported was a statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
While the proposed arena is perhaps three-four years from being completed, if approved, this is HUGE. The Coyotes were promised the All-Star Game back in 2004-05. It was cancelled due to the labor disagreement and the season being cancelled. Maybe the long wait will be worth it if the new Tempe arena can be on display for all to see.
The other major happening at the meeting was what Bettman said about the team’s viability in Tempe.
Not only has this franchise experienced ownership concerns and arena problems, they have constantly faced the endless rumors that the team would relocate due to the issues it confronted over the years. Even with this arena proposal and the team playing at the ASU multipurpose arena for three-four years while a new facility can be built… the rumors continued. “They’re moving to Houston, or Quebec City.” This new arena would mean the team MUST stay in Tempe for a 30-year period according to Bettman.
Now, that’s stability, with a capital “S.” For Coyotes fans it’s something they would need to adjust to as it has never happened in the team’s 26-year history… YET.
The Most Amazing Presentation Was of The Arena Itself
In a well-done video of how the area in and around the arena will look was magnificent. For the fans here it could be a dream come true. There will always be doubters with any project of this magnitude. It is fair to say, with a 5-2 vote unless something unexpected transpires, the future of the Arizona Coyotes will take place in Tempe. Some will like it, others will not.
In any case, seeing what could be is always a nice option. Without further adieu… take a gander at this!
If this Arizona Coyotes Tempe arena project is approved and brought to fruition, one can only hope that relocation rumors cease. With the 30-year commitment required by the NHL, that should be ancient history.
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