We have some clarity on the rumblings Wednesday surrounding a Plan B for the Arizona Coyotes to remain in the Phoenix area. Per CBS 5 Phoenix’s Dennis Welch, the Coyotes reached out to the City of Mesa to discuss a potential arena on land currently occupied by the soon-to-be-demolished Fiesta Mall.
If the plan does come to pass, it could finally be a sustainable long-term solution for the team in Arizona. It’s prime land located in the largest eastern suburb of Phoenix, in an area where most of the Coyotes fan base is located.
However, as Welch notes, this arena proposal could be subject to the same processes, including a public vote, that failed to approve the team’s proposal for an arena and entertainment district in Tempe. It’s a high-risk investment that would almost certainly require immediate relocation of the team if it falls through given the struggles up to this point.
The Fiesta Mall, once the largest and busiest shopping center in Mesa, has been completely vacant since 2019. The land’s current owners submitted paperwork to move forward with demolishing the mall in March.
Any proposal for an arena will have to be completed and submitted quickly. The already financially struggling team has no long-term security, and the off-ice struggles will continue to hinder the team’s ability to attract talent and ice a competitive team until the arena situation is resolved.
While the 2023-24 home is secured, set to play another season at Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena, relocation remains a looming option past that if an approved proposal doesn’t materialize soon.
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