Submission: Tempe Recreational District
Residents of Tempe, Arizona, went to the polls on Tuesday to vote on Tempe Recreation District The referendum, which included the right of the Arizona Coyotes to build a new arena within the proposed area. Unfortunately for the Coyotes and the NHL, Tempe voters flatly rejected the referendum, 57% to 43%.
“We are very disappointed that Tempe voters did not approve Propositions 301, 302, and 303. As Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said, it was the best sports deal in Arizona history,” Coyotes President and CEO Xavier A.Gutierrez said Tuesday night.
video @tweetCEO Xavier Gutierrez admits defeat. pic.twitter.com/DOGaWoG5uR
– brahmresnik (@brahmresnik) May 17, 2023
The Wolves would like to thank everyone who supported our effort and voted yes. Many community leaders have stepped up and become our advocates and for that we are truly grateful. We also want to thank the countless volunteers who have worked so hard to try to make the Tempe Recreation Area a reality and the Tempe City Council for their support as well. “While we wanted a different outcome, we remain grateful to all those who volunteered their time and talent. What’s next for the franchise will be assessed by our owners and the NHL over the coming weeks.” Gutierrez added.
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– Clayton Keller (@ClaytonKeller37) May 17, 2023
In a statement, NHL Commissioner Gary Pittman said the league was “deeply disappointed by public referenda regarding the Coyotes Arena project in Tempe.”
The $2.1 billion project would have created a 16,000-seat arena and practice arena, 300,000 square feet of high-end retail, 1,600 apartments, two hotels, and a theater.
The Coyotes played their first season in Arizona’s 5,000-seat Mullett Arena, the smallest arena in the NHL. The Coyotes and ASU have a deal for the pro team to play two more years in the arena with an option for 2025-26.
the The coyote was looking for a permanent home Since the City of Glendale pulled out of a multi-million dollar lease on the Gila River Arena. Arizona was playing on an annual lease until Glendale said it would not be renewed for the 2022-23 season.
Wolf began playing in-state in the 1996-1997 season after moving from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Coyotes have faced financial difficulties for decades, including a bankruptcy filing by the previous owners in 2009. After the NHL dominated the franchise for several years, the hedge fund manager Andrew Barway bought a controlling stake in 2014.
Billionaire Alex Meruelo bought a controlling interest in 2019 and became the sole owner in 2023 when Barroway was banned indefinitely from the league after being charged with felony chokehold and assault in Aspen, Colorado.