The Arizona Coyotes‘ hopes of getting a new arena in Phoenix remained alive on Thursday.
The Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals unanimously approved the $68.5-million appraisal for a portion of land in Phoenix, where the Coyotes hope to build an arena.
That means the Land Department can sell the land at auction. But the date for auction must be advertised for 10 weeks.
The Arizona Republic reports the Coyotes likely will face competition for the site.
Since being kicked out of Gila River Arena after the 2021-22 season, the Coyotes have shared the 4,600-capacity Mullett Arena on the grounds of Arizona State University.
However, speculation has been rampant about the future of the team in Arizona ever since a vote to approve a new arena in Tempe was voted down by residents in 2022. In addition, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh have both recently turned up the heat in comments decrying the status of a new arena.
It typically takes three to five years for NHL teams to have an arena constructed, from approval through use.
Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith has expressed interest in bringing NHL hockey to Salt Lake City, which has led to rumours about a potential Coyotes move.
Two Atlanta area groups also have recently expressed interest in a team.
The city council has officially approved the auction of the desired arena location for the Coyotes, marking a significant step forward in the team’s efforts to secure a new home. The decision comes after months of negotiations and discussions between the team’s ownership group and city officials.
The Coyotes have been searching for a new arena location for several years, as their current home at Gila River Arena has become outdated and no longer meets the team’s needs. The team’s ownership group has been working tirelessly to find a suitable location that will allow the Coyotes to remain competitive in the NHL and provide fans with a top-notch game day experience.
The approval of the auction of the desired arena location is a major win for the Coyotes, as it paves the way for the team to move forward with their plans to build a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as their new home. The auction process will allow interested parties to bid on the location, with the highest bidder ultimately winning the rights to develop the arena.
City officials have expressed their support for the Coyotes’ efforts to secure a new arena location, citing the economic benefits that a new facility will bring to the area. The construction of a new arena is expected to create jobs, boost local businesses, and attract visitors to the city, all of which will have a positive impact on the community.
The Coyotes are hopeful that the auction process will attract strong interest from developers and investors who share their vision for a new arena. The team is committed to working closely with the winning bidder to ensure that the new facility meets their needs and provides fans with an unforgettable game day experience.
Overall, the approval of the auction of the desired arena location is a major milestone for the Coyotes and represents a significant step forward in their quest for a new home. With the support of city officials and the community, the team is confident that they will soon be playing in a world-class facility that will help them compete at the highest level in the NHL.