Coyotes Eyeing Phoenix-Area Arena Despite Relocation Rumblings

The Arizona Coyotes remain focused on Phoenix’s East Valley as the location for its desired new arena — but this time, they want to pursue it without a public referendum.

Less than six weeks after a stinging ballot box defeat in Tempe, Coyotes president/CEO Xavier Gutierrez said the team has “turned the page” and is now primarily focused on six different site possibilities with an aim toward solidifying a new option by early 2024.

“We’ve reengaged with multiple sites that we had talked to beforehand, and we feel quite confident that one of these many sites that we’ve put into play will come to fruition in the timeline that we’ve mentioned,” said Gutierrez, speaking to reporters at the NHL Draft.

What is clear, though, is that the Coyotes have no intention of pursuing a similar referendum approval as the rejected one in Tempe.

“What we’re looking at is opportunities where we wouldn’t face that type of public vote,” Gutierrez said. “Our goal is to try to get to a straight line and have a resolution as quickly as possible.”

The defeated proposal involved a $2.1 billion sports and entertainment district centered on a 16,000-seat arena. For now, the team remains at Arizona State University’s 5,000-seat Mullett Arena.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has also repeatedly supported a Coyotes stay in Arizona.