Scottsdale, Ariz. – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman believes an upcoming vote to build a new arena could put an end to years of rumors of the Arizona Coyotes relocating.
“Once this project starts, this team will not go anywhere else,” he said Thursday. It will be anchored here forever.”
Bettman traveled to Arizona to express his support for the Tempe Sports and Entertainment District project, which would include a new amphitheater for the Coyotes.
The Coyotes have three years left to finalize their agreement with Arizona State University to use Mullett Arena, and they’ve formed a partnership with the city of Tempe in hopes the entertainment district project will bear fruit.
That project will go to a referendum next month, but it was stalled when the city of Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport filed a lawsuit demanding that the entertainment district would not include residential projects because they would be in the flight path of planes – which could potentially lead to noise complaints.
The Coyotes and owner Alex Meruelo filed a $2.3 billion countersuit against the city of Phoenix for alleged breach of contract.
“This development will strengthen the community,” Bettman said. It will create jobs. It will reinforce the already remarkable identity of a city like Tempe. That’s what the coyotes need. To be honest, I still don’t understand why people are worried (about this project).”
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