Throughout Tuesday, the city of Tempe, Arizona held their city-wide vote. This regarded a potential new arena in the city proposed by the Arizona Coyotes in their search for a long-term home for the club. Late Tuesday night, the unveiling of results in the vote displayed a 56-44 vote against the proposed arena deal. This is placing the Arizona Coyotes organization in extreme danger of relocation.
Here are the current voting results from Arizona, with the prospective Coyotes rink proposals being defeated pic.twitter.com/2edSmQxBzO
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 17, 2023
Both the Coyotes CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez and Commissioner Gary Bettman released statements shortly after the conclusion of nearly all votes in the city.
“We are very disappointed 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. The Coyotes wish to thank everyone who supported our efforts and voted yes.”
Full statement here:…
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) May 17, 2023
Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman regarding the results of the arena vote in Tempe, Arizona. pic.twitter.com/MVL3AUWP7R
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 17, 2023
Coyotes Face Relocation After Arena Deal Rejected
An Arizona Coyotes relocation process could take charge. Tempe’s rejecting referendum leaves the Coyotes franchise set without a permanent operating arena. They are in danger of relocation without a sustainable, projectable future in the state of Arizona. Not only is the future of the franchise now uncertain, but a decision such as this one may change the trajectory of the franchise. Meanwhile, the city is not the only one in Arizona directly involved in affairs with the club. There is still in the process of solving a multi-million dollar lawsuit levied against the city of Phoenix. Once again, the state and team have shown a mutual lack of consistent respect or support. This may ultimately result in the conclusion of the team in Arizona.
While Mullett Arena’s deal with the franchise is set to expire in 2025 at the earliest and 2026 at the latest, the Coyotes, if forced to relocate, will likely relocate before these dates. Major groups in cities such as Houston and Kansas City will certainly act in accordance with the opportunity provided in Tempe’s rejection of a permanent Arizona Coyotes arena. Regardless, these results only instill forgotten tragedy in the morale of Arizona hockey fans, and a devastating effect on the sport’s otherwise growing influence in the state. Even CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez was emotionally unavailable to respond to questions after delivering his statement late Tuesday night, with an appearance of shocked sulk. Ultimately, this vote may be the first shove in a wide-scale relocation.
Main Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
