As the Arizona Coyotes’ future hangs in the air, recent events continue to shock hockey fans worldwide. In May 2023, voters rejected the NHL franchise’s ambitious plans for a top-tier entertainment district in Tempe. The team is now forced to play home games continuously at Mullet Arena, which houses just 5,000 fans.
However, amid this uncertainty, whispers of possible relocation to Salt Lake City have been going on. ESPN reports show that the NHL is quietly making this contingency plan, positioning the team for a potential move as early as the following season. Additionally, owner Ryan Smith, who also owns the Utah Jazz, seeks suggestions for a new team identity.
Will the Arizona Coyotes Move to a New Home?
Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, are set to purchase the team. With the bold move, all eyes are on Utah, with anticipation for its newest sports franchise. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman notes the Smith’s arrival, confirming their dedication to hosting the game in Utah.
He also thanked them for working with the league to settle the tricky situation remarkably and beneficially. Amidst the buzz, Bettman reaffirms the league’s belief in Arizona. While bidding goodbye to owner Alex Meruelo’s tenure, he noted that they still support his ongoing efforts to secure a new home for the Coyotes.
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Bettman also thanked the faithful Arizona hockey fans, who have supported their team with loyalty for almost 30 years while growing the team.
NHL’s Dual Drafts and a Countdown to Change
Notably, behind the scenes, the NHL is crafting two schedules for the upcoming season, preparing for either case: the Coyotes holding steady in Arizona or playing under a new name in Utah. Although late June typically marks the unveiling of the season’s schedule, anticipation builds as fans await the league’s decision.
When questioned about the schedule and the possible contingency plans, Bettman said only, “We still have some time.” Notably, given this huge transaction, the Coyotes franchise remains dormant but not forgotten.
Owner Alex Meruelo, eyeing the future, reserves the right to reactivate the Coyotes’ franchise within five years. Moreover, his vision also includes a best-in-class arena and entertainment district.
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If a sale to Smith happens soon, it would come after months of speculation when he announced in January his interest in having an NHL club and his ability to make it happen immediately. At the time, Smith’s group asked for the initiation of an expansion process, something multiple groups in Atlanta are also eager for.
Why Did the Coyotes Change from Phoenix to Arizona?
The Coyotes have been called the Phoenix area for almost three decades, tracing their roots back to the Winnipeg Jets’ relocation to Arizona in 1996. Initially called the Phoenix Coyotes, a name change to the Arizona Coyotes in 2014 showed the team’s broader statewide appeal.
As mentioned earlier, recent years have seen a departure from familiar grounds, topping off the team’s residency at Mullet Arena. Notably, the Mullet Arena is a modest 5,000-seat venue on the Arizona State campus. The Arena became a location for their home games after the termination of their lease at Gila River Arena.
The current arrangement at Mullet Arena only offers a temporary space, with provisions in place until the 2026-27 season. As the franchise charts a new course, all signs point to the Delta Center, home to the Utah Jazz, as the future ground for Coyotes hockey.
The Smith Group’s Vision for the Coyotes
According to Smith, the group wants to use its Arena to create the best dual-sport experience. Moreover, Smith says the group is looking to keep people as close as possible or as vertical as possible to watch both games. He says, “It’s super fun and challenging, but we’re going to do it.”
Furthermore, Smith plans to construct more rinks, making the game easy for people of all ages. Former NHL player Ken Sabourin, who played in the minors for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the International Hockey League, raves about the city but believes success depends on how the team plays.
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