Coyotes again at a crossroads after arena plans voted down by Tempe residents

The Arizona Coyotes' bid for a new arena appears to be dead.

In the first release of results from Tuesday's referendum, voters in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe were strongly against three propositions to build a $2.3-billion entertainment district that would include a new arena for the Coyotes.

Opposition to the three propositions had a double-digit lead over those in favour, with only ballots dropped off Tuesday left to count.

"The National Hockey League is terribly disappointed by the results of the public referendum regarding the Coyotes' arena project in Tempe," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We are going to review with the Coyotes what the options might be going forward."

The vote took place after the city of Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport expressed concerns about residences that were part of the project in a high-noise area under the airport's flight path.

The Coyotes had hoped a new arena in Tempe would finally allow the franchise to settle down after perennially losing money and playing in three different venues since moving to Arizona. Their current home is at Arizona State's Mullett Arena in Tempe, which at a capacity of 5,000 is by far the smallest home arena in the NHL.

Now it appears the franchise has to search for a new home — again.

This is a victory by Tempe for Tempe. This win goes to show that Tempe residents love our community, we know what’s best for it and we must be part of every conversation when it comes to our land, our tax dollars, and what we value as our city grows.

"We are very disappointed Tempe voters did not approve Propositions 301, 302 and 303," the Coyotes said. "As Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said, it was the best sports deal in Arizona history. The Coyotes wish to thank