Coyotes identify six potential locations for new arena in Phoenix area

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The Arizona Coyotes say they have identified a half-dozen potential sites to construct a privately funded arena and entertainment district to revive what might be the franchise’s last opportunity to stay in the Phoenix area.

Speaking before the start of the NHL draft, president and CEO Xavier Gutierrez said each of the sites are located in the east valley in the 101 Highway corridor that covers the cities of Scottsdale, Phoenix and Mesa. Just as important, he said each of the locations would be available to be purchased, which would negate the need for a public referendum, which scuttled the Coyotes plans to build a similar complex in Tempe last month.

"We still want to put our money where our mouth is and build something that’ll be best in class," said Gutierrez, whose team is prepared to play its second season at a 5,000-seat college rink on Arizona State’s campus.

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Oct 20, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of an Arizona Coyotes logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the third period at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports)

"To all the fans, we are committed to making this happen," he added. "We were disappointed with the vote in Tempe, but we turned the page very quickly."

The Coyotes ever-unstable future in Arizona took another hit after voters overwhelmingly voted "no" to the proposed $2.3 billion Tempe Entertainment District. The referendum was required because the project was to be built on public land.

Gutierrez said many of the sites were identified were previously considered but passed over, believing the Tempe location would be approved. He added,