Coyotes' Failed Arena Bid has led to Embarrassing Situation for Tempe

A failed bid for a new home for the Arizona Coyotes may not be something to celebrate for the City of Tempe. In Spring of this year, the owner of the Arizona Coyotes and a development group lost a public vote that would have seen a former garbage dump turned into land for an entertainment district and a hockey arena. Many residents celebrated the 'no' side winning at the time. The latest update may have them regretting that stance, though.

The 'No' side, fueled by a group called Tempe 1st, won the plebiscite. Opposition to the arena bid implied better uses for the land, including parks, low-income housing, and more community involvement in plans. However, after three months, an update from PHNK Coyotes shows absolutely nothing has been done with the property. There have been no proposals for development of any kind on the property. The Coyotes group planned to start work right away on properly disposing or repairing contaminated soils. The City told PHNX Coyotes that preliminary talks meant to get things rolling for that haven't even started yet.


Love them or hate them, there was benefit for Tempe in the development bid that included Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo. There were clear plans to make the land habitable again, while also providing economic benefit from private investment. Now, it sits empty, still waiting to be made safe for humans.


The Arizona Coyotes remain at the 3000 to 5000 seat arena used by the Arizona State Sun Devils. ESPN is reporting that Meruelo has signed a letter of intent to purchase a parcel of land in the City of Mesa for a new arena.