It’s a really sad day if you’re an Arizona Coyotes fan.
Tempe voters said no to a proposal for a new arena development on Tuesday, per the Arizona Republic: “Tuesday’s unofficial tally shows similar trends among the three ballot items ― Propositions 301, 302 and 303 — all of which needed to receive a majority of ‘yes’ votes in order for the Coyotes project to move forward. Each one was losing by a 56% to 44% margin, with the exception of Prop. 303, which was losing 57% to 43%.”
It could mean the future of the Coyotes — who spent last season playing in 5,000-seat Mullet Arena, Arizona State’s home — is very much up in the air.
Where could the Coyotes go if this means the end of professional hockey in the state? Fans had some ideas:
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
The @ArizonaCoyotes: "What is next for the franchise will be evaluated by our owners and NHL over the coming weeks."
NHL: "We are going to review with the Coyotes what the options might be going forward."
Not a lot of 'rah-rah, the fight isn't over on a new AZ arena!" there.
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) May 17, 2023
Update: Worth noting!
Slow that @ArizonaCoyotes relocation talk down for now.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly tells ESPN: "I don’t envision a scenario in which the Coyotes are not playing in Mullett Arena next season."
Coyotes have confirmed. Story soon.
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) May 17, 2023
UPDATE NO. 2: They’re staying next season.
JUST IN: @ArizonaCoyotes confirm they will play at Mullett Arena next season
— FOX 10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) May 17, 2023
Order "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" today!
1
Houston
I have to imagine that there’s a backup plan for Coyotes to remain in Arizona, but if you’re ranking next cities Houston has to be at the top of list given market size (largest untapped US market) and prospect of online sportsbook licenses for Texas pro sports teams by 2025.
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) May 17, 2023
Get used to hearing "Houston Coyotes"? https://t.co/Cmw7IgYyo5
— 506 Sports (@506sports) May 17, 2023
2
Kansas City
hmm I wonder what sports-crazed city has a great downtown arena the Coyotes could immediately occupy 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hbf30lKDXU
— TOM MARTIN (@LetItFlyTom) May 17, 2023
Kansas City Coyotes. Let’s do this @QuintonLucasKC https://t.co/iy8AT7wj73
— Andrew Carter (@LetItFlyAndrew) May 17, 2023
3
Atlanta
Despite the fact that the Thrashers left there years ago …
The Atlanta Coyotes has a nice ring to it
The @NotThrashers might be back 👀 pic.twitter.com/0VAnMlZ3a7
— Corey -C- Staniscia (@SportsLobbyist) May 17, 2023
Nice work by the voters of Tempe here. These tax breaks for billionaire owners are always stupid. Where do the Coyotes end up moving to? Atlanta? Houston? Quebec City? https://t.co/3UDPlIgROd
— Ayaz (@sahyder1) May 17, 2023
There's no way the Coyotes will recover from this. All eyes are on Houston & Atlanta now. https://t.co/2F3R8qSpL9
— NHL to Atlanta (@NHLtoAtlanta) May 17, 2023
4
Quebec City
Attendance of the Quebec City Remparts’ last four home games:
18259
18259
17911
17416Attendance of the Arizona Coyotes last 4 home games:
4600
4600
4600
4600🤔
— Run it back forever™️ (@tmlfaninvan) May 17, 2023
This doesn’t sound good. Feel for Coyotes fans who could legitimately lose their team. If they do relocate, Québec City deserves another team. Kansas City or Wisconsin are the other places I think would be great hockey towns. https://t.co/QKATKI1v6S
— Dave Seperson (@DaveSeperson) May 17, 2023
The NHL should move the Coyotes to Quebec, and find good ownership for the Nordiques. Fair is fair and that market loved their team.
— Lowetide (@Lowetide) May 17, 2023
5
Milwaukee
So where are the Coyotes moving to? Houston? Kansas City? Portland? Milwaukee?
— BB (@HockeyByDaBay) May 17, 2023
Milwaukee Coyotes 🔜 https://t.co/M5GOiYkIVX
— Max (@MadMaxMKE) May 17, 2023
