The Coyotes’ proposed plans for to build an arena in Tempe, Ariz. as part of a new entertainment district in the area were voted down on Tuesday night. The project would have cost around $2.1 billion had it been approved, including $1.9 billion in private funding.
With Arizona’s hockey team facing an uncertain future, the organization said that it will still continue with its plan to play in Tempe next season.
Team president and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez told ESPN on Wednesday that the team intends to play next season at Mullett Arena, an arena on the campus of Arizona State University. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was among those who were displeased that the stadium construction wasn’t approved.
"The NHL is terribly disappointed by the results of the public referenda regarding the Coyotes' arena project in Tempe," Bettman said in a statement.
The decision comes amid rumors of a possible relocation of the franchise, which has been in the state since 1996. Cities such as Houston and Salt Lake City were floated as potential homes for the Coyotes if they left Tempe.
“I don’t envision a scenario in which the Coyotes are not playing in Mullett Arena next season,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said.
In their plans for a new stadium, the Coyotes hoped to construct a 16,000 seat arena in Tempe, however voters opted against approving the propositions.
While relocation remains an option down the line for the franchise, this coming seen is set to be played at Mullett Arena, which seats 4,600 fans.
