The Arizona State Land Department has dealt a major blow to the Arizona Coyotes’ hope of reactivating their NHL franchise by canceling a land auction that was crucial for their future plans. The auction, originally scheduled for Thursday, was a key element in the team’s strategy to secure a new state-of-the-art facility in north Phoenix within the next few years. The Coyotes’ owner, Alex Meruelo, had been banking on this auction to pave the way for the team’s return to the NHL.
The cancellation of the land auction has left the Coyotes in a precarious position, with their future in the desert region now hanging in the balance. The Arizona State Land Department’s decision to require a Special Use Permit for the construction of an NHL-sized arena on the designated land has thrown a wrench in the team’s plans. The Coyotes had believed that the land was already zoned for an indoor hockey arena, but it seems that the scope of the project exceeded the existing permits.
The Coyotes have expressed their dissatisfaction with the ASLD’s decision, condemning it as shortsighted and potentially damaging to the future of NHL hockey in Arizona. The team had invested significant time and resources in preparing for the auction, only to have it canceled at the last minute. This turn of events not only jeopardizes the Coyotes’ plans for a new arena but also has financial implications for the state, which stands to lose out on significant revenue that could have benefited K-12 education.
The cancellation of the land auction has sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters, with Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega calling into question the zoning entitlement of the land prior to the auction. The Mayor’s remarks suggest that there may have been doubts about the viability of the Coyotes’ proposed project from the outset. This latest development has reignited concerns about the team’s long-term prospects in Arizona and raised doubts about the feasibility of their plans for a new facility.
Uncertain Future
As the Coyotes regroup and consider their next steps, the future of NHL hockey in the desert region remains uncertain. The team’s legal options are being explored in light of the ASLD’s decision, but the road ahead looks challenging. With the land auction canceled and the construction of a new arena in limbo, the Coyotes face an uphill battle to secure their place in the NHL once again. Only time will tell whether they can overcome this setback and realize their dream of bringing top-level hockey back to Arizona.
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