Talks are underway regarding the possible creation of a large entertainment district that could include a new arena for the Arizona Coyotes hockey team in Tempe.
City officials have long wanted to develop a 46-acre site near the banks of the Salt River at the intersection of Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway.
That property, currently used as a solid waste compost yard, could be turned into a large walkable space with up to 200,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, as well as a large shaded plaza, surrounding the new hockey stadium.
The project could also see the construction of some 1,000 residential units.
A preliminary report looking at the project has suggested that the Coyotes would need around $70 million for the project, which will also include the cost of relocating the compost yard.
The team presently plays at in the Gila River Arena in Glendale, but has announced that it will not renew its operating agreement with the City of Glendale at the end of the 2021-2022 season.
In originally issuing a request for proposals regarding the project, the City of Tempe said it had “determined that the 46 acres of land is underutilized,” and was simply looking for ideas on how to develop the site.
The deadline for the RFP is September 2.
According to sources, if the RFP Coyotes’ submission is accepted by Tempe, work on the new big stadium and entertainment district would most likely not start until the summer of 2024.
By Garry Boulard
