After a slight delay and much speculation, the Arizona Coyotes have let known their intention to build a new arena that would become their permanent home in Tempe.
The hockey team has officially submitted a response to a Request for Proposals sent out earlier this year by the City of Tempe for two parcels of land measuring around 46 acres that could end up seeing the construction of both a new hockey arena as well as a surrounding entertainment district.
Until now, the Coyotes have played in the Gila River Arena. But late last month, the City of Glendale announced that it would not renew a lease with the team after the current season comes to an end next year.
The exact plans for the Tempe site have not been released. In a statement, a Coyotes spokesperson said the team was “pleased to have submitted a proposal to the City of Tempe.”
The statement added: “As regulations surrounding the RFP process dictate, we cannot comment any further at this point, but we remain incredibly excited about this extraordinary opportunity.”
The site in question is located at the intersection of Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway.
Earlier reports have indicated that besides the construction of a new arena, some 200,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space could comprise the entertainment district, along with the building of up to 1,000 residential units.
It is not known exactly how much it would cost to build both the arena and entertainment district, although a preliminary report looking at the project suggested as much as $70 million.
The City of Tempe is expected to launch an extensive evaluation process regarding the Coyotes’ bid that could take several months will include public input.
By Garry Boulard
