With 110 acres of state-owned land now up for auction in Phoenix, Arizona Coyotes have announced their intention to secure the site and develop it into a groundbreaking sports, lifestyle and entertainment district.
With the hopes of marking a significant milestone for Arizona as the first privately funded sports arena and entertainment district, Arizona Coyotes have entered the bidding war for 110 acres of state-owned land that is now up for auction. The land is located on the northwest corner of Scottsdale Road and Loop 101, near the Phoenix-Scottsdale border. This development would not rely on taxpayer funding and would establish a state-of-the-art sports arena and entertainment hub that will serve as the long-term home for the Arizona Coyotes.
“My family and I are committed to winning this land auction and building a transformative entertainment district that will not require taxpayer funding for the first time in Arizona history,” says Arizona Coyotes Chairman and Governor Alex Meruelo, in a press release. “We will buy this land, build this development and finish a project that will incur the cost of more than $100 million in infrastructure improvements with no burden placed on taxpayers.”
This ambitious project will not only redefine the local entertainment landscape in Phoenix but also contribute to public education funding across Arizona through the auction proceeds. Additionally, the Arizona Coyotes commit to investing over $100 million in infrastructure improvements, opening up thousands of acres of surrounding land for potential future development.
The new Arizona Coyotes arena is slated to feature 17,000 fixed seats for NHL games and an additional 1,500 temporary seats that can be added for non-hockey events. The proposed site will also house a practice facility and headquarters, a live music theater for 3,000 concertgoers and a multi-purpose watch-party plaza equipped with oversized screens.
Moreover, the development encompasses luxury residences, office spaces, retail outlets, dining options and recreational facilities, all strategically positioned for easy access along the Phoenix-Scottsdale border.
“We are thrilled by the prospects of building this historic development for Arizona Coyotes fans and fans in waiting,” says Coyotes President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez, in a press release. “This is more than just an arena project – it is a best-in-class urban redevelopment project that would transform a perfectly located parcel of land into an Arizona landmark and create a vibrant neighborhood for individuals to live, work and play.”
Anticipated to generate significant economic activity, the arena proposal will create thousands of jobs and billions in new spending over the next three decades. The project also promises substantial tax revenues for the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County, further underscoring its potential impact on the city’s economy.
“Arizona is our home and an incredible market where the Coyotes belong. This district would provide a beautiful home for the Arizona Coyotes for decades to come. Our loyal fans deserve this vibrant gathering place that would serve as a landmark to create lifelong memories,” says Meruelo, in a press release.
For more information, visit www.nhl.com.