The Arizona Coyotes aren’t leaving the desert…yet.
Despite losing their referendum in the arena by Tempe voters on Tuesday night, the Coyotes confirmed Daily face-to-face Wednesday morning that he will stay at the 4,600-seat Mullett Arena on the Arizona State University campus for the 2023-24 season.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski was the first to break the news of the Coyotes staying in Arizona for the short term, though he also indicated the club has yet to formulate a long-term plan to stay in Phoenix or around the world. around.
The Coyotes have a permanent three-year deal with Arizona State University to play at Mullett Arena, with an option for a fourth season. The deal went into effect during the 2022-23 season, which saw the Coyotes sell all of their 41 home games at the facility.
Mullett Arena was built to house the Arizona State Sun Devils men’s ice hockey program, which competes in NCAA Division I competition. Captained by Coyotes prospect Josh Doan, the Sun Devils also moved into Mullett Arena in time for the 2022-23 season.
The Coyotes had sought to build a $2.1 billion arena and entertainment district in Tempe, but those plans were rejected by more than 56% of voters in Tuesday’s referendum. The team previously played at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale from 2003 to 2022.
Prior to that, the Coyotes shared what is now known as the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix with the Phoenix Suns. This arena has since been renovated to remove its ability to host a hockey team.
Coyotes President Xavier Gutierrez spoke to the media in Tempe on Tuesday night, saying the club will assess what happens alongside the National Hockey League « in the coming weeks. » Neither Gutierrez nor the NHL publicly committed Tuesday to the team remaining in Arizona.
Speculation has already swirled about potential relocation markets, such as Salt Lake City or Atlanta, if the Coyotes are unable to secure relief in the Valley. But, at the very least, they will stay in Tempe next year.
