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GLENDALE -- Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers said Friday that two groups have contacted him about possibly buying the Phoenix Coyotes after potential buyer Greg Jamison failed to meet the January 31 deadline. Weiers will not release the names of the groups and said no offers were made, but that he received credible expressions of interest.

"We have a great opportunity right now that we may end up with a better situation for our city taxpayers and keep the Coyotes here," Weiers said. "That would be the ideal situation for everybody."

Glendale was prepared to agree with Jamison on a lease deal worth $308 million that would have kept the Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena for the next 20 years. That deal is now off the table, and the next buyer will not get the same offer because Weiers doesn't believe the new city council has the will to further deals that were made by previous leaders.

The mayor has assured NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman that he wants the Coyotes to stay but not on the city's dime.

"Not on our taxpayers back and not at the risk of losing public safety," said Weiers. "When someone calls 911 they don't want a Zamboni to show up. They want a fire truck or a police car to show up."

Jim Cross, Reporter

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  • Abuse
    3e11even wrote...
    As a Glendale Resident
    I say: Let's Go COYOTES! OW OW OOOOOOWWWWW!
  • Abuse
    ex-distancerunner wrote...
    It dosen't matter unless
    The new owners number 1 mission is to get more people in the seats. This is not just a Glendale priority but a PHOENIX priority... Take pride in your city and support the teams, support the symphany oechestra, the arts museum..If in one category, the rest of the world laughs at Phoenix..that ought to make us all mad. The drive ain't all that bad..put on a Beatles tape and enjoy the ride..I gotta season, hope to next year and know next to nothing about the sport..I AM FROM PHOENIX!..dammit.
  • Abuse
    Lee A. wrote...
    Agree...
    ... with ex-distancerunner and frankly, I am tired of hearing all the complaints about the long drive to Jobing.com from the east valley. None of us had any control over where the arena ended up and while we may not like the location of the arena, if you really want this team here and you truly support it, get over the fact that they're in the west valley, quit complaining and make the effort to attend! Otherwise, say bye-bye to the Coyotes.
  • Abuse
    Yotesfan wrote...
    It'll never happen but...
    Would be nice if potential buyers negotiated with Phoenix, and had a plan to remodel United Airways Center and move the Yotes back to Phoenix where they belong. I think at this point the City of Glendale has used up their mulligans, they've had every chance to make it happen, but just cannot support the team like Phoenix could.
  • Abuse
    enforcer wrote...
    Wrong
    This guy is either delusional or lying. The Coyotes will not remain in Arizona. I don't think any potential buyers are lining up to either buy a hockey team for $30 million more than its value or deal with the clowns of the glendale city council. I hope this new mayor will help out when it's time to board up the vacant businesses at westgate.
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