Coyotes to share ASU’s new multi-purpose arena beginning next season
Feb 10, 2022, 2:32 PM | Updated: 2:37 pm
(ASU's multi-purpose arena rendering)
(ASU's multi-purpose arena rendering)
The Arizona Coyotes and Arizona State University have come to an agreement that allows the NHL team to play at the Sun Devils’ new multi-purpose arena starting next season.
All of the Coyotes’ home games from 2022-23 through 2024-25 will take place in Tempe, with an additional option for 2025-26, while Arizona awaits the approval and construction of a proposed stadium along the south side of Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe.
The agreement for the temporary use of ASU’s arena was approved by the Arizona Board of Regents on Thursday.
“We are thrilled that we have arranged to play our home games in Arizona State University’s new multi-purpose arena starting next season,” Coyotes president and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez said in a press release. “This will be an incredible, intimate and exciting fan experience in a state-of-the-art new arena in a fantastic location in the heart of Tempe.
“We are very grateful to (Dr. Michael Crow), the ASU Administration, ASU Athletic Department and the Arizona Board of Regents for agreeing to provide us with this temporary arena solution for our team as we continue our efforts to secure a long-term home for the Coyotes in the Valley.”
The 5,000-seat arena is scheduled to be completed early this fall.
Additionally, Arizona is negotiating with Ice Den Scottsdale to make the complex the Coyotes’ full-time practice facility.
The Coyotes will also be moving their corporate offices to the East Valley.
“The National Hockey League thanks Arizona State University for its support of the Coyotes during this transition period and for what will be just its latest major commitment to growing our game in the Valley,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in the release.
“Having made the full-time transition to Division I just seven years ago, ASU hockey already has an NCAA Tournament appearance to its credit and now is moving into a new, state-of-the-art facility. Hockey is thriving in Tempe, and we are delighted that the Coyotes’ passionate fans will get to experience ASU’s on-campus energy while the club’s new arena is being built.”
The Coyotes have played the last 19 seasons at Gila River Arena in Glendale.
However, the city of Glendale and Gila River Arena manager ASM Global told the Coyotes last year that the team must leave the venue when the fiscal year ends on June 30.
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