from Sportsnet,
Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo is interested in purchasing land for a new arena in Mesa, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports reports.
Gambadoro says Meruelo has submitted a letter of intent to buy 41 acres.
The report says the Coyotes also are looking at other sites, including Phoenix and Scottsdale, and that the target date for a new arena is the start of the 2026-27 season.
The Coyotes are looking for an NHL-sized arena after they lost a vote in spring to build a new facility in Tempe.
The Coyotes had hoped a new arena in Tempe would finally allow the franchise to settle down after playing in three different venues since moving to Arizona.
The team shared a downtown Phoenix arena with the NBA's Phoenix Suns after relocating from Winnipeg in 1996, then moved to Glendale's Gila River Arena in 2003. But the Coyotes had a troubled tenure in the Phoenix suburb.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA --- The Arizona Coyotes issued the following statement today.
"We can confirm that Coyotes Owner, Chairman & Governor Alex Meruelo has executed a Letter of Intent to purchase a parcel of land located in Mesa, Arizona to be the potential site for a sports arena and entertainment district for the Club. The Coyotes remain committed to building the first privately funded sports facility in Arizona history and ensuring the Valley as the Club's permanent home. In addition to this property in Mesa, the Club will continue to explore other potential sites in the East Valley.
"We appreciate the tremendous support that we have received from many communities, elected officials, and community leaders who have expressed their desire to see the Coyotes remain in the Valley permanently. We would also like to thank NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly for their steadfast support of the Club's efforts to find a permanent arena solution, and for their recognition that Arizona is a tremendous hockey market.
"Our incredibly loyal and passionate fan base is extremely excited about our team and the incredible additions we've made this summer including Matt Dumba, Jason Zucker, Alex Kerfoot, Nick Bjugstad, Troy Stecher, Sean Durzi and the top prospect in the world, Logan Cooley. In order to ensure that our fans and fans in waiting can experience "Mullet Magic" and the most exciting environment in the NHL, the Coyotes are very pleased to make available a very limited number of single-game tickets starting this Friday, August 11.
"We will have no further comment at this time."
Is 41 acres enough for a NHL-sized arena (natch) and parking? Seems like a small lot to me. Great to hear that it would all be privately funded.
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