Arizona Coyotes may be on the move

[R.J]

To the East Valley that is.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat-index/2016/03/05/boivin-coyotes-tempe-asu-deal-negotiations-arena-leblanc/81391544/

Personally I'd rather see the Coyotes, Suns and ASU come together, because if they occurs - along with the Suns potentially getting a new arena; the Phoenix metro area could have up to 4 NHL sized arenas.

[R.J]

Sounds like we could get confirmation in Apirl.
http://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/arizona-coyotes-set-to-announce-new-arena-plans-in-april-tempe-scottsdale-most-likely

If I were the Coyotes and ASU; I'd build it in Scottsdale, between E Mckellips Rd, N McClintock Dr, Pima and Red Mountain Freeways (101 and 202). Not far off from campus and lots of land to develop mixed use buildings. https://www.google.ca/maps/@33.4426023,-111.8978908,2656m/data=!3m1!1e3

[Mightygoose]

Call me skeptical, I find it ironic that 3 years ago the suvival of the team was 100% on the back of Glendale.

Two years later, council finds a legal way to break the lease, the team with no leverage accepting a 2 year deal with the right for the city to choose a new arena manager after 1. Now all of tglhe the sudden, there are 2-3 possible locations for a new arena?

The team says they will have something to announce by the end of the season and I wouldn't be surprised if one is made....to Vegas

[Mightygoose]

April has come and gone and no arena announcement to date. Only real news if you want to call it that, is more of the Coyotes ad Glendale taking shots at each other through the media.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/coyotes-every-intention-leaving-glendale-2017/

During the presser with the new GM, the team now says, they will be shocked if there is no major announcement before the draft on June 24. Clock is ticking!

[R.J]

^ Yup and Glendale ain't to happy with the City of Phoenix either.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2016/05/12/glendale-phoenix-mayors-spar-over-arizona-coyotes-future-arena-location/84190574/

The Mayor of Phoenix wants a new joint arena in Downtown Phoenix. If there's enough public money involved (which I'm not crazy about) and the Suns Owner can be content with sharing the arena - I think it'll happen. IMO it's the way to go - having three pro arenas in one region (if Coyotes build there own wit ASU) is not something I'm overly fond of. One arena with 82 guaranteed dates + plus concerts/events makes the most sense; as opposed to multiple arena fighting for events and everyone losing.

[Mightygoose]

The biggest issue with downtown is the Suns don't seem to be willing to partner with the Coyotes 50/50

http://arizonasports.com/story/637440/robert-sarver-suns-arena-plans-do-not-include-coyotes/

Their lease runs for another 6 years before there's an opt out for a new building (they can kick-start the discussion in 2019). The Suns control the revenue streams from their current building. Not much of an incentive to end that contract early just to start sharing the revenues with the competition.

[R.J]

The biggest issue with downtown is the Suns don't seem to be willing to partner with the Coyotes 50/50

http://arizonasports.com/story/637440/robert-sarver-suns-arena-plans-do-not-include-coyotes/

Their lease runs for another 6 years before there's an opt out for a new building (they can kick-start the discussion in 2019). The Suns control the revenue streams from their current building. Not much of an incentive to end that contract early just to start sharing the revenues with the competition.
Unless the Suns plan on building a new arena with their own money - I think they may have to learn to play nice eventually, but it all depends on what the City is willing to do.

[Mightygoose]

Agreed, the Suns need be given an incentive to share the new digs. But yes it comes down to what the city wants (or can) do. Does the mayor have the support of the majority of council. Plus, I understand, any public funds towards a new arena needs to go to a public vote. Having 2 teams is the only way I see to sell it.

Then again, it depends on how much each team contributes and can the Coyotes match the Suns funding dollar for dollar? Yes, I'm still skeptical that it can be pulled off, but these Yotes have may lives!

[R.J]

Agreed, the Suns need be given an incentive to share the new digs. But yes it comes down to what the city wants (or can) do. Does the mayor have the support of the majority of council. Plus, I understand, any public funds towards a new arena needs to go to a public vote. Having 2 teams is the only way I see to sell it.

Then again, it depends on how much each team contributes and can the Coyotes match the Suns funding dollar for dollar? Yes, I'm still skeptical that it can be pulled off, but these Yotes have may lives!
Too many if's for sure, but I agree having two (technically 3 with the Mercury) share a facility should be a much easier sell. I also recall reading that ASU may be interested in playing out of the Downtown arena as well - if true could be another big selling point.

[Mightygoose]

A new non-update as the Team was supposed to announce the arena plans before today's draft.

http://arizonasports.com/story/709720/leblanc-coyotes-have-chosen-site-for-new-arena/

LeBlanc claims, they have chosen an arena site but won't say who. Says 50/50 private/public partnership with at least 50% coming from the Coyotes. If public dollars are involved, that rules out the Salt River Tribe's site as rumoured.

Now says an announcement will come by the end of the summer.

Seems like Coyotes fans are getting strung along further.

[R.J]

Pretty sure it's going to be the old drive-in location.
https://www.google.ca/maps/place/8101+E+McKellips+Rd,+Scottsdale,+AZ+85257,+USA/@33.4491001,-111.9088838,664m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x872b090a4e1ed8d9:0x6e28f f0949c0c149!8m2!3d33.4501347!4d-111.9070816

[Mightygoose]

The thing with that location it's on a property owned by the Salt River Tribe. If they're saying a public private partnership, it would rule out that location since it's not on public lands. Plus who would put up public dollars (or private for that matter) to build a third major indoor arena in the region when there isn't enough acts to go around for 2?

I just don't get why the team is making announcements to make an announcement. Just get it done and over with.

Yes, I've been very skeptical about this new arena but we'll see what the next several weeks have in store.

[Mightygoose]

The latest



John ShannonVerified account ‏<s>@</s>JSportsnet <small class="time">2h2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/JSportsnet/status/795675495794765824) </small>

Hearing the Coyotes are close to announcing site for their proposed new arena. Could happen as early as this week.




Retweets 53
Likes 77
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/487019733439369216/684-Zutj_normal.jpeg (https://twitter.com/ghosthoffa) https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/378800000324415026/773da133bc8cdec8ba0afbbeb0c250b9_normal.png (https://twitter.com/cadedrick) https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/682042321781694465/8pH0lVno_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/GilroyTX) https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/795490525302267904/kVD7Ij5G_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/jamesdpfister) https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/3479954384/e511d049c39893f5b9086d4bc5090b58_normal.jpeg (https://twitter.com/Matt_Federico) https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/761001855144960000/rsZG5EwR_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/JeffreyHanley) https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/640981815696617472/AhWnxjWL_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/jaydublove1914) https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/769962479942307840/6LimeBPW_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/2005WhiteSox05)






Announcing a site is one thing. Having the funding in place.....a different kettle of fish....at least it's less than two weeks...lol

[R.J]

The latest


Announcing a site is one thing. Having the funding in place.....a different kettle of fish....at least it's less than two weeks...lol
I hope for the Coyotes sake that it's not the land near the Scottsdale Pavillions I read about a couple weeks ago. Best situation for the Coyotes to stay in Arizona IMO is to either try and get the City to push the Suns to share a new downtown location, or the old drive-in location in Scottsdale (not far off from ASU).

[Mightygoose]

I hope for the Coyotes sake that it's not the land near the Scottsdale Pavillions I read about a couple weeks ago. Best situation for the Coyotes to stay in Arizona IMO is to either try and get the City to push the Suns to share a new downtown location, or the old drive-in location in Scottsdale (not far off from ASU).

The Scottsdale Pavillion site is out. At least per my contact. The issue is negotiating the revenue split from the arena and having the Coyotes making enough $$$ off it to remain viable. Really the same problem they have in Glendale.

I have a feeling the site they're eyeing is ASU but that has a host of problems right off the back.

We'll see in 'two weeks' lol

[R.J]

http://www.tsn.ca/report-coyotes-to-announce-new-arena-deal-1.607560
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nhl/coyotes/2016/11/14/arizona-coyotes-asu-agree-2-facility-deal-tempe/93784410/
http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/18046991/arizona-coyotes-deal-new-stadium-east-phoenix

Not a bad location IMO.

[Mightygoose]

Location is good. 16K is ideal for this franchise.

The devil is always in the other detail$


The agreement provides for a period ending no later than June 30, 2017 to create the overall budget, design and operational plan for the development. The Coyotes will now focus on finalizing a partnership with other public sector constituents including the State and the City of Tempe

We'll see if this is the end of the saga or are they punting the ball for 6-7 more months. The state was not receptive of a taxing district last year.

[R.J]

https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/283721356/1284x722/cut.jpg

Good luck to them in either case. I wish the Suns owner would play nice and build a joint facility Downtown, then team up with ASU for practice facilities - beneficial to everyone IMO.

[ArgoRavi]

So what will become of the Glendale arena? Is it just going to become a white elephant? Does Arizona seriously not have better things to spend its money on?

[Mightygoose]

The arena in Glendale is still being managed by AEG. Though they will have the rights to renegotiate or drop the contract completely once the Coyotes leave. After that it will be a concert venue only.

Too so many in the media are taking parting shots at Glendale, as the city has saved the team from relocation 4 times.

As for this long awaited announcement. All it was, was announcing their excusive negotiations.

http://arizonasports.com/story/902840/coyotes/



Sources stressed the agreement that was announced on Monday is not to build an arena on the site, but instead it is basically an announcement that the two sides will now begin to talk about the process. But doesn’t this mean they have already been talking?


“What we needed to do was formalize an agreement that would allow us both to go talk to public scepter partners,” president and CEO of the Coyotes Anthony LeBlanc told Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Tuesday. “Obviously Arizona State University answers into the Arizona Board of Regents and they don’t like doing things that they haven’t fully briefed the Board of Regents and memorialized it in some fashion. Quite candidly, we’re a hockey team that has a group of owners, like Mr. Barroway; we like to do the same thing. So we really felt more comfortable having some parameters of what the final deal would look like if we got everything put together, and we have done that.”



In other words, no new arena deal and the legislative session begins in less than 2 months.

[Gill The Thrill]

This team is an embarrassment and the abuse of public funds to prop this pathetic welfare case to appease rich billionaire owners, developers, and politicians is exactly evidence of everything wrong with modern day politics which loathes its constituents, viewing them more as people in the way, instead of citizens that need to be served by them...then people wonder why Trump beat Hilary.

[Mightygoose]

Interesting article brought to my attention.

Arizona Board of Regents claims approval power over Arizona Coyotes arena on ASU land in Tempe

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/12/13/arizona-board-of-regents-claims-approval-power.html (http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/12/13/arizona-board-of-regents-claims-approval-power.html)


"Officials at the Arizona Board of Regents — which oversees Arizona State University and the state’s two other public universities — say they have oversight and approval power over a proposed new Arizona Coyotes hockey arena at the Karsten Golf Course of Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe.

“One of the conditions of that authorization is that any material changes to the master development plan will require ABOR approval,” she said.

That includes projects or uses not originally outlined in the development district plans.

“A proposed arena for the Arizona Coyotes was not part of the original master plan and so would require approval by the Arizona Board of Regents,” Harper said.


The Board of Regents is pretty much where the buck stops. If the team does not get approval here, then it pretty much doesn't matter what the state legislature does.

Makes even more sense why, ASU was not at Coyotes press conference last month. Plus the city of Tempe and the Governor didn't know anything prior and they're supposed to be partners. LeBlanc even says this is 100% in the hands of public officials now.

State legislature starts on January 9. Nothing pre-filed by the team to date.

[AngeloV]

How long until they make their intentions to move to Seattle public?

[jerrym]

At this rate the speculation about when and where Arizona moves may outlive us all.

[Gill The Thrill]

How long until they make their intentions to move to Seattle public?I would actually like that move....Seattle has a rich hockey history pre-dating the National Hockey League. I believe the Seattle Metropolitans won the first Stanley Cup that was run by the NHL or NHA (not sure). They were part of what was the West Coast or Pacific Coast League and beat the Eastern NHL champion in 1918. Sadly the 1919 Stanley Cup was discontinued when Montreal player Joe Hall died, en route to Seattle to play for the cup, after catching the Spanish flu, an epidemic that had gripped North America during that spring, prior to the discovery of penicillin of course.

Seattle was rumoured to get a team prior to Bettman becoming commish in the late 80s and 90s, but never built a large enough arena to replace Key Arena, the basketball arena that was deemed to small for the NBA Supersonics, who eventually moved to Oklahoma city years later.

[jerrym]

I would actually like that move....Seattle has a rich hockey history pre-dating the National Hockey League. I believe the Seattle Metropolitans won the first Stanley Cup that was run by the NHL or NHA (not sure). They were part of what was the West Coast or Pacific Coast League and beat the Eastern NHL champion in 1918. Sadly the 1919 Stanley Cup was discontinued when Montreal player Joe Hall died, en route to Seattle to play for the cup, after catching the Spanish flu, an epidemic that had gripped North America during that spring, prior to the discovery of penicillin of course.

Seattle was rumoured to get a team prior to Bettman becoming commish in the late 80s and 90s, but never built a large enough arena to replace Key Arena, the basketball arena that was deemed to small for the NBA Supersonics, who eventually moved to Oklahoma city years later.

Seattle played in the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (the same league where Vancouver Millionaires won the city's only Stanley Cup in 1915 ). In addition to its 1917 victory and the 1919 Stanley Cup tragedy, Seattle made it to the Stanley Cup finals in 1920 but lost to the original Ottawa Senators. In other words, a Seattle team would be able to claim it has won the Stanley Cup more recently than Vancouver.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Metropolitans

[jerrym]

Since the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League have a large fan base, IMO a Seattle NHL team should draw well.



The Thunderbirds have a large fan base, and continually draw some of the highest attendance numbers in the WHL on a yearly basis at the ShoWare Center.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Thunderbirds

[Mightygoose]

ASU pulls out of Coyotes arena plan.

http://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/arizona-state-backs-out-of-tempe-arena-deal-with-arizona-coyotes

Team is on the final year of their lease and have no intention of staying in Glendale...can't afford to without a juicy subsidy.

Time to pack the bags

[R.J]

Not surprised, as ASU had nothing to gain from it. I still think a downtown shared facility is the way to go, that or just relocate the team.

[Mightygoose]

Bettman: Coyotes cannot and will not remain in Glendale

http://www.tsn.ca/bettman-coyotes-cannot-and-will-not-remain-in-glendale-1.690339

The arena bill SB1149 has been stalled in the senate for weeks with insufficient support.

Do the politicians cave or if the exit out of the desert forthcoming?

[AngeloV]

Bettman: Coyotes cannot and will not remain in Glendale

http://www.tsn.ca/bettman-coyotes-cannot-and-will-not-remain-in-glendale-1.690339

The arena bill SB1149 has been stalled in the senate for weeks with insufficient support.

Do the politicians cave or if the exit out of the desert forthcoming?

I guess the league would want to keep them out west if they move. Seattle anyone?

[Mightygoose]

Coyotes Arena Funding Bill nearly dead.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/legislature/2017/03/23/arizona-coyotes-arena-funding-bill-nearly-dead-at-arizona-legislature/99544348/

Last day for the Senate to approve the bill was yesterday...technically it's today but the legislature is closed today. Bill sponsor Sen. Worsley could not muster the 16 votes needed.

Still a chance this could pass either through the state budget, have the house re-introduce it, or insert the bill's language in a another bill - a strike all tactic. These don't seem too likely.

The legislature is scheduled to be adjourned on April 22...could go later. Once it does and if it's still not passed, it will be dead.

[Mightygoose]

Arizona legislature passes the budget without the arena funding bill. It hasn't been for consideration for about a month.

http://www.heraldcourier.com/news/legislature-nears-budget-passage-with-university-bonding-ok/article_37f0a0ef-06df-5f05-a7b8-ddcb851c593a.html

With the budget done this officially kills any public funding for a new arena for the Coyotes.

Only chance now is if the team puts more money on the table either through a new bill next year or try something through tribe. Either way, they need new investors and Barroway is in the process of finding people to buy out his partners with no luck for far.

The team has a lease valid only through the 2017/18 season.

[R.J]

I think the Coyotes only real shot at an arena is if Sarver changes his mind and decides to play nice with the Coyotes and the city of Phoenix as well for that matter. City leaders in Phoenix want a shared arena, so maybe some deals can be made.

[Mightygoose]

It appears majority owner Andrew Barroway is about to buy out the minority partners.

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/report-andrew-barroway-buy-coyotes-minority-owners-174825165.html

This was brought up shortly after the arena bill failed in the Senate a few months ago.

It may not so much a buyout but more of a shotgun clause in the agreement as the other Ice Arizona owners don't have the funds to continue with the Glendale subsidy gone and no other suckers out there to pay the tab.

[R.J]

I think this is a move in the right direction, some if the decisions LaBlanc made were confusing to say the least. Barroway seems more hands off, but at the end of the day, I think it's joint arena or bust for the Coyotes now.

[Mightygoose]

Buyout official

http://arizonasports.com/story/1140482/barroway-completes-buyout-coyotes-minority-owners/

Bye Bye clowns!

John Shannon mentioned they're trying to work with the Suns for a dual arena however Barroway has no partners and his buyout was financed so unless there's some big taxpayers $$$ involved with a new building, I don't see how this works.

[R.J]

Sounds like either bringing in Investors or selling the team could be the next move.

[Mightygoose]

Haven't posted on this for a while.

http://www.12news.com/news/politics/phoenix-suns-arena-overhaul-faces-opposition-from-key-city-leaders/490421506

City of Phoenix is negotiating behind closed doors on major renovations to Talking Stick Resort Arena downtown.

The renovated arena would not accommodate the Coyotes which will officially close that door....though it was never really open.

Only chance is somewhere in the East Valley. Pre filing for the Arizona legislature opens next week. Same timeframe the now doomed ASU plans was announced.

[R.J]

I'd like to see Barroway sell the team to either Feritta in Houston or the Group in Seattle. Both have a lot of money, one has an NHL suitable arena and the other is part of a group investing in the Key Arena reno.

[Mightygoose]

Time running out in Arizona?

On the heels of the winter BoG meetings this week. TSN's Darren Dreger suggests it's almost time for the rubber to hit the road.

https://www.thefourthperiod.com/dec-2017/time-running-out-for-coyotes-in-arizona/


It now appears ownership across the NHL is reaching the ends of its rope with the Coyotes, according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.

In a radio interview on Wednesday (https://www.tsn.ca/video/dreger-elephant-in-the-room-is-what-nhl-is-going-to-do-about-coyotes~1278888) on Overdrive on TSN1050 in Toronto, Dreger indicated that some people around the NHL’s higher-ranks are fed up.
“Powerful owners that I’ve talked to in the last couple of days, maybe they don’t stand up in the room and stamp their feet and say ‘enough is enough,’ but they want a real hard read this season as to where this situation is at in Arizona,” he said. “They want an arena deal in place at the end of the season, or it’s time to move on.”



Suggests they can try and work out a deal with the Suns. That's almost impossible. Talks between the Suns and the City of Phoenix over renovations to Talking Stick Resort Arena are at an impasse and that's without the Coyotes. Makes it even more difficult with another mouth to feed. Plus there will be a city election in Phoenix next year.


According to one league executive, TFP has learned that if the Coyotes cannot lock in a new building “by the start of next season” and be prepared to call that building home for the 2020-21 season, they may be forced to move.

That will surely create a lame duck season. Houston is ready for a quick move. It will put them in the central which will open up a spot in the pacific for eventual expansion to Seattle.

[AngeloV]

Time running out in Arizona?

On the heels of the winter BoG meetings this week. TSN's Darren Dreger suggests it's almost time for the rubber to hit the road.

https://www.thefourthperiod.com/dec-2017/time-running-out-for-coyotes-in-arizona/



Suggests they can try and work out a deal with the Suns. That's almost impossible. Talks between the Suns and the City of Phoenix over renovations to Talking Stick Resort Arena are at an impasse and that's without the Coyotes. Makes it even more difficult with another mouth to feed. Plus there will be a city election in Phoenix next year.



That will surely create a lame duck season. Houston is ready for a quick move. It will put them in the central which will open up a spot in the pacific for eventual expansion to Seattle.

Could throw a serious wrench into any plans for expansion into Seattle. I bet Coyotes end up moving there.

[R.J]

Could throw a serious wrench into any plans for expansion into Seattle. I bet Coyotes end up moving there.
Houston would seem more likely.

[Mightygoose]

Through not necessarily 'new' news

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2018/07/17/andrew-barroway-seeking-500-million-valuation-for-arizona-coyotes/#17c778183fb7

Barroway looking for investors for 49% of the team with a 500 million valuation.

When we bought out Ice Arizona last year, the buyout was valued at 240 million. With new arena plans going nowhere and Barroway already being highly leveraged, it's going to be hard sell. My question is the 500 million valuation a want or a need for Mr. Barroway?

[R.J]

Through not necessarily 'new' news

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2018/07/17/andrew-barroway-seeking-500-million-valuation-for-arizona-coyotes/#17c778183fb7

Barroway looking for investors for 49% of the team with a 500 million valuation.

When we bought out Ice Arizona last year, the buyout was valued at 240 million. With new arena plans going nowhere and Barroway already being highly leveraged, it's going to be hard sell. My question is the 500 million valuation a want or a need for Mr. Barroway?
Still need an arena. Would be nice if there was a local Owner willing to buy the team and build something with Sarver, the Suns, and City of Phoenix. Barring that: it may be time to sell the team to Seattle or Houston, and just expand to the other city.

[Foxhound]

Just get the lead out and move the Coyotes to some place where they get some snow and ice in the winter.