The Arizona Coyotes officially announced long-rumored plans to spend at least next season playing at Arizona State University’s new multi-purpose arena, making it the smallest venue in the NHL by far at approximately 5,000 seats.
The Coyotes will play all home games at the venue from 2022-23 through the 2024-25 NHL season with an additional option for the 2025-26 season. The arena is scheduled to be completed this fall. The Coyotes also announced that the club is negotiating with Ice Den Scottsdale to make the complex the team’s full-time practice facility.
“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.
The Coyotes will be leaving Gila River Arena after this season. Its home since 2003, the city of Glendale, Arizona, opted out of its lease agreement with the team, saying the ASM Global-managed facility would be better off financially without the NHL and having more open dates for concerts and other entertainment events. The Coyotes have proposed building a new arena as part of a broader entertainment district in Tempe, but no approvals have been granted for those plans.
“We are thrilled that we have arranged to play our home games in Arizona State University’s new multi-purpose arena starting next season,” said Coyotes President and Chief Executive Officer Xavier A. Gutierrez. “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.”
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