Lawmaker urges Arizona Coyotes to stay in Phoenix’s West Valley
A local lawmakers urged the Arizona Coyotes on Monday to continue to play hockey in the West Valley instead of opting to move.
Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) celebrates a win against the Winnipeg Jets with defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) after an NHL hockey game Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Coyotes defeated the Jets 4-3. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX — A local lawmakers urged the Arizona Coyotes on Monday to continue to play hockey in the West Valley instead of opting to move.
State Rep. Anthony Kerns, whose district includes Gila River Arena — the Glendale home of the Coyotes — said the team is an integral part of the Westgate Entertainment District.
“The Westgate Entertainment District and Tanger Outlets combined provide nearly 2,500 jobs, a majority of which are filled by residents from cities throughout the Valley,” he said at a press conference.
Late last week, a prospective deal between the Coyotes and Arizona State University to build an arena in Tempe fell through after the school pulled out of the deal. A reason was not given.
Coyotes President Anthony LeBlanc issued a statement saying the team is focused on staying in metro Phoenix and “Glendale simply is no longer an option.”
State Sen. Bob Worsely has introduced a bill that would use additional taxpayer monies to fund the construction of a new home for the team. Kern said he would oppose it.
“This legislation comes down to a simply public-policy question,” he said. “Should taxpayers be asked to pay for a new arena that will directly compete with existing facilities that taxpayers are still paying off?”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Comments
3 Comments
I'm very glad ASU pulled out. The location for the arena off of McClintock and the 202 was a brainless choice. The infrastructure to support the arena in that area just wasn't there. They were trying to plan it in a way that would encourage folks to use public transportation. Well, public transportation doesn't reach all corners of the valley and besides, you can't force people to use it. They just won't go. The loop 202/101 corridor doesn't need a heavy addition to traffic congestion. An arena 2 miles from a spring training facility and the Tempe Marketplace madness around the holidays? If you thought we had gridlock then or every time an accident happened around this corridor, the nightmare would be worse every time there was an event. Tempe was dumb for even entertaining the idea. What happened to infrastructure and thoughtful development planning being a priority? I guess it's all about the money again. There's tons of open land in the far east valley and not a single arena out that way. Two freeway loops and a main freeway vein that can handle the flow. What's the issue? it would be no different than driving to Glendale from the East valley. Anyways, I think that no city should be using tax payer money to build sports arenas. It's like paying twice. Your tax dollars build the stadium, then you get to pay for those events. I could see tax incentives, but that's about it. if a business wants to be there, they can pay for all of it. Sports are pretty much owned by corporations.
Glendale just paid the Bidwell's 20 million plus for a taxpayer funded parking garage. I guess this and Camel back Ranch's taxpayer millions suddenly got "forgotten".
Glendale is giving them the best deal they are going to get anywhere. If Phoenix City Council knows what's good for them, they won't be burdening the taxpayer for anymore useless arenas. If GRIC on the eastside wants to build them an arena I say let them. Being the savvy business professionals they are, I doubt they will.
No one is going to go "Sure, we'll build you a 50mil stadium AND let you keep the profits from it." LOL