Phoenix councilwoman would not support new, remodeled Suns arena

PHOENIX — A Phoenix city councilwoman said Wednesday that she would not support building a new arena or renovating Talking Stick Resort Arena, home of the Phoenix Suns.

“The city of Phoenix has a strong relationship with the Phoenix Suns that has benefited both the city and the team,” Kate Gallego said in a statement. “I do not believe though that Phoenix should invest in either a new or improved arena for the Suns.”

It was unclear why Gallego sent the statement on Wednesday, though the council was briefed on the possible future of the 25-year-old building near Second and Washington streets last month.

Suns owner Robert Sarver has also pushed for either renovations or a new home in the past.

Gallego said she would rather see the city spend its money on other areas of need.

“We have a number of competing priorities and tough choices we have to make if we’re going to fuel our growth and build on recent progress in Phoenix,” she said.

“While I intend to be a partner with the Suns on the many great things they do for the city, it is not in Phoenix’s best interest to invest in an arena.”

The future of Talking Stick Resort Arena has been a question for nearly two years.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said in February 2016 that a new downtown arena was high on his priority list while the city has also explored luring the Arizona Coyotes from their Glendale home.

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