SE Valley Times

The president and CEO of the Arizona Coyotes said he is “very disappointed” that Tempe voters rejected three ballot propositions to create a $2.3 billion entertainment district that would’ve been the new home of the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise. 

"We are very disappointed Tempe voters did not approve Propositions 301, 302, and 303. As Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said, it was the best sports deal in Arizona history,” said Xavier A. Gutierrez, president and CEO of the Coyotes, in a statement. “The Coyotes wish to thank everyone who supported our efforts and voted yes. So many community leaders stepped up and became our advocates and for that we are truly grateful. We also wish to thank the countless volunteers who worked so hard to try and make the Tempe Entertainment District a reality and the Tempe City Council for their support as well.”  

All three propositions needed to pass in order for the new entertainment district to be approved.

According to unofficial results reported by Maricopa County, 56% of Tempe voters voted no on Proposition 301, 56% voted No on Proposition 302, and 56% voted no on Proposition 303.

“While we wanted a different outcome, we remain grateful to all those who volunteered their time and talent,” said Gutierrez. “What is next for the franchise will be evaluated by our owners and the National Hockey League over the coming weeks."

Arizona State Sen. President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (R-16) criticized the election results.

“Oof…looks like the #Tempe crazies have struck again,” tweeted Shope. “Was nice being a major sports city for 25+ years but thanks to the typical lies of the Kuby’s and Changing Hands Bookstores of the world, I guess we’ll kiss them goodbye. #Coyotes” 

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is “terribly disappointed by the results.”

“We are going to review with the Coyotes what the options might be going forward,” said Bettman in a statement. 

The Coyotes had at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, since the 17,000 capacity arena opened in 2003. The franchise left Glendale in 2022 and began playing at Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena for the 2022-2023 season.

As far back as 2017, the franchise and the NHL threatened Arizona legislators with leaving Arizona if they did not get funding for a new arena. 

The franchise was founded in 1972 as the Winnipeg Jets, and played in Winnipeg until 1996 when it moved to Phoenix and became the Phoenix Coyotes. The team was then renamed the Arizona Coyotes in 2014.

The Coyotes have had some notable players throughout their history, including Hall of Famers such as Brett Hull, Ed Belfour, and Jeremy Roenick. However, the team has struggled to find consistent success on the ice, with just one division title and no Stanley Cup championships to their name.

The team has not cracked the top half of NHL attendance since 2001, and has made the playoffs just once in the last nine seasons.