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Coyotes face setback as City of Phoenix files lawsuit over new arena project

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X March 31, 2023
2 1 minute read

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Things don’t look good for the Arizona Coyotes.

The NHL’s doormat, the team with the league’s lowest payroll, and the team that plays in a college building half the size of most teams’ practice rinks is once again struggling. Gee… call me crazy, but after nearly 30 years of this, I’m starting to think that NHL hockey in the Arizona desert might not be such a good idea after all…

The city of Phoenix, Arizona is suing the Coyotes over their plans to build a new arena and entertainment complex in neighboring Tempe, Arizona, according to azcentral.com. As one might expect, this has thrown a wrench in the Coyotes’ plans.

Details from azcentral.com:

Phoenix is suing to stop Tempe’s $2.1 billion deal with the Arizona Coyotes, a move destined to reignite an inter-city conflict over a proposed entertainment district that appeared to have died out four months ago.

(The lawsuit) contends that Tempe’s approval of the deal violated a policy that limits how close housing can be to Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport, part of a 1994 agreement designed to spare residents from loud plane noise and protect the airport from noise-related litigation.

Phoenix is asking a Maricopa County Superior Court judge to prevent Tempe from moving forward with the project by undoing the initial approval of the deal in December.

“The City of Phoenix … is suing Tempe for breach of contract, asking the court to rescind Tempe’s recent zoning and land use changes and prohibit future residential uses in an area that the Federal Aviation Administration says is incompatible with residential development,” Phoenix wrote in a news release.

– azcentral.com

I don’t know anything about lawsuits or how this will all play out, but… seriously… SERIOUSLY, can we just relocate this dying franchise already?

Personally, I’m astounded that the Coyotes are still in the NHL. Again, they play in a college facility and are openly tanking for a first-round pick. They acquire the rest of the league’s garbage contracts through trades, and the league appears unconcerned. I mean, who cares about the Coyotes?
Please, just move this team…

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X March 31, 2023
2 1 minute read
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