The Arizona Coyotes made the long-anticipated announcement Monday that they intend to construct a new arena for the NHL franchise, as well as an adjacent venue for ASU hockey.
The Coyotes, who currently play at Gila River Arena in Glendale, announced that the new arenas will sit on the Northwest corner of McClintock Drive and Rio Salado Parkway. That location is home to ASU Karsten Golf Course and is about a mile south of where ASU hockey currently plays at Oceanside Ice Arena.
The project will include two primary structures: one is a 16,000-seat NHL venue, the other a 4,000-seat venue for ASU hockey, youth hockey, community events and Coyotes practices (the Coyotes currently practice at the Ice Den in Scottsdale).
Though the team didn't officially announce an estimated completion date, the project is rumored to be ready for the 2019-20 season.
Been a long time coming but Arizona Coyotes will announce shortly a new 16,000-plus seat arena in East Valley area ready for 2019-20 season.
— Scott Burnside (@ESPN_Burnside) November 14, 2016
"Over the past year we have been exhaustive in our research regarding the most optimal location for our new home in the Valley," Coyotes president and CEO Anthony LeBlanc said in a press release. "While we have tremendous fans all across the greater Phoenix metro area, not to mention the entire state, it became clear that the East Valley is home to a majority of our fans and corporate partners. Our fans in the West Valley have shown us tremendous support over the past 13 years, and we look forward to working with them as we transition to our new home in the future."
The landmark announcement comes after years of turmoil between the Coyotes and the City of Glendale, which owns Gila River Arena. As Jeff Metcalfe of AZCentral pointed out Monday, Glendale City Council voted to terminate the Coyotes' 15-year lease agreement last summer, and the two sides since agreed on a short-term deal that gives the 'Yotes a place to play while they look for a new, long-term option.
The team's statement also read, "in the future, a new hotel and other related amenities will be finalized as part of the second phase of the project."
The construction contract is with Catellus Development Corporation.
Reach the reporter at matt.layman@asu.edu or follow @Mattjlayman on Twitter.
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow @statepresssport on Twitter.
