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Developers hoped to build a $2.3 billion
entertainment district in Tempe, and by a 56-44 split in early
returns, voters opposed the proposition. The complex would
include the Coyotes' new home in addition to retail,
entertainment and residential space.
"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," Coyotes
president and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez said 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. While we wanted a different
outcome, we remain grateful to all those who volunteered their
time and talent.
"What is next for the franchise will be evaluated by our owners
and the National Hockey League over the coming weeks."
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, "The National
Hockey League is terribly disappointed by the results of the
public referendum regarding the Coyotes' arena project in Tempe.
We are going to review with the Coyotes what the options might
be going forward."
Tempe voters were asked whether they were willing to amend the
city's plan for the project (Proposition 301) -- that was to be
built near Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway -- if they
approved of the rezoning of the property for the entertainment
district (302) and whether to approve the project's development
agreement (303).
12News reported that 29,000 ballots had been counted as of 8
p.m. local time on Tuesday, with 56 percent of those ballots
responding "no" to Propositions 301 and 302, while 57 percent of
voters said "no" to Proposition 303.
The Coyotes played the just-concluded season in Mullett Arena, a
5,000-seat facility at Arizona State University in Tempe. They
played from 2003-2022 in a 17,125-seat arena in Glendale, Ariz.,
before the city ended its agreement with the hockey team.
--Field Level Media
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