The Arizona State Land Department recently made the decision to cancel a highly anticipated land auction that was set to take place on Thursday. This auction was crucial for the Arizona Coyotes’ owner, Alex Meruelo, who was relying on it to reactivate his dormant NHL franchise. The team had big plans for the auction, hoping to secure a 95-acre parcel of land in north Phoenix to build a new arena, practice facility, theater, and housing units. However, the cancellation has thrown a wrench in their plans and left the future of the franchise uncertain.
The cancellation of the auction has sparked outrage from the Coyotes organization, who released a statement criticizing the Arizona State Land Department for their “shortsighted decision.” They claim to have met all the necessary obligations under Arizona law and were confident in their ability to win the auction. The Coyotes are now exploring their legal options in response to the unexpected turn of events. The State of Arizona’s actions have put the future of NHL hockey returning to the desert in jeopardy, according to the team.
The ASLD cited concerns about the type of hockey arena that Meruelo planned to build on the land as the reason for the cancellation. While the land was already zoned for an indoor hockey arena, it did not cover the specific requirements for a 17,000-seat NHL arena that could expand to 18,500 for other events. The department requested that Meruelo obtain a Special Use Permit prior to the auction to ensure that the intended construction would meet the necessary criteria. This requirement is not uncommon for applicants seeking to secure land through ASLD auctions.
Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega has also weighed in on the situation, expressing concerns about the zoning entitlement of the land before the auction took place. He accused Meruelo of presenting a “fantasy hockey proposal” as a distraction while preparing to exit the franchise. The mayor’s comments suggest a lack of confidence in Meruelo’s intentions and raise questions about the future of the Coyotes in Arizona.
The Arizona Coyotes’ setback in the land auction presents a significant challenge for the franchise’s future. The cancellation has created legal uncertainty and raised doubts about the team’s ability to secure a new home in Phoenix. Without a clear path forward, the Coyotes will need to regroup and reassess their options for reactivating the franchise in the NHL. Only time will tell if they can overcome this setback and bring hockey back to the desert.
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