By Joshua Bowling | Arizona Republic (Photo via Coyotes Twitter)
Glendale is ending negotiations with the Arizona Coyotes after years of trying to find an arena deal that works for the city and the hockey team.
This means the upcoming season likely will be the Coyotes’ final run at Gila River Arena, where the team has played for 18 years.
City Manager Kevin Phelps’ announcement on Thursday comes nearly a year after he began actively courting the franchise for a long-term commitment. And about a month after learning the team is looking at land in Tempe for a new venue.
Phelps said his decision is not about the team’s interest in Tempe. He said he wants to take the arena in a different direction, including millions in renovations to pack the venue year-round with “more impactful” events. This is in the best interest of Glendale and the Westgate Entertainment District that developed around the city-owned arena, he said.
