(Photo via Arizona Coyotes Press Release)
By Nicole Day | Glendale Star
Westgate Entertainment District businesses are preparing for a shift in visitors as the Arizona Coyotes’ departure nears.
On Aug. 19, the city of Glendale announced it will not renew the hockey franchise’s operating agreement at Gila River Arena come season’s end, marking the end of a partnership dating back to the early 2000s — a partnership that has seen a succession of arena managers and short-term leases over the last five years.
Citing conversations between the team and the city in 2020, Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps said he informed the Coyotes’ management that the city would not extend the current arena lease past 2022 unless it involved a long-term commitment from the NHL club.
