By Paulina Pineda | Arizona Republic
Tempe wants to transform a strip of land near the Salt River into a year-round entertainment destination.
The city put out a call to developers Thursday seeking proposals for a sports and entertainment district on city-owned land that would be home to a professional sports franchise.
The move comes as sources close to the city say the Arizona Coyotes have been in talks with Tempe for at least two years to relocate the hockey franchise from Glendale to the East Valley. The team, owned by billionaire Alex Meruelo since 2019, confirmed it will submit a proposal to develop the land.
The National Hockey League team plays with a year-to-year lease at Gila River Arena, which it has called home since 2003.