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Alex Meruelo’s Vision for Bringing NHL Hockey Back to Arizona
Following the official relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City in April, team owner Alex Meruelo remains steadfast in his commitment to revive NHL hockey in Arizona. Meruelo expressed his dedication, stating, “I’m fully committed to moving forward with the process of reactivating the team.”
Positive Developments Moving Forward
Recent developments indicate that Meruelo is taking concrete steps towards realizing his vision. According to a statement shared by PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan, a spokesperson for Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego revealed that the mayor had a productive meeting with Meruelo and his family. The statement highlighted Meruelo’s intentions to participate in the upcoming state land auction in order to develop a full-size NHL arena in north Phoenix.
The spokesperson emphasized that Mayor Gallego sees potential for professional hockey to thrive in the desert. However, she made it clear that she does not support the utilization of taxpayer funds, including property tax abatement, for the construction of sports arenas.
Land Auction and Future Outlook
The crucial juncture for Meruelo’s plans is the upcoming auction for the land earmarked for the prospective NHL arena. Scheduled for June 27, the auction represents a pivotal opportunity for Meruelo and his aspirations for hockey in Arizona. Winning the bid for the land could be a transformative moment for the future of the sport in the state.
Meruelo himself underscored the significance of the upcoming auction, stating, “June 27 will be the start of a new beginning for the Coyotes and what we want to do.” He emphasized the importance of actions over mere words in demonstrating commitment, reaffirming his ownership of the Coyotes’ name, logo, and trademark.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Besides his plans for the NHL team, Meruelo indicated his intention to relocate the Tucson Roadrunners, the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate, to Mullett Arena. This venue has served as the franchise’s temporary home in collaboration with Arizona State University over the past two seasons.
With a five-year window granted by the league to establish Coyotes 2.0 in Arizona, Meruelo is approaching the endeavor with determination and a clear vision for the future of professional hockey in the state.
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