Tempe Wants To Hear Your Thoughts On the Proposed Coyotes Arena

TEMPE, AZ — Do you want to share your thoughts on the $1.7 billion Coyotes Hockey Arena development proposed to be built in Tempe? Now is your chance.

You can submit your comment card now to speak during the Tempe City Council's special meeting on the proposal on Thursday. You have the option of speaking in person, virtually or to have your written comment put on the record.

During the meeting, set for 2 p.m. Thursday at the Tempe City Council Chambers at 31 E. Fifth St., the council will consider whether to enter negotiations on the proposal for the Arizona Coyotes hockey arena development that includes hotels, offices and other retail and residential developments on city land. The proposal is for a 46-acre tract near Rio Salado and Priest Drive, close to Sky Harbor Airport.

If the city chooses not to negotiate with the developers, it could ask for new proposals for the land where the Coyotes have proposed the arena.

The Coyotes had spent the last 19 years at the Gila River Arena in Glendale and had been leasing it on an annual basis since the Glendale City Council voted to opt out of a multimillion-dollar long-term deal in 2016, the Associated Press reported. Glendale announced last August that it would not renew the lease past the 2021-22 season, and the Coyotes played their last game there in April.

Last week, the developers that proposed the arena project presented their plans to the Aviation Board, according to Fox 10.

Some critics expressed concern that the development would be constructed within 10,000 feet of Sky Harbor's central runway, and could potentially cause flight delays and impact line of sight for pilots. It could also cause noise issues for residents.

Aviation officials also expressed concern that the developers didn't address the fact that a residential high rise building planned for the development violates an intergovernmental agreement between Phoenix and Tempe, according to Fox 10's reporting.

Those who want to speak virtually during Thursday's meeting must submit their comment cards by noon on Tuesday. Those who wish to comment in person can fill out a card ahead of time or fill out one when they arrive at the meeting, but commenters will speak in the order that the cards were submitted.

Council members will review all comments submitted, whether you decide to speak during the meeting or not.