Update on the NHL's latest attempt to stay in Arizona, plus other updates

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C. Ritchie
April 7, 2022 (1:21 PM)

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This week, multiple City Councils and Construction Companies will be holding meetings discussing new arena projects. The Arizona Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, and Calgary Flames are all looking at joint ventures with their respective hometowns on a new arena.

Tempe, AZ City Council plan to meet this week behind closed doors during an executive session to discuss the Arizona Coyotes' arena proposal. The Coyotes are proposing a $1.7 Billion development that will include an arena, hotels, apartments, and shopping. The team is asking for the City of Tempe to cover $200 million in additional costs to remediate the proposed land. One more sticking point is the Coyotes' are requesting a property tax abatement once the construction of the new area is complete.

The National Capital Commission based out of Ottawa will be meeting this week to discuss the new development area in the city called LeBreton Flats. It is believed the Ottawa Senators are re-applying to build an arena in that area. Details of the funding and costs have not been made public yet. The Senators have always dreamed of a new arena downtown and this may be the best option.

Calgary's arena deal has been a very much on again off again project. The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) has made multiple revisions to the planned project and at times has walked away entirely. It has been a roller coaster for the city and its fans. It also didn't make things easier that a general election was held in Calgary of October of 2021, where a new mayor and multiple new city councilors were elected. This meant almost starting from scratch with relationships and understanding the proposal. The CSEG is asking the city of Calgary for $300 million in arena-related costs.

It will be interesting to see which of these projects breaks ground first.