Coyotes making progress in search for new arena
With an exit from the city of Glendale looking more likely, Arizona Coyotes co-owner Anthony LeBlanc gave local fans reason for optimism that - if the team has to move - they've had discussions with many groups to at least keep the team in the area.
"I don’t think anything has progressed to a point where it would be prudent to state what options look like but things are moving pretty quickly; in particular with a couple of these options," he said, according to Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports.
"The city of Phoenix has been the most vocal. They have an NBA franchise (the Phoenix Suns) that they are very tied to and they want to ensure there’s no hiccup in regards to that."
The Coyotes have played at Glendale's Gila River Arena (formerly Glendale Arena and Jobing.com Arena) since 2003, but the city voided a 15-year lease and management agreement in June, creating speculation that the troubled franchise could be on the move.
The Suns are seeking a new arena and the mayor of Phoenix has pushed to build a facility both teams could share. A Native American tribe expressed interest in building an arena in nearby Scottsdale, Pierre Lebrun of ESPN reported Tuesday.
The Coyotes are currently 26th in attendance, averaging 13,682 fans through four home games.