Tempe city council sending Coyotes' arena proposal to referendum

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — A proposed deal for the Arizona Coyotes' new arena will go to a public vote.

The Tempe city council voted unanimously on Thursday night to send a proposed arena and entertainment district to referendum in May.

The city council must approve a development and disposition agreement, a general plan amendment and a zoning amendment before the May 16 special election can take place.

The Coyotes have been negotiating with the city of Tempe to build on a tract of land just west of downtown in their bid to find a permanent home.

The team is currently playing at Arizona State's 5,000-seat Mullett Arena, by far the NHL's smallest arena.

The Coyotes have been searching for a permanent home since the city of Glendale pulled out of a multimillion lease at Gila River Arena. Arizona had been playing on an annual lease until Glendale said it would not be renewed for the 2022-23 season.

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