Earlier this spring, the Arizona Coyotes concluded their nearly three-decade presence in the Valley when the NHL announced the team’s sale and relocation to Salt Lake City. The Coyotes’ tenure in Arizona was often fraught with challenges. After relocating from Winnipeg in 1996, the team initially played in downtown Phoenix. Then, in 2003, they moved to Glendale, where they played until 2021. Glendale’s decision not to renew the Coyotes’ lease at Gila River Arena led to the team’s interim stay at Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena, a failed bid to construct a new arena and entertainment district in Tempe, and eventually their relocation to Utah.
For insights into the Coyotes’ time in Glendale, The Show reached out to Elaine Scruggs, the former mayor of Glendale, who was in office during the team’s initial move from Phoenix. When asked about her reaction to the Coyotes’ sale and relocation, Scruggs expressed happiness for the team, believing they would finally have the chance to thrive as a hockey team rather than being secondary to developers’ economic ambitions.
Scruggs clarified that while the Coyotes were part of Glendale’s economic development plan, the primary focus was on the broader economic opportunities, not just the team itself. Steve Ellman, the then-owner, also shared this focus. The Coyotes were seen as an anchor to attract people to the area, not as an end goal. The decision to bring the Coyotes to Glendale was driven by economic development potential rather than a passion for hockey.
Scruggs noted that the Valley’s population never showed a strong interest in ice hockey, regardless of the team’s location. She dismissed the idea that poor attendance was due to the arena’s location in Glendale, pointing out that the Coyotes struggled to draw crowds even when they played in downtown Phoenix. Over their two-decade presence in the Valley, the team’s fan base never significantly expanded beyond 4,000 to 5,000 people.
Reflecting on the economic impact, Scruggs highlighted the success of the development around the Gila River Arena. Initially underestimated by critics, the development far exceeded expectations, growing from an initial plan of 1.6 million square feet to 6.5 million square feet. The area’s growth was further bolstered by the construction of the Cardinals’ stadium nearby, creating a unique and vibrant environment that Scruggs described as unmatched by any other city she visited during her time attending Super Bowls in preparation for hosting one in Glendale in 2006.
Scruggs emphasized that while some believed the loss of the Coyotes’ 40 home games would be detrimental, the reality was different. Each home game required three days of arena use, including time to set up and dismantle the ice, which limited the arena’s availability for other events. This restriction made it challenging to book concerts and other entertainment, as these events require advanced scheduling and certainty. After the Coyotes left, the arena was able to host 50 events last year alone, demonstrating a significant increase in revenue and visitor spending.
In summary, Scruggs reiterated that the Coyotes’ presence in Glendale initially helped establish the city as an entertainment destination, but their departure allowed for greater economic opportunities. The increased number of events booked at the arena after the Coyotes left highlighted the financial and logistical benefits of not being tied to a hockey team’s schedule. The relocation of the Coyotes to Utah marks a new chapter for both the team and Glendale, with Scruggs optimistic about the team’s potential for success in their new home.
