Glendale reacts to idea that Coyotes may move to Phoenix

GLENDALE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - The Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale is home to the Coyotes, it's filled with restaurants, bars, and lots of people, when there's a game that is. The Gila River Arena in Glendale during the week is a pretty bleak place, but what would it mean if the Coyotes never played here again.

"Certainly losing 41 home dates would have an impact on the arena, now we are closing to announcing a new arena manager AEG, they are the largest owner of arenas and stadiums in the world," said Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps.

Phelps is optimistic a new arena manager can help convince the Coyotes to stay, but the team seems interested in Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton's call for a new downtown Phoenix arena to be shared by the Coyotes and the Phoenix Suns.

The team issued a statement from team President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc. "We appreciate and thank Mayor Stanton for the public comments and support for the project. It was a very important part of the process. The Coyotes have had multiple conversations with the City of Phoenix, and we continue to have detailed discussions."

But Glendale's City Manager counters that Gila River Arena is a phenomenal place to see a hockey game, and the team itself needs to improve.

"We have committed to the ownership group to increase the corporate and fan support while they acknowledge their role in putting a better team on the ice," said Phelps.

FOX 10 asked the folks at Westgate if they had any comment on the possible move. A PR person representing Westgate wrote back saying "The team at Westgate is going to pass on the opportunity. They do not comment on speculation."