Phoenix Area Stadium and Arena News

[MiEncanto]

Originally Posted by ASU Diablo

Right? It's an apples to oranges comparison.

I will glady battle weeknight rush hour traffic from the EV to Westgate to see a band play. Am I willing to do this commute 40 other times to see the same band? Hell no.

I am actually not surprised to see the arena's success. Not many venues on the West Valley besides Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre. Let's see if Desert Diamond Arena can keep it up w/ the new concert venue opening up right next door at VAI Resort.

Not only that but concerts are more democratic (egalitarian). People of all income brackets attend. Hockey is for upper middle class and up. And those are the people that spend the kind of money they are looking to be in the seats. That's why north Phx/scottsdale or EV in general makes far more sense for them.

[locolife]

Coyotes Arena News-

- Plan is to buy state trust land, I don't know what that process looks like and where they stand in it. But it seems like it can be lengthy.

- The Coyotes’ instability comes amid significant interest from the owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz to put an NHL team in Salt Lake City. Bettman said Ryan Smith and his group are “very enthused about the possibility.”

- Bettman said he was not in the business of contradicting owners and was trusting Meruelo. “Alex Meruelo, as recently as last week, told me he was certain he was going to get this done,” Bettman said. “I’m both hopeful and reasonably confident that he’s going to do what he says.”

https://www.azfamily.com/2024/02/03/coyo...phoenix-arena-situation-remains-concern/

[ASU Diablo]

Originally Posted by ASU Diablo

That site is a possibility and that's what I was thinking at first too, but it being state land is what is making me think it may not be it. Coyotes need to move FAST on this and break ground ASAP and you know the state moves at a glacial pace. I guess it's not even guaranteed that they will get the land as it will go to public auction and then may get outbid. My 2 cents...

Originally Posted by locolife

Coyotes Arena News-

- Plan is to buy state trust land, I don't know what that process looks like and where they stand in it. But it seems like it can be lengthy.

- The Coyotes’ instability comes amid significant interest from the owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz to put an NHL team in Salt Lake City. Bettman said Ryan Smith and his group are “very enthused about the possibility.”

- Bettman said he was not in the business of contradicting owners and was trusting Meruelo. “Alex Meruelo, as recently as last week, told me he was certain he was going to get this done,” Bettman said. “I’m both hopeful and reasonably confident that he’s going to do what he says.”

https://www.azfamily.com/2024/02/03/coyo...phoenix-arena-situation-remains-concern/

I still stand by what I said. I think the Coyotes are playing with fire if they are going the state trust land route as it has the potential of blowing up in their face. Knowing the Coyotes and their luck, it wouldn't surprise me if they get outbid by some other entity LOL Shoot, if I'm the Utah Jazz owner, I would file to become an applicant for the auction and drive up the price and do whatever I can for it to blow up in Meruelo's face. So many variables/unknowns at play...

https://kjzz.org/content/1870473/arizona...nix-land-even-so-asu-will-be-home-awhile

[combusean]

I don't think that'll be the case here unless there would somehow be another bidder proposing something compatible with the general plan *already* allowing for an arena and overall zoning on the intended site, a conflict the land department would probably want to avoid. I'm pretty sure the land department makes sure what they're selling has the proper entitlements before selling to maximize the opening bid and smooth the overall sale.

The sales history of non residential bids in maricopa county seems to confirm that. The big stuff that lands hospitals and whatnot only has one bid and goes for a lot of money.

https://land.az.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/Auction%20History%2001_10_2024.pdf

[xymox]

Originally Posted by combusean

I don't think that'll be the case here unless there would somehow be another bidder proposing something compatible with the general plan *already* allowing for an arena and overall zoning on the intended site, a conflict the land department would probably want to avoid. I'm pretty sure the land department makes sure what they're selling has the proper entitlements before selling to maximize the opening bid and smooth the overall sale.

The sales history of non residential bids in maricopa county seems to confirm that. The big stuff that lands hospitals and whatnot only has one bid and goes for a lot of money.

https://land.az.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/Auction%20History%2001_10_2024.pdf

Except for the time Honor Health purposely outbid Banner for some land in north Scottsdale to keep them from building a competing hospital near theirs...

https://www.abc15.com/news/business/nonp...h-outbids-banner-in-arizona-land-auction

I don't think the scenario of someone outbidding the Coyotes for this land would happen. First off if someone related to SLC did this - why would they agree to move the franchise there after they disrupted their plans here?

Also - where is there state land anywhere that's already entitled for a Hockey Arena/entertainment district? Maybe Desert Ridge is entitled for 'mixed use'. Paradise Ridge area is maybe more in line and certainly already has entitlements up to 200ft for buildings. However I question if that means they can get an arena on that land w/o requiring additional entitlements. And that means public hearings, etc. They most certainly are playing with fire in that sense - I can see this easily reverting to a vote where they lose again. There will be significant opposition out of Desert Ridge if they choose to go in there.

[combusean]

^ That's the point I was trying to make ... the state land department would get entitlements before they auctioned the land. It's just zoning attorneys, public process, etc and the coyotes would be paying for to get that. TSMC happened this same way more or less.

A general plan amendment to allow a mixed-use/entertainment/arena district is a tough sell up there, but that's the point of the process, a process that's all on the coyotes to make happen and get approved.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Finally, some confirmation on the proposed Coyotes arena on state land (which I think we all pretty much knew). Per the article, this can cause some problems and a 12 month period to complete the purchase before anything can move. However, the article also does state that the Coyotes still have other locations of interests in mind if this does not happen on state land.

Read on...

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/pol...earch-what-you-need-to-know/72496105007/

[CrestedSaguaro]

Encouraging news from Craig Morgan regarding the Coyotes and the proposed state land location that he received from an inside government source. Let's hope this is all true and get some confirmation very shortly.

https://youtu.be/oD4mIA2r8l4?feature=shared

[N830MH]

Originally Posted by CrestedSaguaro

Encouraging news from Craig Morgan regarding the Coyotes and the proposed state land location that he received from an inside government source. Let's hope this is all true and get some confirmation very shortly.

https://youtu.be/oD4mIA2r8l4?feature=shared

It will be interesting for sure!! I’ll believe it when I see it!!

Fingers crossed!! Hope they are approved it soon though.

[combusean]

The Suns bought their G league franchise and are looking to move them to the Valley after playing 4 years in Prescott.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/n...g-league-team-as-early-as-2024-25-season

[ASU Diablo]

Such a bummer this has not yet been finalized. You would think this recent World Series run would act as a catalyst (for all parties involved) to get a deal worked out.

https://arizonasports.com/story/3543195/...ers-another-season-with-no-stadium-deal/

Kendrick said “Chase Field reimagined” remains the ideal outcome over a new ballpark given the price of building a climate-controlled stadium from scratch — which he said has been on the drawing boards.

The Diamondbacks have played at Chase Field since 1998 when it was called Bank One Ballpark. Footprint Center is an older building but one that underwent significant renovations in 2020, which Kendrick brought up as an improved fan experience he wants to achieve.

Hall explained that the organization has had conversations with other “local interested parties,” but the focus remains on downtown.

Kendrick clarified they are not having conversations with cities outside the area, but he acknowledged opportunities with looming expansion by saying, “They would be happy with a brand new franchise, but they would certainly be very happy with a successful existing franchise. It’s not where we are spending time or energy. We may run out of time in Phoenix, we hope that won’t happen. We’re continuing to have meetings, we’ve ramped up the dialogue every way we know how.”

He denied threatening Maricopa County with relocation, saying the Diamondbacks are part of the fabric of Arizona.

Arizona’s “all-in” plan includes renovating Chase Field over three or four offseasons since the D-backs don’t have another place to play and events like bowl games and concerts bring fans back during the winter.

Kendrick said a round number for renovating the park is $400-$500 million. To compare, the ballpark was built for $365 million in the 1990s with public and private funding.

Entertainment taxes at the ballpark can raise money, but Kendrick said he’d like to avoid that burden on fans.

“We, not the county, not the taxpayers, have been investing in the infrastructure from the start date of the stadium to now and our investment is greater than the money the sales tax created,” Kendrick said. “The amount now based on, again, the cost of doing anything in life is way greater today than it was in the mid 90s, we think the $400 million-plus would make that stadium a vibrant stadium that would last another 20 to 25 years. That’s our game plan.”

The ballpark has undergone some work this offseason with a new sound system and LED lighting, which were prioritized over fixing the roof cables. The roof will open and close without fans as it has the past two seasons.

[ASU Diablo]

Derrick Hall already doing damage control due to yesterday's comments by Kendrick. First time I've seen any type of breakdown of where money would go towards to. Larger, more comfortable chairs has to mean a reduction in stadium capacity.

https://arizonasports.com/story/3543245/...ans-relocation-amid-stadium-uncertainty/

Of the upgrades needed at Chase Field — which first opened in 1998 — half of the $400-500 million the team is looking at to put back into the ballpark, half of that number would go into improving the infrastructure of the building. Of the things that need addressing, leaks, piping issues, HVAC and the roof are among the top of the list.

The other half of the investment into Chase Field that Hall mentioned Tuesday would include providing better club and child experiences and even adding larger and more comfortable chairs. The team would also look into revamping the surrounding areas of the ballpark for fans to enjoy before or after games.

[MiEncanto]

I can't understand why the county can't figure this out. And if they are so uninterested in dealing with THEIR stadium, they should sell it to the City of Phoenix for nothing. Letting the stadium simply fall apart and the DBacks shop elsewhere is negligent.

Perhaps the Dbacks could deal with the CoP in a productive manner. The incentive for the City to make the deal is more control over the planned district around the stadium. There's no chance they want the county doing that business. And with the theme park district available, I don't think the city would have to put up money dough. It should mostly be paid by the team and the district taxes.

[phxjack]

Mercury rising! Next Level Steel is proud to provide structural steel for the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury's new $100M campus and training facility. Nestled in the heart of the Warehouse District, this 123,000-square-foot development will house everything from practice courts to underwater treadmills, and is being constructed in partnership with Okland Construction and PK Associates Structural
https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D5622A...-QbaX6H1ILfHZGf4bD4UmpdQ9dRBhWdvp6RUZ2YU

[PHX31]

Originally Posted by phxjack

Mercury rising! Next Level Steel is proud to provide structural steel for the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury's new $100M campus and training facility. Nestled in the heart of the Warehouse District, this 123,000-square-foot development will house everything from practice courts to underwater treadmills, and is being constructed in partnership with Okland Construction and PK Associates Structural
https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D5622A...-QbaX6H1ILfHZGf4bD4UmpdQ9dRBhWdvp6RUZ2YU

What am I missing about this new campus and training facility... didn't the Suns just build a new training facility over there at 44th St & Camelback Rd?

Also, that's an interesting spot for this facility. It's close, but not really close enough, to Footprint Center. It is only about 1/3 of a mile from the arena, but it doesn't seem like a very pleasant walk for players and coaches/executives so they'll likely just drive.

That area of the "southeastern Warehouse District" is honestly probably the best part of the entirety of the Warehouse District, although overall the WD 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 so it's not a hard statement to make.

[ASU Diablo]

Originally Posted by PHX31

What am I missing about this new campus and training facility... didn't the Suns just build a new training facility over there at 44th St & Camelback Rd?

New campus will be Suns/Mercury HQ plus Mercury Training Facility.

[ASU Diablo]

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/loc...backs-in-phoenix-considered/72855185007/

Maricopa County and Phoenix officials are privately considering a "partnership" on Chase Field, a move that could defuse the Arizona Diamondbacks' relocation threats and bolster economic development in downtown Phoenix.

Details of the partnership remain unclear, though government officials began internal conversations before the World Series.

Any deal could pave the way to keep the Major League Baseball team in its longtime home, ensuring continued foot traffic and tax revenue. The team's continued presence could fuel the city's hope to develop an entertainment district near the ballpark and the Phoenix Convention Center.

Maricopa County Manager Jen Pokorski wrote to Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton in August asking if city officials would be open to talks about "potential partnership structures that would expand flexibility and options related to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chase Field."

The conversations, which are still in early stages, also involve other county properties, according to the letter. That could mean the transfer, sale or lease of existing county buildings to the city.

Barton did not respond to the letter, county spokesperson Jason Berry said. Since then, the Phoenix City Council has met three times behind closed doors to discuss the ballpark's future, according to public documents and city officials.

Those internal conversations are documented in agendas for confidential council meetings. Phoenix leaders first discussed the stadium on Oct. 24, about a week before the Diamondbacks faced the Texas Rangers. Council members met privately again on Jan. 9 and March 5.

County officials said they plan to discuss the stadium in an executive session next week but would not confirm if the topic involves Phoenix's role.

Executive sessions are common in local government. They are allowed under the state's Open Meetings Law in limited circumstances so policymakers can safely discuss sensitive topics in private, such as real estate transactions and legal matters.

County and city officials declined to share any details of what partnership options are on the table, although county leaders said in a statement to The Arizona Republic they currently are not speaking with city officials about the sale or lease of the facility.

A Chase Field partnership could encompass a range of other possibilities, including co-ownership, land swaps or an interim arrangement leading to a future sale.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego didn't return requests for comment.

[locolife]

The Arizona State Land Department has approved a land auction that could pave the way for the Arizona Coyotes to build a hockey arena in the city of Phoenix.

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news...ction-approved-coyotes-arena-hockey.html

[dillsquad]

Originally Posted by locolife

The Arizona State Land Department has approved a land auction that could pave the way for the Arizona Coyotes to build a hockey arena in the city of Phoenix.

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news...ction-approved-coyotes-arena-hockey.html

Do we know whereabouts it is?

[muertecaza]

Originally Posted by locolife

The Arizona State Land Department has approved a land auction that could pave the way for the Arizona Coyotes to build a hockey arena in the city of Phoenix.

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news...ction-approved-coyotes-arena-hockey.html

Feels like a big lost opportunity that the Tempe plan wasn't passed. Not personally a big fan of the location.