The
Arizona land auction that is part of the roadmap for an NHL return to Arizona has been cancelled. Alex Meruelo’s group reportedly needs a Special Use Permit before bidding on the land to assure the State that they will actually do something with it after winning the auction. Alex Meruelo was the only bidder registered.
It is looking right now like Meruelo did not secure this during the process, the state appeared to have been waiting for him. Ensuring that you have the zoning for a large development like this seems crucial. Either way, this is not a good look. Meruelo being able to retain the franchise rights of the Coyotes and the Tucson Road Runners was reported to be contingent on passing this milestone. Now that there is no auction to speak of, it will be interesting to see if the NHL takes the rights back.
EDIT: When I first posted this, it wasn’t clear if the state cancelled because of not Meruelo having the zoning, or if the state did not indicate the need for the Special Use Permit.