Would the Arizona Coyotes Be a Financial Success with a Move Back to Downtown Phoenix from Their Current Home in Suburban Glendale, AZ?
Yes, the potential move of the Arizona Coyotes from their current home in suburban Glendale to downtown Phoenix could be a significant financial success. This article explores the reasoning behind this statement, backed by demographic data and urban planning insights.
Geographic Context and Sparsity of Population
Before delving into the proposed realignment, it is crucial to consider the geographic landscape of Arizona. According to data from the World Atlas and US Census, the state of Arizona covers approximately 113,998 square miles, with a population of around 6.8 million people. Maricopa County, the most populous area, has a total area of 9,224 square miles and is home to nearly 4.8 million people. Phoenix, at 517 square miles and 1.6 million residents, is the largest city within the county. Glendale, where the Coyotes currently play, spans 56 square miles and has a population of about 240,000. Pima County, the second most populous, covers 9,189 square miles with around 1 million people, concentrated in the city of Tucson.
The point of this geographic lesson is twofold. First, it highlights the sparsely populated nature of Arizona outside of Maricopa and Pima Counties. Second, it underscores the intense competition among the 24 cities in Maricopa County for economic and infrastructural benefits. Despite Phoenix’s leadership role in the county, decisions such as the placement of the Coyotes in Glendale were often driven by local political interests rather than a rational, regional approach. Integrating infrastructure such as highways and public transit, like the light rail system, should be prioritized for optimal community support.
Optimal Locations for the Coyotes’ Rink
While Glendale was chosen due to local project champions and other factors, the ideal locations for the Coyotes would be either downtown Phoenix or near the ASU main campus, which hosts Division I hockey. This regional perspective ensures better connectivity and accessibility to a wider fan base. Ideally, placing a new rink near ASU would benefit from the proximity of a major college campus and a growing Division I hockey program. Tempe is also a viable location due to its established infrastructure.
These strategic considerations focus on building a regional success story rather than a local hero narrative. By leveraging the established public transit networks and the substantial college student population, the Coyotes could gain significant financial benefits and fan support. Moving to the East side of Phoenix would also improve fan access from established cities such as Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and Scottsdale.
Financial Considerations and Native American Cash Flow
However, these ideal scenarios depend on rational decision-making. In reality, financial incentives often play a significant role. Native American reservations in Arizona, with their substantial cash flow and bonding capacity, may pose a strong contender for relocating the Coyotes. For instance, the “Talking Stick Resort” has the financial means to fund a move on reservation land, potentially East of Scottsdale.
While such a move would certainly attract investment, it may not align with the best interests of the region. Reservations, while crucial parts of the state, may not offer the same urban density or connectivity to a wider fan base. This highlights the need for a coordinated, regional approach rather than prioritizing a single entity for short-term gains.
Conclusion
In summary, the potential move of the Arizona Coyotes from Glendale to downtown Phoenix or a nearby area would be a financially successful endeavor. By focusing on regional benefits and leveraging strategic locations, the Coyotes could harness the strengths of a dense urban environment and a well-connected network. While financial incentives from native American reservations are important, they should be evaluated in the context of long-term regional success rather than narrow local gains.