ASU Allows Coyotes to Play Without Formal Vote – A New Precedent in Sports Team Relocation?

In a landmark decision, Arizona State University (ASU) and the Arizona Coyotes NHL hockey team have announced a formal agreement to build a $230 million arena and entertainment district on university property in Tempe. This agreement marks the first instance of a university and a professional sports team partnering to develop a venue on-campus, setting a precedent for other schools and teams to follow.

The Coyotes were previously based at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The team has faced multiple challenges with their current home, including complaints from fans about location and accessibility and a seemingly contentious relationship with the City of Glendale. The proposed venue at ASU would address these issues by providing a more central location with accessibility to light rail, and also positively impact the economy through the creation of approximately 4,000 jobs, generating up to $1.5 billion in economic impact.

This partnership is also a win for Arizona State University. The proposed arena is expected to be used for multiple university events in addition to hosting all Coyotes home games, as well as concerts, festivals, and other entertainment. ASU‘s willingness to work with the team is a sign that the university is open to expanding its mission of being an anchor institution that supports the surrounding community.

The formal vote by the Tempe City Council this week sealed the deal, allowing for the Coyotes to move forward with the project. This decision comes after years of discussions and planning between the team, the university, and the city. But the decision also speaks to a larger trend in the sports world: teams relocating in search of better infrastructure and economic opportunities.

This trend of relocation has had mixed results. While some cases, such as the Golden State Warriors moving to San Francisco or the Brooklyn Nets relocating to the Barclays Center, have proven to be lucrative decisions, other cases, like when the Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee, have been less successful.

It’s important to note that the ASU–Coyotes agreement is unique in that it represents a collaboration between a university and a professional sports team, potentially providing a roadmap for addressing the issues that arise with relocation. Universities, as a source of local pride and community engagement, have a vested interest in ensuring that their surrounding communities continue to thrive. By partnering with a team, they have the opportunity to create a stable economic boost while also enhancing the student and alumni experience.

Furthermore, this agreement sets a precedent for other teams and universities to work together in a similar manner. By forging partnerships like this one, teams can create dynamic infrastructure and a loyal fanbase, leading to longer-term success both on and off the field.

Overall, the announcement of the ASU–Coyotes agreement is a positive development for the sports world. It demonstrates the potential for collaboration between seemingly disparate entities and sets a precedent for future partnerships between sports teams and universities.