The Phoenix Coyotes, now known as the Arizona Coyotes, have been in a turbulent state for years. From issues surrounding their home arena, and ownership struggles, to an inconsistent fan base, the franchise has faced numerous challenges.
Despite these hurdles, the team has managed to stay afloat in the National Hockey League (NHL), but the question remains: can the Coyotes overcome their struggles in Phoenix, or is relocation their only hope for long-term success?
Arena Troubles and Attendance Woes
One of the primary challenges the Coyotes have faced since their move to Phoenix in 1996 has been the arena situation. Currently, they play at the Mullett Arena in Tempe, a small venue with a capacity of just over 5,000. This is far from ideal for an NHL franchise.
The team has bounced between various arenas throughout its existence, and the inconsistent locations have made it difficult to build a stable fan base.
Their previous home, Gila River Arena, in Glendale, was located far from downtown Phoenix, and as a result, fans were deterred by long travel times. This issue, coupled with a lack of consistent success on the ice, has caused attendance to fluctuate over the years.
The Coyotes have faced an uphill battle trying to build a loyal following in a market that traditionally has not been a hotbed for hockey.
Phoenix has many other professional sports teams like the NBA’s Suns and NFL’s Cardinals, meaning competition for fan attention is fierce. With poor attendance numbers and a lack of a permanent, ideal arena, the team’s future in the city seems uncertain.
Ownership Instability
Another major problem for the Coyotes has been the instability of ownership. The team has gone through multiple ownership groups over the years, with many of them struggling to maintain a financial footing.
This has led to a lack of investment in the team, inconsistent roster decisions, and difficulties in attracting top-tier players. The ownership turmoil has resulted in a lack of stability within the organization, which has hampered the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
Many other NHL teams have benefitted from stable, wealthy ownership groups that have been able to pour resources into their franchises.
In contrast, the Coyotes have often been forced to work with limited resources and uncertain futures. This instability has hurt the team’s competitiveness and ability to grow a passionate fan base.
Relocation Talk
With all these challenges, the question of relocation has been raised multiple times. Over the years, there have been several cities, such as Quebec City and Houston, that have expressed interest in acquiring an NHL team.
These cities have long histories of being hockey markets with potential to support an NHL franchise.
Quebec City, for instance, was home to the Nordiques, who relocated to Colorado in 1995. The city has maintained a strong desire to regain a team, and with the proper arena, it could be a viable option.
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, has never had an NHL team, but it has a thriving sports culture and could offer the Coyotes a fresh start
Relocation to a city with a more established hockey fan base and greater financial resources might provide the team with a better shot at success.
However, relocation is not without its difficulties. Moving a franchise requires approval from the NHL’s Board of Governors, and the league is often hesitant to approve such moves unless they are financially necessary.
The league also weighs factors such as market size, arena readiness, and long-term sustainability when considering a relocation. With the Coyotes’ uncertain future in Arizona, the league might see a move as an opportunity to place the team in a more stable and profitable market.
Can Arizona Still Work?
Despite the issues, there are several reasons to believe the Coyotes could still thrive in Arizona. The team has a loyal, if small, fan base, and the state of Arizona continues to grow, with a rising population and increasing interest in various sports.
If the team were able to secure a more permanent, state-of-the-art arena in a better location, there might be a renewed opportunity for the franchise to connect with the community and generate more fan interest.
Moreover, the NHL’s growing presence in non-traditional hockey markets could benefit the Coyotes in the long run. As hockey continues to expand in popularity in areas like California, Florida, and Texas, it’s not inconceivable that Arizona could become a more prominent hockey destination in the future.
However, this requires strong leadership, a stable ownership group, and a clear plan for growth. The Coyotes need to make significant changes both on and off the ice to compete with the other major sports teams in the region.
They must build a stronger brand and identity in Arizona, creating an environment where hockey can thrive beyond the fleeting interest of casual fans.
