It seems that the City of Glendale leadership still doesn't get it that the Arizona Coyotes are leaving Gila River Arena; once called Glendale Arena at it's inception.

Anthony LeBlanc, the President/CEO of the Coyotes described it well when he stated that the City of Glendale evicted them, and now they must find a new home.

Battle of Mayors

Glendale mayor, Jerry Weiers doesn't like it that the city of Phoenix mayor, Greg Stanton is attempting to convince the Coyotes to move back to Phoenix, sharing a newly built downtown arena housing the Phoenix Suns NBA team, and the Phoenix Mercury WNBA team.

Weiers' misguided statement shows just why the team is done with the City of Glendale.

"It is unfortunate that no one from the mayor's office took the time to reach out to myself or other members of the Glendale City Council to learn firsthand about the effects underway to retain the Coyotes here in Glendale... if asked, I would have gladly shared information about our efforts to retain the Coyotes in an arena built for them just over 13 years ago."

Weiers (a Republican) called out Stanton (a Democrat) for what he termed "a lack of regional leadership."

Really? Wait, it gets better.

Weiers was quoted saying, "I do support your belief that as mayor of the largest city in the greater metropolitan area, your office plays a significant regional role. However, to be an effective regional leader requires engagement and communication with all the Valley partners. In this case, I feel that has not been accomplished."

Stanton's reply states the facts which Weiers neglected in his ranting and raving.

"Coyotes representatives approached the City of Phoenix, declaring the team's relationship with Glendale irrevocably broken and expressing a strong desire to permanently relocate to downtown Phoenix."

Say what?!

Anthony LeBlanc's response that the team was in negotiations with Glendale is classic.

"What? Wow. I'm flabbergasted. Let me be emphatic: There are not discussions ongoing, nor have there been, for the Coyotes to stay in Glendale long term. There's absolutely none."

LeBlanc further emphasized his point that the team won't be in Gila River Arena long term (they may talk about an extension of the lease ending after the 2016-17 season until their new home is decided upon) by stating "The Coyotes have every intention of leaving Glendale as soon as practicable."

One can only assume that the City of Glendale is now sweating bullets as to how they are going to pay off the debt of the arena construction without a major tenant.

AEG Facilities will be managing  Gila River Arena, and will be paid nicely the sum of $28 million to do so. It could be quite an undertaking to bring in enough concerts or other miscellaneous entertainment to replace 45 or so NHL hockey games. The City of Glendale's decision to bring in AEG over the Coyotes managing the arena has put salt into a deep wound. 

Good luck with that.

Downtown Phoenix: here we come?

The talks with the City of Phoenix for a downtown facility seem to be increasing in intensity, and LeBlanc has predicted that a decision will be forthcoming in a month or so.

It is true that playing in Glendale has not been a big success at the gate. After all, the NHL is a business, and businesses need to generate revenue.

With the team only averaging 13,433 last season they ranked 29th out of 30 teams. They are also 28th in TV revenue.

It is hoped that relocating the Desert Dogs to central Phoenix, or the East Valley that they will generate at least 3,000-4,000 more fans each game. That would be huge!

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's assessment perhaps puts this arena controversy straight in the laps of the City of Glendale when he said, "It seems clear that the City of Glendale has miscalculated both as to the damage that they caused and the options the Coyotes now have."