I found an article in the
Opinions section of the Arizona Republic online that I feel bares repeating. The author (who BTW - is Don Rinehart, president of the
Glendale Chamber of Commerce) makes several valid points regarding the need the city has to keep the team in Glendale. Not the least of which is the fact that the entire Glendale Sports & Entertainment District was built upon the Coyotes. They were the first to move to Glendale, the Cardinals followed - as did
Camelback Ranch - the Spring Training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. Had the Coyotes not moved to Glendale that land would likely still be empty fields. Instead we have a gorgeous shopping center in
Westgate, Cardinals fans traveling from all over the state to watch their team - we even drew the Super Bowl back in 2008 - which was the most watched Super Bowl
EVER. We have thousands of jobs in the West Valley now, thanks to it as well.
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| Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, AZ |
The above picture was taken soon after Jobing.com Arena was built, back when it was the only thing there. I am amazed at how many people (who are NOT living in Arizona, FYI) still think that this Arena is sitting in the middle of a field by itself. It most certainly isn't. Come for a visit - stay in one of the hotels within walking distance of Jobing.com Arena. Enjoy the shopping that's right outside of the Arena and please don't forget to partake in some of the culinary delights Westgate has to offer as well. And then there's the nightlife... If you're into partying it up all night - Westgate has that to offer as well. I feel certain that we have one of the best set-ups in the NHL. Which explains why the NHL has been so dedicated to seeing the team stay in Arizona. The City of Glendale truly invested their future in them.
But if you don't love it here - you're more than welcome to never return....
I have been asked by several people if I honestly think that this new lease deal the City is working on with Hulsizer is truly good for the taxpayers in Glendale. My answer is an exuberant YES! And that's not just because I don't want to lose my team. As a Coyotes season ticket holder for 3 years now and through my work with the Coyotes Coalition, I have gotten to know many wonderful people who work at Jobing.com Arena and for the Coyotes organization. I don't want all of those people to lose their jobs. If the team leaves, literally thousands of jobs will be lost. And let's be honest here folks - Arizona isn't exactly the easiest place to find a job right now. For the past 3+ years I've invested my money in this team - and yes, I consider it an investment - it's an investment in the future of our team and the health of hockey in general in Arizona and other "non-traditional markets".
The money that Glendale is getting through the
sale of the bonds is going to be used to purchase parking rights from the team. Right now there is a surcharge added into our ticket prices - which is why we get to park for free on game nights. The City is confident that they can make that money back - and I believe that they are right. They believe that Hulsizer is the right guy to own them - he's going to make them into a winner - and if he's willing to do that then they are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
For those of you who think the city is stalling... Do you honestly think that the sale of million dollar bonds is going to be a quick process? We're talking millions here people, it's going to take some time. I'm cautiously optimistic that things will be sorted out soon. This whole mess has been going on for far too long. We need to get it resolved and get back to hockey. I know that many of you are anxiously awaiting the news of our failure/demise - but we're not giving up the fight yet.
<3 TheYotesDiva
