Coyotes Moving From Glendale: Advanced talks with Phoenix or ASU (Mesa: loan, hotel)

[BIG CATS]

Id like to see it downtown. Putting it way out by Talking Stick is kinda goofy, its just too far out there. Its like the east Valley equivalent of Westgate... out on the fringes of society.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Id like to see it downtown. Putting it way out by Talking Stick is kinda goofy, its just too far out there. Its like the east Valley equivalent of Westgate... out on the fringes of society.

It's hardly the "fringes of society", at the 101 and Indian Bend, and the Coyotes fan base is more east side than west. But the biggest advantage of building there is the financial advantage of the partnership with the tribe (and all that flat, vacant land ready to develop.) That's why Salt River Fields is where it is. I'd rather see something downtown too, but there are big differences between this location and Westgate.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by observer53

It's hardly the "fringes of society", at the 101 and Indian Bend, and the Coyotes fan base is more east side than west. But the biggest advantage of building there is the financial advantage of the partnership with the tribe (and all that flat, vacant land ready to develop.) That's why Salt River Fields is where it is. I'd rather see something downtown too, but there are big differences between this location and Westgate.

What I meant is that its on the edge of the Valley, just on the east end. Granted its next to Scottsdale/FH, but its still "out there". A downtown would best serve E and W Valley fans equally, and there would be light rail and buses that could serve it.

[sargeant79]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

Not far east Mesa, but the Riverview area near the Tempe border. Seems to be significantly more centrally located than Talking Sticks Resort.

Even the Riverview area is nowhere near a central location...It's still Mesa. Talking Stick area isn't either for that matter. Sky Harbor is right about the geographic center of the Valley, which is why downtown Phoenix makes the most sense if geography is the chief concern in selecting a stadium site.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

What I meant is that its on the edge of the Valley, just on the east end. Granted its next to Scottsdale/FH, but its still "out there". Downtown would best serve E and W Valley fans equally, and there would be light rail and buses that could serve it.

It's on the East edge, however it is on the East 101 which is a major employment corridor from Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler and Mesa, so it is not really comparable to the West side which is lacking that. Having said that I agree that is not one of the better locations.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by asufan

It's on the East edge, however it is on the East 101 which is a major employment corridor from Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler and Mesa, so it is not really comparable to the West side which is lacking that. Having said that I agree that is not one of the better locations.

Thats true. Not sure how having it in an employment corridor would help the Coyotes, as most stadiums in suburbs across the nations are rather isolated, too, for the most part. I think moving the Yotes to the East Valley wouldnt really be overly beneficial to them. Downtown would be the best answer.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by sargeant79

Even the Riverview area is nowhere near a central location...It's still Mesa. Talking Stick area isn't either for that matter. Sky Harbor is right about the geographic center of the Valley, which is why downtown Phoenix makes the most sense if geography is the chief concern in selecting a stadium site.

Note that if any deal falls apart with the City of Phoenix and/or ASU, the Coyotes will need to find a location somewhere. Riverview isn't really much further out than ASU. Plus, it is near the intersection of two freeways, which can be convenient.

[ShampooBanana]

Originally Posted by sargeant79

Even the Riverview area is nowhere near a central location...It's still Mesa. Talking Stick area isn't either for that matter. Sky Harbor is right about the geographic center of the Valley, which is why downtown Phoenix makes the most sense if geography is the chief concern in selecting a stadium site.

You're right that Sky Harbor is aboiut the geographic center of the Valley, but the difference in distance between there and downtown Phoenix versus there and Riverview is negligible. Riverview is about 3-4 miles further from Sky Harbor.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

Note that if any deal falls apart with the City of Phoenix and/or ASU, the Coyotes will need to find a location somewhere. Riverview isn't really much further out than ASU. Plus, it is near the intersection of two freeways, which can be convenient.

One thing that you never take into account when you make your dream scenarios whether it be about light rail, bus transit or stadium locations is MONEY. The reason the Coyotes are looking to partner with ASU or the Suns is to save costs on construction, I doubt a deal with either of these two would work in Mesa. They are considering ASU because ASU has land and has a need and plans for a hockey arena (albeit not as large as the Coyote's need), they also have some private donors and a facilities district, so partnering with ASU is worth exploring. With the Suns they are looking to split costs but I assume raising the money mostly through taxes, and the most centralized location. With Mesa, you have no other team to share the facility with, no free land that I know of and no private donors stepping in. You may as well throw out any other corner of the valley, it's about as feasible as Mesa IMO.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by sargeant79

Even the Riverview area is nowhere near a central location...It's still Mesa. Talking Stick area isn't either for that matter. Sky Harbor is right about the geographic center of the Valley, which is why downtown Phoenix makes the most sense if geography is the chief concern in selecting a stadium site.

If being close to Sky Harbor is the best location, Downtown Tempe is adjacent to the airport and is a faster light rail ride to the airport stop, so that would be the best choice. I still agree Downtown Phoenix is the best choice, but it is further from the airport than Tempe.