The Arizona Coyotes aren't ready to give up on their market just yet.
Despite residents from the city of Tempe voting down a proposal to construct a sports and entertainment district Tuesday, Coyotes president and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez is still pursuing a permanent home for the club in Arizona.
Gutierrez released a statement Wednesday thanking the fanbase for their support and addressed the next steps for the Coyotes, who will continue to play at Arizona State University's Mullett Arena next season.
"While we are very disappointed Tempe voters did not approve the proposed Entertainment District, we want to thank all our loyal fans who supported the Coyotes over the years," Gutierrez wrote. "Your loyalty is what makes our Pack strong.
"During the 2023-24 season, the Arizona Coyotes will play at Mullett Arena. In addition, we remain committed to Arizona and have already started re-engaging with local officials and sites to solidify a new permanent home in the Valley.
"We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks."
The Coyotes relocated to Mullett Arena as a temporary solution after their annual lease with the city of Glendale for Gila River Arena was terminated following the 2021-22 season.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman expressed optimism that the Coyotes were "going to be here forever" if the Tempe project had been approved.
"The National Hockey League is terribly disappointed by the results of the public referenda regarding the Coyotes' arena project in Tempe," Bettman said in a statement following the vote. "We are going to review with the Coyotes what the options might be going forward."
The team's lease at Mullett Arena, which is the smallest venue in the league with a seating capacity of about 4,600, continues for another three years.
The team's uncertain future has led others to chime in with potential solutions including Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who pitched T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.
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