TEMPE — After hours of voting, all three propositions that would give Tempe a new arena and entertainment district for the Arizona Coyotes have been denied per unofficial voting results Tuesday.
Voters headed to the polls to decide on Props 301, 302, and 303, which would have given the City the right to re-zone this area and build a new entertainment district, which included a new home for the Arizona Coyotes.
Voters decline to move Tempe Entertainment District forward. https://t.co/4z8xnPB1aP #tempe pic.twitter.com/jTHwKug7wC
— City of Tempe, AZ (@Tempegov) May 17, 2023
RELATED: Tempe special election to decide fate of Coyotes' arena, entertainment district
The $2.1 billion development near Rio Salado Parkway and Priest Drive would have included hotels, apartments, retail businesses, a music venue, and a hockey arena that would have served as the new home for the Arizona Coyotes.
Groups from both sides expressed concerns about potential issues that could have arisen if all propositions were to have been approved Tuesday night.
"I have lived in Tempe for almost 40 years and we don't need any more congestion," explains longtime resident Linda Amorosi, who intended to vote 'no' on the project. "I just don't think that's the spot for it. I think they need to go further away from the metropolitan area."
RELATED: Coyotes attempt to move to Tempe was decades in the making
Arizona Coyotes President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez issued a statement in response to the results of the special election in Tempe:
“We are very disappointed Tempe voters did not approve Propositions 301, 302, and 303. As Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said, it was the best sports deal in Arizona history. The Coyotes wish to thank everyone who supported our efforts and voted yes. So many community leaders stepped up and became our advocates and for that, we are truly grateful. We also wish to thank the countless volunteers who worked so hard to try and make the Tempe Entertainment District a reality and the Tempe City Council for their support as well. While we wanted a different outcome, we remain grateful to all those who volunteered their time and talent. What is next for the franchise will be evaluated by our owners and the National Hockey League over the coming weeks.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reacted to Tuesday evening's results, saying the NHL is disappointed and will plan to review options for the Arizona Coyotes.
Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman regarding the results of the arena vote in Tempe, Arizona. pic.twitter.com/MVL3AUWP7R
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 17, 2023
Tempe's mayor Corey Woods also shared a statement Tuesday night:
"Tonight I am grateful for all the community members who got engaged and expressed their views about the Tempe Entertainment District at the ballot box. This is why we as a City Council were determined to put these matters before voters so they could have their say. As Tempeans, we are united in our passion for this amazing city and I believe we will move forward together."
Stay with ABC15 for the latest on the results.
