Mat Ishbia’s Vision: Bringing Hockey Back to Arizona
Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has ambitious plans for Arizona, with a strong focus on revitalizing the state's hockey scene. As the Arizona Coyotes prepare to leave for Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 season, Ishbia is determined to fill the void left behind.
"I'm definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I'll look at that. It's definitely something I'm interested in," Ishbia told Sportico. "It's a four-sport town. I'm disappointed we don't have a hockey team, but I understand what happened, and we're going to try to fix that one day."
The Arizona Coyotes’ departure marks the end of an era. With the franchise relocating to Salt Lake City, they will rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club and start their inaugural season under the new name in 2025-26. This move comes after three seasons of the Coyotes playing at the Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat venue on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, a temporary home that highlighted the team's existing issues with securing a stable base.
Alex Meruelo, the previous owner of the Coyotes, sold the team for a substantial $1.2 billion, paving the way for the franchise's relocation. This transition opens a unique opportunity for Ishbia to introduce a new hockey chapter in Arizona.
Revamping the Footprint Center
Ishbia's initiatives are not confined to hockey alone. He has already made significant investments in the state's sports infrastructure. The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury and recently the venue for the WNBA All-Star Game, has seen substantial enhancements. A $100 million women's practice facility has been built behind the arena, ensuring top-notch amenities for female athletes.
Despite these advancements, Ishbia acknowledges that the current facilities might not suffice in the long run. "I think our arena is first-class right now. I love our arena. But at some point, we're going to have to get a new arena," he said. His vision for a new arena underscores his commitment to elevating the standards for sports venues in Arizona.
The Community Impact
Beyond the technicalities of sports infrastructure, Ishbia's projects resonate deeply with the community. His dedication to seeing Arizona thrive as a multi-sport hub is evident. His forward-thinking approach to bringing back hockey could not only fulfil the fans' aspirations but also rejuvenate the local sports culture. Ishbia's determination to integrate seamlessly into the community hints at a future where sports is not just about the game but also about fostering connections and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
As Ishbia continues to explore ways to bring hockey back to Arizona, the community watches with anticipation. His existing track record with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, combined with his strategic vision for future developments, positions him as a pivotal figure in reshaping Arizona's sports landscape.
In conclusion, Mat Ishbia's efforts signal a promising era for sports in Arizona. While the departure of the Coyotes marks a significant shift, it also opens the door for innovation and rejuvenation led by a passionate and visionary owner. The ongoing developments at the Footprint Center and potential plans for a new arena could very well set the stage for a successful re-introduction of hockey in the state, proving once again that Arizona is indeed a four-sport town.