A day after issuing a strongly worded statement against a proposed arena for the Arizona Coyotes on his city’s border, Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega clarified that he’s open to the project, but for a slightly different location.
In Monday’s statement, Ortega lashed out at a proposed hockey arena project at Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road, on the city’s border with Phoenix. Citing congestion and infrastructure concerns, he said the project being on the doorstep of Scottsdale would not be feasible or welcome.
On Tuesday, Ortega said he would support a new arena at a location just west of the proposed site, on open land at 64th Street and the 101.
He said the Coyotes’ development team did not consult with city officials about the Scottsdale Road proposal.
But he said he believes there is an “open net” for the Coyotes at 64th Street, where the team can finally end its search for a permanent home.
