CXLIV - The Tempe era set to begin as ASU opens Mullett Arena

[TheLegend]

My question for Bettman is if all of these things are true & I believe that they are, why has Meruelo been MIA during this process? He's been hiding in the shadows without saying a word for months. Meanwhile he has Gutierrez as the face of TED, & with all due respect, Gutierrez has all the earmarks of a used car dealer or a snake oil salesman. I just find him to be so inauthentic & contrived.

Meruelo got up and spoke at the November 29th city council meeting after someone earlier in meeting accused him of “hiding”. And he doesn’t pull punches when he speaks.

But he’s not a real public type figure and he’s even admitted it himself. That’s why he hires people like Gutierrez to be the face out there.

 

[Boris Zubov]

Meruelo got up and spoke at the November 29th city council meeting after someone earlier in meeting accused him of “hiding”. And he doesn’t pull punches when he speaks.

But he’s not a real public type figure and he’s even admitted it himself. That’s why he hires people like Gutierrez to be the face out there.

That's certainly his prerogative, but honestly he's doing himself & the project a disservice. When Mereulo bought the team & came out in that introductory presser, he was direct, saying he sure as shit wanted to win, I think people respect that. I know I would rather hear that brunt, gruff dialogue as apposed to XG's ramblings.

To most voters who might be leaning "NO", hearing XG speak is a giant turn off. His personality screams charlatan, even if he most likely isn't. I'm sure he's effective at his job, but he doesn't come across well to your average joe, IMHO.

 

[PredsHead]

Before we get into a Twitter debate here…. There’s also confirmation from another person that paint was also used.

No matter what… it shouldn’t have happened.

I don't disagree it shouldn't have happened but you would think the TempeWins account would have made sure to get a picture of the paint if it was used.

Meruelo got up and spoke at the November 29th city council meeting after someone earlier in meeting accused him of “hiding”. And he doesn’t pull punches when he speaks.

But he’s not a real public type figure and he’s even admitted it himself. That’s why he hires people like Gutierrez to be the face out there.

He also spoke before the press conference today but not at it?

 

[TheLegend]

That's certainly his prerogative, but honestly he's doing himself & the project a disservice. When Mereulo bought the team & came out in that introductory presser, he was direct, saying he sure as shit wanted to win, I think people respect that. I know I would rather hear that brunt, gruff dialogue as apposed to XG's ramblings.

To most voters who might be leaning "NO", hearing XG speak is a giant turn off. His personality screams charlatan, even if he most likely isn't. I'm sure he's effective at his job, but he doesn't across well to your average joe, IMHO.

But you and I aren’t an average Joe in relation to this so how can we honestly say what the average Joe thinks?

Tempe councilman Randy Keating said it best in that there are voters on both sides of the fence who have made their minds up and a significant number who are not leaning in any particular direction.

 

[TheLegend]

I don't disagree it shouldn't have happened but you would think the TempeWins account would have made sure to get a picture of the paint if it was used.



He also spoke before the press conference today but not at it?

And this is a problem??

 

[PredsHead]

And this is a problem??

Not necessarily a problem just very odd to me. He can be at the press conference, he can talk to the supporters but he just can't talk to the press? Its not like they were taking questions.

 

[Llama19]

I know where you're going with this (Coyotes are a charity case) but I think you're over-thinking it.

Goodwill is a well-respected charity who has partnered with the Coyotes. End of story.

True...

Arizona Coyotes, Goodwill unveil sponsorship deal for player helmet logos
Without releasing any financial details, the team said it was one of the NHL's biggest sponsorship deals

www.abc15.com/news/business/arizona-coyotes-goodwill-unveil-sponsorship-deal-for-player-helmet-logos

 

[Llama19]

Friday roundup: Utah enters MLB expansion sweepstakes, Bettman’s mouth issues more checks Coyotes can’t cover

To quote:

"NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has visited Tempe, Arizona to take in an Arizona Coyotes game and promise that “once this [arena] project is built, this team is never going anywhere. It’s going to be here forever.” So Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo is going to sign a 999-year lease? That’s the only thing he can mean. Hey, everybody, Alex Meruelo is signing a forever lease, Gary Bettman promised, this is great news, Gary Bettman would never lie to us!"

Source: www.fieldofschemes.com/2023/04/14/19841/friday-roundup-utah-enters-mlb-expansion-sweepstakes-bettmans-mouth-issues-more-checks-coyotes-cant-cover/

 

[awfulwaffle]

Not necessarily a problem just very odd to me. He can be at the press conference, he can talk to the supporters but he just can't talk to the press? Its not like they were taking questions.

I'm willing to bet it's because XG is much better public speaking than AM is. It's like my Dolphins and Stephen Ross(owner). A lot of Dolphins fans just want him to supply the money, and let the other people do the dirty work. I really don't see what the big issue is. He's showing up to the events and votes that matter the most.

Friday roundup: Utah enters MLB expansion sweepstakes, Bettman’s mouth issues more checks Coyotes can’t cover

To quote:

"NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has visited Tempe, Arizona to take in an Arizona Coyotes game and promise that “once this [arena] project is built, this team is never going anywhere. It’s going to be here forever.” So Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo is going to sign a 999-year lease? That’s the only thing he can mean. Hey, everybody, Alex Meruelo is signing a forever lease, Gary Bettman promised, this is great news, Gary Bettman would never lie to us!"

Source: www.fieldofschemes.com/2023/04/14/19841/friday-roundup-utah-enters-mlb-expansion-sweepstakes-bettmans-mouth-issues-more-checks-coyotes-cant-cover/

Oh my gosh, I just can't with you people anymore. Yes, he said it. And yes, it's likely that the team will be around for a very long time. AM will own the arena, and the surrounding development. The surrounding development will make money that can offset any losses the Coyotes incur(and who knows, perhaps the Coyotes become profitable with the new Tempe location). As long as the owner of the Coyotes can own the arena and the surrounding development, there is going to be no issues whatsoever with the Coyotes and their finances.

 

[Llama19]

A look at attendance data for Arizona Coyote games

To quote:

"An analysis of average monthly attendance per game since the 2017 season shows the Coyotes have averaged a 4,600 crowd in every game played. In prior seasons at Gila River, now Desert Diamond Arena, average monthly attendance typically ranged from 13,000 to 14,000.

The much smaller Mullett arena is most likely impacting ticket revenue. Due to a higher average ticket price, however, the figures would remain in line with some recent seasons. ESPN estimates the average ticket price for a Coyotes game this season was about $90, which would theoretically generate about $17 million in revenue. That compares with the 2017-2018 season when data from Seatgeek.com reports an average ticket price of $35.

"

Source: www.abc15.com/news/local-news/a-look-at-attendance-data-for-arizona-coyote-games

 

[LPHabsFan]

A look at attendance data for Arizona Coyote games

To quote:

"An analysis of average monthly attendance per game since the 2017 season shows the Coyotes have averaged a 4,600 crowd in every game played. In prior seasons at Gila River, now Desert Diamond Arena, average monthly attendance typically ranged from 13,000 to 14,000.

The much smaller Mullett arena is most likely impacting ticket revenue. Due to a higher average ticket price, however, the figures would remain in line with some recent seasons. ESPN estimates the average ticket price for a Coyotes game this season was about $90, which would theoretically generate about $17 million in revenue. That compares with the 2017-2018 season when data from Seatgeek.com reports an average ticket price of $35.

View attachment 688314"

Source: www.abc15.com/news/local-news/a-look-at-attendance-data-for-arizona-coyote-games

How much more debt do you think is being added to the pile? But wait, the team still has three more years of that revenue at that level. though if you believe the team, they're actually making the same if not more at ASU right? Owners like having tons of debt and continually adding to that right?

 

[PredsHead]

I'm willing to bet it's because XG is much better public speaking than AM is. It's like my Dolphins and Stephen Ross(owner). A lot of Dolphins fans just want him to supply the money, and let the other people do the dirty work. I really don't see what the big issue is. He's showing up to the events and votes that matter the most.

Meruelo's project is up for a public referendum that requires quite a bit of faith in him and he can't walk in front of 10 press members and give a quick few words? He can't go on the Coyotes broadcast and have a two minute conversation with people that actually work for him? Look at all the press Bettmen did for this yesterday and Meruelo can't be bothered to do any of it? Not saying its the end of the world or anything like that, but if I am a voter its just another red flag in an already questionable project. Its kind of hard to people to take you seriously when one minute you put on this shrieking violet act and then the next your employees brag about your wealth made from media and casinos or how you want to be a pro sports baron.

 

[awfulwaffle]

Meruelo's project is up for a public referendum that requires quite a bit of faith in him and he can't walk in front of 10 press members and give a quick few words? He can't go on the Coyotes broadcast and have a two minute conversation with people that actually work for him? Look at all the press Bettmen did for this yesterday and Meruelo can't be bothered to do any of it? Not saying its the end of the world or anything like that, but if I am a voter its just another red flag in an already questionable project. Its kind of hard to people to take you seriously when one minute you put on this shrieking violet act and then the next your employees brag about your wealth made from media and casinos or how you want to be a pro sports baron.

Yeah, agree to disagree. The guy is just putting up money. It's already been proven he can afford it(not to mention the $$ spent on ASU and the amnex that's basically a sunk cost).

How much more debt do you think is being added to the pile? But wait, the team still has three more years of that revenue at that level. though if you believe the team, they're actually making the same if not more at ASU right? Owners like having tons of debt and continually adding to that right?

If the entertainment district gets built, don't think he cares. Coyotes could be loss leaders and offset by the revenue the rest of the district will make.

 

[LPHabsFan]

If the entertainment district gets built, don't think he cares. Coyotes could be loss leaders and offset by the revenue the rest of the district will make.

How much debt do you think they have now? 400 million? 500? 600? more? How much more do you think they're going to add on the Coyotes side of things between now and when the arena is built? How much more do you think will be added between now and when the rest of the TED is built? How much more do you think they're adding by actually building TED because they're sure as shit not that liquid. How much do you think AM of the whole project do you think AM owns meaning how much of the actual revenue do you think he'll get on a year basis or even through the sale of any of it?

All of this is assuming things actually get built since, oh ya, we don't have to look too far to see a similar plan to this one fail spectacularly and is one of the main reasons the Coyotes are in this mess to begin with.

But hey, if you built it they will come and all the problems with this franchise will be solved when they get a new arena in Glen.........I mean when they get a new leas.......I mean when they get a nice big subsi........I mean when they get a.........

 

[awfulwaffle]

How much debt do you think they have now? 400 million? 500? 600? more? How much more do you think they're going to add on the Coyotes side of things between now and when the arena is built? How much more do you think will be added between now and when the rest of the TED is built? How much more do you think they're adding by actually building TED because they're sure as shit not that liquid. How much do you think AM of the whole project do you think AM owns meaning how much of the actual revenue do you think he'll get on a year basis or even through the sale of any of it?

All of this is assuming things actually get built since, oh ya, we don't have to look too far to see a similar plan to this one fail spectacularly and is one of the main reasons the Coyotes are in this mess to begin with.

But hey, if you built it they will come and all the problems with this franchise will be solved when they get a new arena in Glen.........I mean when they get a new leas.......I mean when they get a nice big subsi........I mean when they get a.........

Nobody knows how much debt the Coyotes actually have. And why is that an issue to YOU or anyone else? If the owner is ok with the debt, why does it matter? Perhaps when AM bought the team, the league forgave all the debt.

AM is the first owner the Coyotes have had that can actually do what he says. The issue with the Coyotes in Glendale is that the owner didn't also own Westgate. The only way the Coyotes work(and a lot of pro sports teams to be honest), is either A) Be the managing group behind events at the arena and get a cut of all events that take place there, or B) Have other businesses that can help offset losses or just be an additional players in the business itself. AM has many other ventures that he makes money from, I'm not concerned about his liquidity like you mention.

 

[Tawnos]

Friday roundup: Utah enters MLB expansion sweepstakes, Bettman’s mouth issues more checks Coyotes can’t cover

To quote:

"NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has visited Tempe, Arizona to take in an Arizona Coyotes game and promise that “once this [arena] project is built, this team is never going anywhere. It’s going to be here forever.” So Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo is going to sign a 999-year lease? That’s the only thing he can mean. Hey, everybody, Alex Meruelo is signing a forever lease, Gary Bettman promised, this is great news, Gary Bettman would never lie to us!"

Source: www.fieldofschemes.com/2023/04/14/19841/friday-roundup-utah-enters-mlb-expansion-sweepstakes-bettmans-mouth-issues-more-checks-coyotes-cant-cover/

What a stupid blurb. I mean, be skeptical of the Coyotes future all you want, but Meruelo doesn't need to sign a lease at all. He's going to own the building and the land underneath it. Then again, I expect nothing less of that site.

 

[TheLegend]

How much debt do you think they have now? 400 million? 500? 600? more? How much more do you think they're going to add on the Coyotes side of things between now and when the arena is built? How much more do you think will be added between now and when the rest of the TED is built? How much more do you think they're adding by actually building TED because they're sure as shit not that liquid. How much do you think AM of the whole project do you think AM owns meaning how much of the actual revenue do you think he'll get on a year basis or even through the sale of any of it?

All of this is assuming things actually get built since, oh ya, we don't have to look too far to see a similar plan to this one fail spectacularly and is one of the main reasons the Coyotes are in this mess to begin with.

But hey, if you built it they will come and all the problems with this franchise will be solved when they get a new arena in Glen.........I mean when they get a new leas.......I mean when they get a nice big subsi........I mean when they get a.........

You know Quebec City thought that..... get the PUBLIC to build an arena and the return of the Nordiques was a lock.

Didn't turn out that way, did it??

But sure.... it's so nice to know that we have so many experts in this forum who know everything there is about Alex Meruelo because they have more vetting power than a 100 Glendale's or Tempe's or ASUs to fill us full of cute memeisms.

 

[PredsHead]

Yeah, agree to disagree. The guy is just putting up money. It's already been proven he can afford it(not to mention the $$ spent on ASU and the amnex that's basically a sunk cost).

He's not just putting up the money, he is agreeing to all kinds of things in the DDA (link). He's also the one suing the airport. The ASU money was by far his cheapest and really only viable option for staying in the market after getting unceremoniously kicked out of Glendale. Plus between the new TV deal and the money from Seattle expansion didn't that more or less cover what they have put in ASU?

 

[TheLegend]

What a stupid blurb. I mean, be skeptical of the Coyotes future all you want, but Meruelo doesn't need to sign a lease at all. He's going to own the building and the land underneath it. Then again, I expect nothing less of that site.

Well that's the Don Quixote of sports stadiums. He makes his living off blurbs.

 

[TheLegend]

He's not just putting up the money, he is agreeing to all kinds of things in the DDA (link). He's also the one suing the airport. The ASU money was by far his cheapest and really only viable option for staying in the market after getting unceremoniously kicked out of Glendale. Plus between the new TV deal and the money from Seattle expansion didn't that more or less cover what they have put in ASU?

It's his risk, is it not??

And knock off the narrative about "unceremoniously kicked out of Glendale".... I don't feel like bringing in the receipts that prove that's a load of crap again.

 

[awfulwaffle]

He's not just putting up the money, he is agreeing to all kinds of things in the DDA (link). He's also the one suing the airport. The ASU money was by far his cheapest and really only viable option for staying in the market after getting unceremoniously kicked out of Glendale. Plus between the new TV deal and the money from Seattle expansion didn't that more or less cover what they have put in ASU?

You tell me? Yes, they were "kicked out" of Glendale, but only because COG wanted a long term lease, but the Coyotes didn't need it because they were looking for their own barn.

 

[PredsHead]

It's his risk, is it not??

And knock off the narrative about "unceremoniously kicked out of Glendale".... I don't feel like bringing in the receipts that prove that's a load of crap again.

Its also Tempe's risk, hence the referendum. Please bring them I would love for you to tell us how a town that built the Coyotes an arena and paid them what $15M a year for how many years is the bad guy in this story.

You tell me? Yes, they were "kicked out" of Glendale, but only because COG wanted a long term lease, but the Coyotes didn't need it because they were looking for their own barn.

Why wouldn't Glendale want a long-term lease? They were still paying for the bonds on the arena they built for the Coyotes and were about to have to pay for upgrades and repairs to the arena.

 

[awfulwaffle]

Its also Tempe's risk, hence the referendum. Please bring them I would love for you to tell us how a town that built the Coyotes an arena and paid them what $15M a year for how many years is the bad guy in this story.


Why wouldn't Glendale want a long-term lease? They were still paying for the bonds on the arena they built for the Coyotes and were about to have to pay for upgrades and repairs to the arena.

It's not the current owners problem that the City of Glendale overspent on an arena. The city could have negotiated a shorter term lease, but they wanted a 10+ year lease. They understood the MO of the new owner, he wants his own barn, his own revenue stream. That's why the City didn't negotiate in good faith with a lease for the Coyotes, it was the city's way or the highway basically.

 

[PredsHead]

It's not the current owners problem that the City of Glendale overspent on an arena. The city could have negotiated a shorter term lease, but they wanted a 10+ year lease. They understood the MO of the new owner, he wants his own barn, his own revenue stream. That's why the City didn't negotiate in good faith with a lease for the Coyotes, it was the city's way or the highway basically.

Thinking it wasn't his problem is what got him kicked out of his arena

 

[awfulwaffle]

Thinking it wasn't his problem is what got him kicked out of his arena

No, it's because the COG knew that AM was looking for his own arena. Obviously, if AM moves from Glendale, that's lost revenue to them. Why help keep a team in the valley, that will eventually move to a new arena, that would compete for other events? That doesn't make much sense. They did the smart thing by kicking them to the curb and hoping that they couldn't find a place to stay in AZ. If ASU didn't have their new arena, who knows what might have happened with the team.