Power lunch: Arizona Coyotes CEO briefs Scottsdale business leaders on latest developments

The business elite gathered Wednesday, Jan. 18 at The McCormick Scottsdale to hear from Arizona Coyotes President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc divulge new details on the sports franchise’s expected move to the East Valley.

“No tax increases. No uses whatsoever of any General Fund dollars. The guiding principles of this deal are not even close to what is being proposed anywhere else,” he said pointing out deals now made public in Las Vegas and Milwaukee. “Our arena project will benefit a number of groups. The project could be an accelerator for mass-transit. With or without us, they (ASU) needs a place for its Division 1 hockey program. Our vision is that this will stretch beyond athletics.”

Mr. LeBlanc remained steadfast on the assertion the Coyotes have every intention of remaining an Arizona sports franchise but it would be unlikely any new plan is hammered out with the city of Glendale.

“The break up has happened. There is an economic reality and at the end of the day the geography just doesn’t work for us,” he said of the Glendale location for the team. “It just wouldn’t be the right thing and it’s time to move on.”

Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Hiegel says it important for business leaders to hear from their contemporaries.

“There is always two sides to a story, but it was nice to hear Mr. Leblanc’s version today of the Coyotes contract experience in Glendale,” he said following the power lunch. “I’m glad that the Coyotes have come to the conclusion that Glendale was not the right geographic location for their fan base. If it happens, this will be a big win for the East Valley!”