The Arizona Coyotes NHL ice hockey franchise is facing opposition to a bill in the state senate that would provide $225m (€212m/£179m) in public funding for its proposed $395m arena.
Several lawmakers are reportedly refusing to support the project, meaning that it appears unlikely that there will be enough votes to move the plan to the House, according to the Arizona Republic.
Current Coyotes games are held at Gila River Arena in Glendale, where taxpayers still owe nearly $150m for the arena that opened in 2003.
Contractually, the franchise is obliged to stay in Glendale through the 2017-18 season. The city has a $13m annual debt payment on the arena through to 2033, bearing most of the construction debt.
The plan put forward outlines public funding covering 57 per cent of a new arena’s cost, with new sales taxes covering $170m and the host city contributing $55m.
The team wants a slightly smaller arena with a larger lower bowl than its current home, allowing the Coyotes to raise ticket prices for premium seats.
Coyotes chief executive Anthony LeBlanc said the team would continue seeking support at the legislature.
“There are a lot of moving parts in this legislative process and everything is malleable and open for discussion until the very end.
“We will continue to educate lawmakers about a complex project that creates a true public-private partnership and offers the Coyotes an economically viable solution to remain in the Valley for the long term,” LeBlanc said.
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