Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has expressed his interest in meeting with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss the possibility of moving the Arizona Coyotes to Hartford. Lamont has already reached out to the NHL and hopes the meeting can take place soon. The Governor believes that Connecticut is a great hockey state and that they can guarantee the Coyotes a strong market with a government that is ready to be their partner.
Background
Talk of relocating the Coyotes has gained momentum since voters in Tempe, Arizona, rejected a referendum for a $2.3 billion entertainment district that would have allowed the franchise to build a new arena there. Connecticut has not had an NHL team since the Hartford Whalers left for North Carolina in 1997. The state’s only top-tier professional sports franchise is the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, which plays at the Mohegan Sun Arena, a 10,000-seat facility not built for hockey.
Challenges
The possibility of a move to Connecticut is considered a long shot due to the challenges the state faces. The XL Center in Hartford, where the Whalers once played, is 48 years old and in need of a major renovation. The Capital Region Development Authority that operates the XL Center is expected to start taking bids soon on repairs estimated to cost at least $107 million. Several other cities have already been named as potential landing spots for the Coyotes if they choose to move, including Atlanta, Portland, Oregon, Kansas City, Houston, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, Quebec City, and Hamilton, Ontario.
Potential Benefits
Despite the challenges, the move of the Coyotes to Connecticut could provide numerous benefits. With its rich hockey history and passionate fans, Connecticut is an attractive location for the NHL. The Coyotes would have a strong market with the potential for increased revenue and exposure. The state could also gain significant economic benefits from the relocation, including job creation and increased tourism revenue.
The possibility of the Arizona Coyotes moving to Connecticut is a long shot due to the challenges the state faces with its facilities. However, the state’s rich hockey history and passionate fans make it an attractive location for the NHL. The move could provide numerous potential benefits, including increased revenue and economic growth. It remains to be seen if Lamont’s meeting with Bettman will lead to any concrete plans for the Coyotes to move to Connecticut.
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