Franchise Down: Phoenix Coyotes

[VodkaFish]

Can the Coyotes be successful in Phoenix if changes are made to the franchise?

[Cat Smasher]

They sure can, as demonstrated by the past. As JR said, before the team moved to Glendale, they had the numbers, fans, and the support. Boner decision.

[plp1676]

Not unless they let Gretzky's wife bet the gate reciepts with here bookie, i mean Rick Tocchet

[Redtown]

Only if they are winning will they be successful.

[Sputnik]

I don't dislike them, but a hockey team in the middle of Arizona makes no sense at all. If there is a team I'd mention as first to get relocated is this one.

[DUSTER76]

Originally Posted by plp1676

Not unless they let Gretzky's wife bet the gate reciepts with here bookie, i mean Rick Tocchet

Fail

Phoenix never had a chance.

[Isles4life]

Phoenix is obviously a very controversial team. The franchise moved from probably the best available Canadian market (in my opinion) currently without a team, to a very non-traditional hockey market. The league had its fair share of issues of late trying to keep NHL hockey afloat in Arizona. I think there could be an ok fanbase there, but maybe it's the location of the arena in Glendale instead of in Phoenix that is playing a significant role in the dismal attendance. A successful on-ice product will draw better, but there have been so many recent issues with the Coyotes, it might just be time to call it a day and let them move elsewhere. It maybe better off just putting in a Do Not Resuscitate order given the burden of continuing to have to administer CPR to that franchise.

[ScottRasner]

I'll just stay out of here.

[Zarley Z]

Lets not forget that Phoenix and most of Arizona was hit pretty hard the past few years and there are alot of vacant homes down there. If it were still a booming area then yes, the team would probably do OK. But a perennial crappy team, in a non traditional hockey market mixed in with the economy woes will probably result in the team moving or folding all together.

[canuck2]

Originally Posted by Cat Smasher

They sure can, as demonstrated by the past. As JR said, before the team moved to Glendale, they had the numbers, fans, and the support. Boner decision.

the problem is they are never moving out of Glendale to another Phoenix location. so because of : 1. Location 2. Non traditional fan base 3. history of losing. 4. Bad economy. This team will only survive if we get a deep pocketed owner willing to lose money for a long time. And apparantly that's what we are going to get.

City of Glendale is voting shortly on wether to agree to give Hulsizer 197 million dollars to buy the team. Yes that is not a typo. They are giving him 197 million dollars. they know without the coyotes there 225 million dollar arena will never generate the revenue required to pay back the bond.

[Atomicpunk67]

One problem with the Coyotes...location. Putting the team in Glendale, all the way on the north end of PHX, really screws the fan base from Tucson.

I'm a transplanted New York Rangers fan but I love taking the family to see the Coyotes play. The 2 and a half hour drive each way (on a good day) limits the amount of times we can head out for a game. And if the game is on a weeknight...fuggetaboutit!

[puckmuncher]

Of course the Coyotes can make it in Glendale. Anyone who has been around since they have been here, knows they can. The problem being now, is that the fans are unsure if they want to buy tickets and spend money on a team that has been so up-and-down with the sale, that they are unsure if they are staying, or going! Just take a look at the playoffs....sold out every game, and sold out every game leading up to the playoffs. They are the most winning team in Az. now, and have proven in the past they can make it. Once they have solid roots laid out, without all this BS about the teams sale, they will win their fan base back. Most of the season ticket holders balked on buying tickets JUST because of the sale dispute.

[thepolishkid88]

Love the team and te players that it gave chances to such as Carcillo and Biz Nasty, but it really hasn't had much to cheer about. I'm all for putting a team there but not at the cost of one of Winnipeg.

[dumby]

Originally Posted by Atomicpunk67

One problem with the Coyotes...location. Putting the team in Glendale, all the way on the north end of PHX, really screws the fan base from Tucson.

I'm a transplanted New York Rangers fan but I love taking the family to see the Coyotes play. The 2 and a half hour drive each way (on a good day) limits the amount of times we can head out for a game. And if the game is on a weeknight...fuggetaboutit!

Glendale = WEST end of town not north.

[Phila26Flyers]

Originally Posted by dumby

Glendale = WEST end of town not north.

Northwest.