Westgate confident in future, despite Coyotes soon leaving Gila River Arena

PHOENIX — Westgate Entertainment District was originally developed near Gila River Arena primarily to accommodate fans attending Arizona Coyotes games. For years, however, rumors and reports swirled about the team’s search for a new home and what that might mean for Westgate.

Now, after 18 years as home to Arizona’s NHL team, it is official: The Coyotes are leaving Gila River Arena following the 202122 season, possibly for a new building proposed in Tempe. In August, the City of Glendale announced it is terminating its operating agreement with the team.

But while the Coyotes are departing, they leave behind an entertainment district that is ready to flourish without the local hockey team, city officials and district tenants said.