NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman weighs in on Arizona Coyotes staying in Tempe

It's no secret that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has long supported keeping the Arizona Coyotes from relocating over the years.

In June, when the Tempe City Council first voted to move forward with the proposed $2.1 billion arena project, Bettman called in to voice his support during the meeting. For Tuesday's unanimous decision to move forward with the project and send the proposal to the voters, Bettman flew in to attend the meeting with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.

"It's incredible to have the commissioner," Coyotes CEO Xavier Gutierrez said. "He's been supportive from day one and when he first met (Coyotes owner) Alex (Meruelo) and Alex shared the vision of solving the arena challenge that this organization has had for a while. Gary has been steadfast, and also Daly, and you see it. We talk a lot about actions, not words. This is action when your commissioner and deputy commissioner fly in to be here for this momentous occasion and they'll fly right back."

Moving forward:Tempe approves $2.1B Coyotes project plan, sends deal to voters

"I have been commissioner for 30 years, which is longer than the club has been here in Arizona, and it's been an interesting ride," Bettman said during the meeting. "I don't think anyone can doubt our support for the Coyotes because we were involved in litigation to keep the team from leaving and we actually owned the team and operated it for a while. The team is playing with our support in a temporary facility, which is quite unusual at the major league level."

Bettman added that he has never wavered on his support for the Coyotes staying in Arizona because "this is a great market, there are great fans, and this is a place that we want to be."

He also extended gratitude to Arizona State University for stepping in when the lease for the Coyotes with Glendale was not renewed following last season. Since moving to Mullett Arena, which holds 5,000, Meruelo has added around $30 million in upgrades.

“I think they are where they need to be,” Bettman said. “I’m grateful to ASU for sharing Mullett Arena. Obviously, it’s got to be temporary because of the size, but all reports we’re getting is that it’s been a fun experience and on a temporary basis, it works.”

The proposal for the arena would include a 30-year no-relocation clause, giving Bettman hope for hosting major events there in the future.

“It will shine a light on Tempe,” Bettman said. “We will bring league events here, whether it's an All-Star Game or a Draft. That's our commitment to you if this project goes forward.”

Reach the reporter at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or 602-647-4122. Follow her on Twitter @jennarortiz. 

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gary Bettman voices support for Coyotes arena at Tempe City Council