Glendale’s Desert Diamond Arena: A New Era Without the Coyotes
Once dominated by the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, Glendale’s Desert Diamond Arena has undergone a significant transformation since the team’s departure in 2022. After nearly two decades, the Coyotes played their final game at the arena on April 29, 2022, marking the end of a challenging relationship with the city. The arena and the surrounding Westgate Entertainment District have since adapted to a new reality.
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers pointed to the Coyotes’ lack of commitment as a key issue. “For years, there was a sense that the team was always looking elsewhere rather than investing in Glendale,” Weiers stated. This sentiment was echoed by former Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps, who noted the financial difficulties of maintaining the team.
Phelps explained, “It was clear from the beginning that from a pure financial perspective, it would be better for the City of Glendale to not have the Coyotes as a tenant.” Under their lease, the Coyotes paid $500,000 annually to rent the arena, with additional fees for advertising and suite control. The city shouldered operational costs while the team reaped the most profitable revenue streams.
In the wake of the Coyotes’ exit, Desert Diamond Arena has thrived. The venue set a record for revenue soon after the team left, a feat surpassed the following year by nearly $10 million, largely due to concert revenues. According to independent data, gross sales increased by 156% from 2022 to 2023, with attendance climbing 119%.
The arena has embraced a new chapter, spearheaded by a $42 million renovation tailored to concertgoers. General Manager Nick Byer emphasized this shift: “The shift has allowed us to open up the calendar, attract more marquee events and better serve a broader range of audiences.”
In 2022, the arena hosted 43 events, including the Coyotes’ final games. Now, as a concert-centric venue, it is on track to slightly increase this number with 50 events scheduled. The lineup features major acts like Los Tigres del Norte and RUSH, showcasing the arena’s move towards diverse, year-round entertainment.
However, not all businesses have benefited equally from this transition. Mike Fontes, general manager of Just Sports, noted, “The events that the arena has replaced the Coyotes with don’t drive the same revenue as the Coyotes did.” The retail sector continues to adjust to the changes brought about by the Coyotes’ departure.
For hotels like the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa, the shift has been more positive. Director of Sales Matthew Sanchez reported a successful pivot to corporate business after the Coyotes left. “We have hit several record months in revenue,” Sanchez said, crediting renovations and a focus on group bookings.
Despite the challenges, the Westgate Entertainment District is thriving. Glendale’s sales tax revenue jumped from $172 million in 2019 to $289 million in 2025, a 68% increase. This growth reflects the district’s evolution into a diverse entertainment hub, with visitor spending rising even as attendance numbers remain steady.
Mayor Weiers concluded, “What we’ve learned is that diversification matters. Relying too heavily on one team or one type of event can limit growth.” The arena’s transformation illustrates a broader trend towards creating entertainment experiences that attract varied audiences and boost local economies.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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