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Arizona Coyotes fans left confused, devastated as they wait for news on possible relocation

The team may be relocated to Salt Lake City, and fans are expressing their anguish over the potential of no longer having hockey in the Valley.

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TEMPE, Ariz. — "Hockey belongs in the desert."

Arizonans are posting this phrase across social media as they wait for news on whether or not the Coyotes will be staying in in Arizona or relocating, as sources speculate, to Salt Lake City.

If you aren't up-to-date on the latest with the 'Yotes, the team has been looking for a place to build a new arena. The NHL team was eying a 95-acre parcel of state-owned land near Scottsdale Road and Loop 101 that sits within the Phoenix city limits. The minimum sale price for the land has been estimated to be $68.5 million.

Last year, Tempe voters rejected a proposal that would have allowed the construction of a new entertainment district and Coyotes arena near Rio Salado Parkway and Priest Drive. The team is currently playing at ASU's Mullett Arena with an option to extend the lease through 2026.

While the fate of the Coyotes may be up in the air, fans' feelings are not: Moving the team out of the desert would break many fans' hearts.

Family started #Yotes season tickets w/my dad in 1997. I played AZ HS hockey. My dad and now my father in law have tickets.

My son plays for two hockey programs as a 6 year old and has been going to games since he was less than one.

We're a hockey family & we deserved better. pic.twitter.com/73paWD5R3i
— Greg (@gregdunaway) April 10, 2024

RELATED: Sources: NHL, Coyotes exploring a move to Salt Lake City

It’s been heartbreaking reading twitter today & seeing life long loyal #Yotes fans have their team ripped away from them. I’m a Canucks fan through and through, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the Yotes. That 2012 WCF run was sensational. Hockey belongs in the desert ❤️
— Logan (@Achey_Breakey) April 11, 2024

RELATED: Scottsdale mayor tells Arizona Coyotes not to bring arena near his city

Coyotes ownership has put these players and those who work for the team in an impossible spot.

Truly amazing listening to Clayton Keller speak on the Salt Lake City situation. @12SportsAZ

(🎥: @EdmontonOilers) pic.twitter.com/haNemtH9vX
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) April 12, 2024

RELATED: New arena renderings showed up on the Arizona Coyotes website before they were removed

Tonight we play the Oilers. Tonight, the Arizona Coyotes play hockey.
Tonight, they are still the Arizona Coyotes. #yotes pic.twitter.com/CMBf4zDODv
— 🌵 Buck 🌵 (@BuckPanic) April 12, 2024

RELATED: New arena for Arizona Coyotes may come with a hefty price tag

The two currently longest tenured Coyotes that have shown their love and passion for the team time and time again. I can't imagine how much this has to hurt for them https://t.co/i3K04hQ7Ds
— Kesler (@kesoyotes) April 12, 2024

RELATED: Here's how you can watch Arizona Coyotes games this season

I will definitely watch these last 2 games by the #Yotes which will be their last games for this team and this city. The tickets to the last home game ever next Wednesday should be the hottest tickets in town. I will be cheering them on just as I will in Salt Lake!
— Yotes staying in AZ (@CoyotesAvs12) April 12, 2024

RELATED: Arizona Coyotes could be heading back to Phoenix after submitting application for land to build an arena

We stand in solidarity with the players of the Arizona Coyotes. And more importantly, the fans.

Hockey belongs in the Desert.

SFL Hockey fans for years have heard about relocation rumors, they’re not fun.

Here’s for hopefully a miracle that they stay. #TimeToHunt #Yotes pic.twitter.com/JiX18TcxUT
— x - Locked On Destination Franchise (50-24-6) (@LO_FLAPanthers) April 12, 2024

Arizona sports

The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.

The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.

Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.

The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.

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