Industry Noize: Arena Changes In Glendale

The name change would occur if it is approved by the Glendale City Council during its meeting Sept. 9. The Gila River Indian Community and its casinos have had a longtime sponsorship relationship with the Coyotes.

The deal is expected to add a variety of additional advertising, marketing and merchandising opportunities at the arena.

Meanwhile, the council recently approved an agreement with another tribe to build a casino and resort in the city. Glendale has spent years in negotiations and litigation with the Tohono O’odham Nation, which is based 110 miles south of the Phoenix area in Sells, Ariz.

The 4-3 vote came after a 4.5-hour meeting on the matter.

The casino would be built near Jobing.com Arena on unincorporated land surrounded by the city, and the tribe would be responsible to pay for all required infrastructure.

Key provisions of the agreement include the tribe paying the financially ailing city $26 million over 20 years, including an up-front payment of $500,000 within 10 days.

The city would also withdraw from litigation against the $400 million project. Tribal officials have said they hope the new facility would begin operations in late 2016.

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