NHL's Phoenix Coyotes go back to college with new arena

The backdrop: The Coyotes had played at Gila River Arena in nearby Glendale since 2003, but were evicted last December due to over $1 million in outstanding venue and tax payments.

• They're hoping to build a new arena, but as a stop-gap they struck a deal with Arizona State.
• They'll play at Mullett for at least the next three seasons.

State of play: It may be small, but Mullett is also the nicest college arena in the country because the Coyotes know they'll be there a while and helped build it out accordingly.

• Ownership spent roughly $30 million on a two-story annex with two NHL-caliber locker rooms and other team facilities, which should be completed for their next homestand in December.
• They also funded other key upgrades to make it NHL-ready, including a replay booth and the pipes beneath the floor to ensure ice quality.

Between the lines: The cozy confines should create a fun atmosphere, particularly after the Coyotes averaged just 65% capacity at their 17,000-seat arena last year.

• The team expects to sell out every game and says it will make 50% more on season tickets than in any year at Gila River.
• There will also be a student section for every game, with 400 tickets available at just $25–$50 each.

The last word: "I can't wait," Ducks star Trevor Zegras told ESPN. "That college feel of, like, people over the glass, 5,000 fans, student section. It's gonna be awesome."