The Arizona Cardinals plan to build a new practice facility in north Phoenix in the space the now-defunct Coyotes NHL franchise had targeted for a new arena.
The Cardinals’ decision now changes after this February, when they announced they would remain in Tempe and build an upgraded $100 million practice facility.
The change in plans has doubled the price from $100 million to “roughly $200 million,” owner Michael Bidwill told the Sports Business Journal.
It is scheduled to be completed in 2028.
The mixed-use site is located north of the Loop 101 and west of Scottsdale Road.
The Cardinals purchased the 217-acre property at auction from the Arizona State Land Department for $136 million with the help of Mortenson Development.
“Our goal has always been to provide our players and coaches with the best possible environment to prepare and perform at the highest level,” Cardinals owner and president Michael Bidwill said in a release.
“As we evaluated our options, it became clear that we needed more space than what was available at our current location or elsewhere in Tempe. We are deeply grateful to the city of Tempe for its incredible support over the past three decades and for its continued partnership. And we are just as excited to welcome this new chapter in our team’s history.”
The Cardinals have been at the Dignity Health Training Center in Tempe since 1989. The current facility is 14 acres and 156,000 square feet.
The new facility will be 30 acres and 250,000 square feet.
“The Arizona Cardinals’ new headquarters and state-of-the-art practice facility is an exciting, welcome addition to our city’s Headquarters Alley,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a release. “I’m grateful for this game-changing investment and the energy this project will bring to our community.”
The Cardinals will work with a real estate company, the city and the Arizona Commerce Authority to develop the non-team portions of the site. It could include corporate offices, restaurants, retail, residential or medical facilities.
