Where the Arizona Coyotes Play

The Arizona Coyotes play their home games at Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. The team moved to this venue in 2022 after spending 19 seasons at Gila River Arena in Glendale. Mullett Arena is a college hockey facility that was renovated and expanded to serve as the Coyotes' temporary home while the organization works toward building a permanent NHL arena.

The arena sits in the heart of the ASU campus and holds approximately 5,000 spectators for Coyotes games. This is significantly smaller than most NHL arenas, which typically seat 17,000 to 20,000 people. The smaller capacity means tickets can sell out quickly during popular matchups, and the intimate setting creates a different game-day experience than larger venues.

Mullett Arena was originally built as a college hockey facility and has been the home of the ASU Sun Devils hockey team since 1974. The renovation to accommodate an NHL team involved upgrades to the ice system, seating, locker rooms, and broadcast facilities, but the fundamental structure remains a college arena.

Key Takeaways

  • Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona is the current home of the Arizona Coyotes, located on the ASU campus rather than in a separate sports complex.
  • The arena holds about 5,000 people for Coyotes games, making it one of the smallest venues in the NHL and causing tickets to sell out more frequently than at larger arenas.
  • The Coyotes moved to Mullett Arena in 2022 from Gila River Arena in Glendale, where they had played since 2003.
  • The venue is temporary while the organization pursues plans for a new permanent NHL arena, so the team's long-term home location remains uncertain.

Getting to Mullett Arena and Parking

Mullett Arena is located at 425 East Veterans Way on the ASU campus in Tempe. If you are driving, the arena has limited on-site parking because it sits within a university campus. Most visitors use the nearby Tempe Parking District lots or ASU's general campus parking, though availability varies depending on whether ASU has events scheduled on game days.

Public transit is available through Valley Metro, the regional bus system serving the Phoenix metropolitan area. The light rail system (Valley Metro Light Rail) has a stop near the ASU campus, making it possible to reach the arena without a car. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area and may be more convenient than parking if you are coming from outside Tempe.

Arriving early on game day is important because parking fills quickly, especially for popular matchups. The ASU campus can be confusing to navigate if you are unfamiliar with it, so using GPS or checking the Coyotes' website for parking instructions before you go is worth the time.

Seating and Capacity Differences from Other NHL Arenas

At 5,000 seats, Mullett Arena is drastically smaller than the typical NHL venue. For comparison, most NHL arenas hold between 17,000 and 20,000 people. This means every seat in Mullett is closer to the ice than seats in the upper levels of larger arenas, but it also means the building fills up much faster and tickets are harder to find for games against popular opponents.

The smaller capacity creates a different atmosphere. Fans sit closer together, the noise level is more intense, and the building can feel packed even when it is not completely full. Some people prefer this intimate setting; others find it cramped compared to traditional NHL venues.

The limited seating also affects ticket pricing and availability. High-demand games may sell out weeks in advance, while games against less popular teams might have seats available closer to game time. Checking the Coyotes' official ticketing website is the best way to see what is currently available for the game you want to attend.

What to Expect Inside the Arena

Mullett Arena has been upgraded to meet NHL standards, but it retains the feel of a college facility. The concourse is narrower than in larger arenas, and amenities like food vendors and merchandise stands are more limited. Lines at concessions can be longer during intermissions because there are fewer service points to handle the crowd.

The ice quality and broadcast facilities meet NHL requirements, so the game itself is presented at the same professional standard as any other NHL venue. The locker rooms, training facilities, and player amenities have been renovated to accommodate an NHL team, even though the building's overall footprint is smaller.

Restroom facilities exist but can experience wait times during intermissions, particularly in the women's restrooms. If you have mobility concerns or need accessible seating, contact the Coyotes' ticket office in advance to discuss your needs, as the arena's layout differs from newer, purpose-built NHL venues.

The Coyotes' Temporary Status and Future Plans

The Arizona Coyotes' presence at Mullett Arena is officially temporary. The organization has been pursuing plans for a new, permanent NHL arena in the Phoenix area. As of 2024, those plans remain in development, and no opening date for a new facility has been announced.

This uncertainty affects ticket purchases and season planning. The team could remain at Mullett Arena for several more seasons, or a new venue could open sooner depending on how construction and financing progress. Before committing to season tickets or making major travel plans, check the Coyotes' official website or contact their front office for the most current information about the team's arena situation.

The temporary arrangement also explains why Mullett Arena was chosen over other options. ASU's facility was available, could be upgraded relatively quickly, and provided a home while longer-term plans developed. It is not a permanent solution, but rather a bridge venue during a transitional period for the franchise.

Attending Your First Game at Mullett Arena

If you are planning to attend a Coyotes game, start by visiting the official Arizona Coyotes website to check the schedule and purchase tickets. Tickets are sold through the team's ticketing partner and through resale platforms like StubHub and Ticketmaster's secondary market.

Arrive at least 45 minutes before puck drop to allow time for parking, walking to the arena, and getting through security. Bring a valid ID and follow the arena's bag policy, which is posted on the Coyotes' website. The arena allows small bags and personal items, but oversized bags are typically prohibited.

Dress appropriately for the temperature inside the arena, which is kept cold for ice maintenance. Even though it is Arizona, the interior of the building is significantly cooler than the outdoor temperature. Bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you are sitting in the upper levels where air circulation is stronger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Mullett Arena?

Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted inside the arena. The Coyotes' website lists the specific bag and item policy before each game. Concessions inside the arena sell food, drinks, and snacks at standard venue prices, though options are more limited than at larger NHL arenas due to the smaller facility.

Is there wheelchair accessibility at Mullett Arena?

Yes, the arena has accessible seating and facilities, but the layout differs from newer arenas. Contact the Coyotes' ticket office or accessibility coordinator before purchasing tickets to discuss your specific needs and may support the best seating option is available for you.

What is the difference between watching a game at Mullett Arena versus a traditional NHL arena?

Mullett Arena is much smaller and more intimate, with every seat closer to the ice. The atmosphere is louder and more intense, but concessions and amenities are more limited. The game itself is played at the same professional level as any NHL venue.

When will the Coyotes move to a new arena?

No opening date has been announced for a new permanent Coyotes arena. The team remains in the planning and development phase for a future venue. Check the Coyotes' official website or contact their front office for updates on the arena timeline.

Is parking included with my ticket purchase?

Parking is not typically included with ticket purchases. You will need to pay separately for parking in ASU lots or nearby Tempe parking facilities, or use public transit or rideshare. Parking costs vary depending on the lot and demand on game day.