Arizona Coyotes play final home opener at Glendale's Gila River Arena

Arizona Coyotes played final home opener at Gila River Arena in Glendale

After years of playing in the West Valley, the Arizona Coyotes played their last home opener at Glendale's Gila River Arena. FOX 10's Matt Galka reports.

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Arizona's NHL team played their final home opener at Gila River Arena on the night of Oct. 18.

Back in August, officials with the City of Glendale announced they would not renew its agreement with the Arizona Coyotes.

It was reported that the city decided not to renew their operating agreement with the Coyotes, citing "an increased focus on larger, more impactful events" for the arena after the upcoming season ends. Both parties were under a year-to-year agreement for the past few years.

The Coyotes have played at Gila River Arena since moving from America West Arena (now Footprint Center), which they shared with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, in downtown Phoenix in 2003.

From name changes, jersey changes to arena changes, this NHL franchise has seen just about everything, as they prepare to play elsewhere next season.

While it appears the only thing constant for the team is change, a loyal fan base is just happy the team is hopefully staying in Arizona.

Meanwhile, the team has proposed a $1.7 billion development in Tempe that will include a hockey arena. Renderings released by the team include proposed restaurants, shops and apartments on a 46-acre tract of land near Rio Salado and Priest Drive, not far from Loop 202.

The team said the arena would be funded by private investors but would seek city sales tax revenues to help pay for $200 million in additional costs, including infrastructure work. Officials with the City of Tempe say the evaluation process would take several months and will include extensive examinations, with opportunities for community feedback.

The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.