Future Planned Nhl Arenas Being Built (2023-2026)

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the details of two potential new NHL Arenas – one in Ottawa, Canada, and the other in Arizona, United States. We will discuss the current status of these arenas, their proposed designs, and the challenges they face. Additionally, we will take a look at some recently opened NHL arenas, including the UBS Arena in New York and the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. So, let's jump right into it!

The New Ottawa Arena

The new Ottawa Arena is a planned indoor arena located in the Flats district of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Although there are no interior renderings available, the exterior design of the arena is quite impressive. With a futuristic vibe and an eye-catching facade, it certainly promises to be a visually stunning structure. One rendering even shows the arena connected to a taller skyscraper, which adds an intriguing element to its design. While there are multiple renderings of different arena designs, the one currently considered the most realistic depicts a circular shape, reminiscent of the Warriors' new arena in the NBA.

However, the Ottawa Arena faces challenges in terms of finding suitable land for construction. The desired location is the Flats area in Ottawa, but acquiring the necessary land and funding remains a hurdle. Despite these obstacles, there is a tentative opening date set for 2026. In June 2022, the Senators LED Capital Sports Development incorporated reached an agreement with the national capital commissioner on a plan for the development of the area. The next step in the project will be finding an appropriate plot of land, finalizing the interior renderings, and moving forward with the construction process.

The Arizona Coyotes' New Arena

The Arizona Coyotes currently face quite a predicament with their home arena. They are currently playing in a 5,000-seat arena at Arizona State University, which has drawn criticism due to its small capacity. The temporary arrangement has drawn comparisons to the NFL's Chargers playing in a Major League Soccer stadium. The Coyotes are now planning for a new arena in Tempe, Arizona.

Renderings of the proposed arena show an impressive structure with two distinct sections. One resembles the Superdome in shape, while the other is reminiscent of the Legion Stadium in Las Vegas. While there isn't much information available about the specifics of the design, it is clear that the Coyotes are aiming for a modern and visually appealing arena.

The team's current situation arose after their lease ended in Glendale at the end of the 2021-2022 season. The city decided to sever its relationship with the team, leaving them without a home arena. As a result, the Coyotes announced a partnership with Arizona State University to host their home games until the 2025 season. If a new stadium in Tempe is not ready by 2026, they may continue playing at Arizona State University.

However, the Coyotes are facing challenges in securing funding for their new arena. They recently requested $200 million from voters, but stadiums are notorious for being financial drains. It remains to be seen how their funding plans will pan out, but the team can't afford to play in a college arena with such a limited capacity for an extended period. A resolution must be reached sooner rather than later.

Recent NHL Arenas: UBS Arena and Little Caesars Arena

The UBS Arena recently opened as the new home of the New York Islanders. The exterior design is unique, featuring a brick facade that imparts an industrial aesthetic. This design choice captures the gritty vibe of New York while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The interior, like most arenas, follows the typical lower deck, upper deck, and suites layout. However, one standout feature is the illuminated dome structures, which add a touch of contemporary elegance to the arena.

On the other hand, the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit did not live up to the promise of its initial renderings. The actual arena strays far from the impressive design showcased in the renderings. Particularly disappointing is the roof, which prominently displays the Little Caesars logo. The circle-shaped roof in the rendering was replaced with a less appealing oval shape. The result is a far cry from the grandeur promised in the initial designs. It's a testament to the fact that renderings often look better than the final product.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the new NHL arenas in Ottawa and Arizona offer exciting possibilities for fans and teams alike. The futuristic design of the Ottawa Arena and the proposed structure in Arizona showcase the potential for these arenas to become architectural landmarks in their respective cities. However, both projects face challenges, be it land acquisition or funding. It will be interesting to observe how they navigate these obstacles and bring their visions to fruition. As for the recently opened UBS Arena, its unique exterior design captures the essence of New York, while the disappointing outcome of the Little Caesars Arena serves as a reminder that renderings can sometimes be misleading. The world of NHL arenas is ever-evolving, and we eagerly await the opening of these new arenas and the experiences they will offer to fans.