Matthew Casey/KJZZ

Former Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman stumps in March 2023 for ballot measures that if approved would allow for building a new hockey arena and entertainment district on an old landfill.

Flanked by brewery workers, a carpenter’s union and a quartet of former Tempe mayors, the Arizona Coyotes took their pitch for a new arena to voters Thursday via news conference. 

The group gathered in a Four Peaks Brewing Co. tasting room days after Phoenix sued to block the project, which would be constructed with an entertainment district.

Hugh Hallman negotiated for Tempe the would-be deal with the Coyotes to build on a landfill near Sky Harbor Airport. He called Phoenix’s claim that housing can’t be part of a project an abject lie. 

“Their lawsuit is a complete fabrication. And it is a political document, not a legal one,” Hallman said.

A judge has been assigned to the case, but no court date has been set.

A vote by Tempe residents on the project is scheduled for mid-May.

Matthew Casey/KJZZ

Alexis Meruelo, daughter of Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo, speaks at press conference urging voters to approve ballot measures to for a new arena and entertainment district in Tempe.

Alexis Meruelo, daughter of team owner Alex Meruelo, spoke for her father at the news conference. 

“This plan will not only bring a new permanent home to the Arizona Coyotes, but also bring great economic prosperity to the city of Tempe,” said Alexis Meruelo.

A website by a group of Tempe residents campaigning against the ballot measures notes that Alex Meruelo was outed for not paying taxes or rent when the Coyotes were in Glendale.