Mullett Arena, previously known as the ASU Multi-Purpose Arena, is a versatile indoor arena located at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. The arena is primarily used as the home venue for various ASU Sun Devils sports teams. It includes men's ice hockey, women's ice hockey, women's gymnastics, and men's wrestling.
One of the noteworthy features of the Mullett Arena is its seating capacity. The arena can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators, which is an impressive number for a facility of this size. This capacity makes it one of the larger indoor arenas in the region and allows for a lively and exciting atmosphere during sporting events.
In addition to hosting ASU Sun Devils games, the Mullett Arena is also utilized as a temporary venue for the National Hockey League's Arizona Coyotes. Starting in 2022 and continuing through at least 2025, the Coyotes will play select home games at the arena. It's important to note, however, that the seating capacity for NHL games is capped at 4,600, which is slightly lower than the arena's maximum capacity.
The Mullett Arena is owned by Arizona State University and managed by the Oak View Group. This partnership allows for the Mullett Arena to be used for a variety of events beyond sports competitions. Concerts, shows, and other events are frequently held at the arena, making it a vital part of the Tempe entertainment scene.
The controversial co-owner of the Arizona Coyotes (venue Mullett Arena)
Andrew Barroway, the founder of Merion Investment Management, is a billionaire hedge fund manager and businessman. He made headlines recently due to his arrest on Thursday, March 23, on charges of second-degree assault strangulation, a felony, and third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. This arrest has led to his indefinite suspension from the NHL, as he was one of the co-owners of the Arizona Coyotes.
“The National Hockey League is aware of the arrest of Arizona Coyotes’ minority owner Andrew Barroway. Pending further information, he has been suspended indefinitely.”
Barroway purchased the 51% majority share of the Coyotes for $152.5 million in 2014 after approval from the NHL Board of Governors. He became the sole shareholder of the team in 2017 after buying the remaining shares. However, in an unexpected turn of events, he sold 95% of the shares to Alex Meruelo.
Apart from his involvement in the NHL, Barroway has also purchased a 90% majority share of the Greek football club Athens Kallithea football club for 300,000€. This was his second investment in the field of sports, which demonstrated his interest in expanding his sports portfolio beyond the NHL.
Barroway's arrest on assault charges has certainly brought controversy to his tenure as a co-owner of the Arizona Coyotes. The team has already struggled with its finances and reputation in the NHL. Now, it will undoubtedly be affected by Barroway's suspension and the sale of his shares to Meruelo.