Temporary Arizona Coyotes home rink to be called Mullett Arena

The new multi-purpose hockey rink on the Arizona State University campus — and the temporary home of the Arizona Coyotes — finally has its official name: Mullett Arena.

No, it’s not named after the iconic hockey hairstyle. Ray Anderson, vice president of ASU athletics, said the brand-new arena in Tempe, Arizona is named in recognition of Donald and Barbara Mullett, who have been strong advocates for the growth of hockey in the state.

“The Mullett family has supported Sun Devil Hockey through every stage of its existence and expanded their support of Sun Devil Athletics in the years since. In appreciation of Don and Barbara’s commitment, we’re thrilled to introduce Mullett Arena,” Anderson said Tuesday.

The Coyotes will play their first game at Mullett Arena on October 28, with the Winnipeg Jets slated to hit the ice as their opponents. The Arizona State Sun Devils men’s hockey team is set to play its first home game of the 2022–23 season against the Colgate Raiders on October 14.

“It is an honor for Barb, me, and our family to have our name associated with Sun Devil Athletics’ new on-campus multi-purpose facility,” Don Mullett said. “With the recent establishment of the Barbara H. Mullett Family Foundation, we’re so proud to have Mullett Arena as part of our initial commitment from the foundation.”

The Coyotes previously played their home games at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona from 2003 to 2022. Before that, they operated out of Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix from 1996 to 2003.

Mullett Arena will be both the National Hockey League’s newest and smallest arena when it hosts its first professional game this fall. The 5,000-seat building — which is still under construction — includes 20 luxury boxes and a 942-seat student section.

“There is only one person whose name should be on our ice and on our arena, and it’s Don Mullett,” Sun Devils head coach Greg Powers said. “Without ‘Donze,’ this arena doesn’t happen, and NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey doesn’t exist at ASU. The Mullett’s family legacy will forever be cemented at ASU and nothing will make our ACHA and NCAA alumni happier.”

Mullett Arena will also play host to the Sun Devils gymnastics and wrestling programs, as well as community events on the ASU campus and a secondary training rink called the Mountain America Community Iceplex.