Phoenix mayor wants shared arena for Suns, Coyotes

PHOENIX - Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton is pushing for a downtown arena shared by the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and NBA's Phoenix Suns.

Stanton advocated the shared arena during his state of the city address on Tuesday, adding that funding for it would come from Maricopa County's existing sports facilities fund and not new taxes.

The Suns have played at what is now called Talking Stick Arena since 1992, but have expressed desire to play in a new facility.

The Coyotes have one year left on their lease agreement for Gila River Arena with the city of Glendale and are exploring options for a new landing spot. The franchise also is exploring options in Tempe with Arizona State and in Scottsdale.

The Suns and Coyotes played in the same arena from 1996-2003.