Desert Diamond Arena is an event venue in Glendale, Arizona, beside the Westgate Entertainment District. The arena opened in December 2003 and was the Arizona Coyotes’ home from that season through 2021-22. It is no longer an NHL arena and does not have a current NHL tenant.
The building was known as Glendale Arena, Jobing.com Arena and Gila River Arena before taking the Desert Diamond Arena name in 2022. A $42 million renovation completed in 2025 updated concessions, clubs, suites, technology and guest areas for its present mix of concerts, family shows and sporting events.
The arena’s Arizona Coyotes history
The Coyotes began as the Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association and joined the NHL in 1979. The franchise moved to Arizona in 1996, then moved from downtown Phoenix to this Glendale arena in December 2003. Its best playoff run in Glendale came in 2011-12, when the Coyotes won their division and reached the Western Conference Final.
After leaving Glendale in 2022, the Coyotes played two seasons at Mullett Arena in Tempe. In April 2024, the NHL transferred the club’s hockey assets to a new franchise in Utah and made the Arizona Coyotes franchise inactive. Desert Diamond Arena should therefore be understood as the team’s former home, not its present arena.
Capacity and current use
The naming agreement describes Desert Diamond Arena as an 18,000-seat facility. Capacity varies by event configuration; its former hockey setup held roughly 17,000 fans. The current calendar includes concerts, touring shows and selected sporting events rather than a full NHL home schedule.
See the companion guide to food at Desert Diamond Arena.
Directions and parking
Desert Diamond Arena is at 9400 West Maryland Avenue in Glendale, just east of Loop 101 between Maryland and Glendale avenues. Westgate’s restaurants, shops and entertainment are within walking distance of the building.
Event parking uses the arena garage and surrounding lots, including G, J, L and Yellow. Lots generally open one hour before doors. Prepaid parking is offered through individual event pages, and day-of-event parking is cashless. Follow the pass and traffic signs rather than an old Coyotes-era lot map.
Entry, bags and payment
Bags can be no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches. Diaper bags are screened at Gates 1 and 3, and the venue does not offer bag check. Tickets are mobile, screenshots are not accepted, and the arena is cashless.
Desert Diamond Arena FAQs
Do the Arizona Coyotes still play at Desert Diamond Arena?
No. The Coyotes left the arena after the 2021-22 season and played in Tempe for two seasons. The Arizona franchise became inactive in 2024 when the NHL established a new franchise in Utah.
Is Desert Diamond Arena the same building as Gila River Arena?
Yes. Gila River Arena was renamed Desert Diamond Arena in 2022.
Who owns and operates Desert Diamond Arena?
The City of Glendale owns the arena, and Legends Global manages it.
What is near Desert Diamond Arena?
The arena anchors the Westgate Entertainment District, with restaurants, shops and entertainment immediately outside. State Farm Stadium is also nearby.
Sources
Fact-checked August 13, 2026.