Major new step in Coyotes' arena situation

We're all aware of their years of ownership issues with the Arizona Coyotes, putting their future as an NHL franchise in serious doubt over the past decades. You would think that the fact that they were essentially kicked out of the arena they'd called home since late 2003 and forced to play in a collegiate rink that they wouldn't even have first billing rights on would be the ultimate embarrassment. 

Without question, it's the most unique building that a current National Hockey League team plays in, and has understandably been the butt end of jokes and criticism from fans and players alike. 

But are they taking a step toward a more positive arena situation? According to reports released earlier today, the Coyotes have been given the green light to bid on a piece of land in northern Phoenix to potentially build a new arena. 

Via ESPN:

"The Arizona State Land Department board of appeals unanimously approved the $68.5 million appraisal of the 95 acres Thursday. The decision sets the stage for the department to sell the land at auction with a starting price of $68.5 million. The next step is to set an auction date, which must be publicly advertised for 10 weeks.

Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo looked at various potential arena sites around the valley before zeroing in on the tract of land near Scottsdale."