Tucson Roadrunners Extend Stay, Fans Celebrate

0:00It's April 8th, from game day to every day, this is NHL News Today, powered by AI. The Tucson Roadrunners just locked in their spot in southern Arizona for a few more years. They signed a lease extension with the Tucson Convention Center that runs through the end of the 2027-28th season. This came after rumors swirled about them packing up, but the team confirmed it officially this week. Later talks had the original lease ending after next season, with whispers of a move to Reno. That's where owner Alex Maruello is building a new 10,000-seat arena at the Grand Sierra Resort. Ground broke last October, but soil contamination paused things briefly, though they say the timeline holds for a summer, 2027 finish. Fans and locals are hyped about the news. The team hit their 10th anniversary this season with record crowds. For 140,000 fans showed up, including the biggest game ever at, 6,137. President Bob Hoffman called it a thrill to keep building that legacy, and Mayor Regina

1:03Romero said it's great for fun, business, and the economy. Meanwhile, the Reno project is moving, slow cranes are up now, but not much else. Any relocation would need league approval, and with other AHL teams shifting spots lately, nothing set in stone. Tucson Hockey's proven it works here, so even if this squad bounces, another could slide in. For now, roadrunners fans get two more home games this season. They're sitting 8th in the Pacific Division at 30 wins, 27 losses, and 9 overtime losses. Hockey stays heightened a desert a bit longer.