TEMPE, Arizona | By playing their first game at home in an arena with a few thousand fans, the Arizona Coyotes inevitably draw ridicule. The name of the “Mullet Arena” amphitheater, located on the campus of Arizona State University (ASU), has also been ridiculed by many fans.
• Read also: Coyotes’ first home game: an untapped ‘gold mine’
• Read also: Two arenas two worlds
Photo Benoit Rioux
A view of the exterior of Mullett Arena, the temporary home of the Arizona Coyotes, in Tempe on the campus of Arizona State University.
The Coyotes organization reacted by taking advantage of the situation, offering spectators at Friday night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets a long blond hair to wear during the game.
“I can’t wait to see the atmosphere, the reaction of the fans, the energy of the crowd,” said Coyotes head coach André Tourigny before the game against the Jets.
Photo Benoit Rioux
Mario Duhamel
“We are all feverish. Just by looking at what is distributed as gifts in the stands, it will be pleasant to see that, for his part pointed out Quebecer Mario Duhamel, who is one of the assistants in Tourigny with the Coyotes. There are people who laughed at that and that’s okay. Now, to laugh about it in turn and make it a strength, that’s perfect. Everyone is going to have mullets, it’s going to be amazing! »
The Mullett family
The term “mullet” actually refers to a haircut, which is not necessarily popular everywhere…
“Short on the top and long on the back”, some would sing.
Photo Benoit Rioux
A look at the Mullett family suite.
However, you should know that the Tempe arena takes its name from the Mullett family (with two “t’s”), who have always supported the development of sport, particularly hockey, within the program of the Sun Devils of the Arizona State University. The new amphitheater was named in their honor last August.
Photo Benoit Rioux
The Arizona Coyotes’ practice facility, located at Mullett Arena, did not resemble that of a National Hockey League club.
Incidentally, even Coyotes players had fun wearing the long blonde hair in the locker room before morning practice.