The Tucson Roadrunners are sticking around the Old Pueblo following a lease extension that runs through 2028.
The team's lease, which was set to expire next spring, was extended amid rumors that the Roadrunners could move to the Grand Sierra Resort Arena being built in Reno, Nev.
That venue is set to open around the same time the Roadrunners' previous lease at the Tucson Convention Center was set to expire, according to Chris Murray, a writer for Nevada Sports Net.
“We are excited to officially extend our lease with our partners at the City of Tucson, Rio Nuevo and Legends Global,” Tucson Roadrunners President Bob Hoffman said in a statement Tuesday.
The team has seen growth in sales, partnerships and attendance at games, according to a news release.
“More than 140,000 fans have come through the doors at Tucson Arena this season, and over the franchise’s 10 years, that total number is close to 1.25 million,” according to the release.
Abbotsford right wing Jonathan Lekkerimäki (23) slips in to muscle Roadrunner center Cameron Hebig (39) off the puck in the second period of their AHL Pacific Division game in Tucson on Jan. 24, 2025.
The extension was good news for Congenital Heart Defect Families of Tucson, one of several organizations the Roadrunners support through charitable events.
“We’re thrilled to see the Tucson Roadrunners extending their stay in Tucson — it’s incredibly meaningful for our community, especially since they are one of the few professional sports teams we have locally, bringing highly sought-after, exciting entertainment to our city,” said board member Stacy Lipinczyk.
The Roadrunners have helped create cherished memories for families in Tucson, she said, bringing children with congenital heart defects and their families to games.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero also expressed gratitude for the Roadrunner’s decision to remain in Tucson.
“Having such a great team right here in town is both good fun and good business, and I’m very happy to reach such a mutually beneficial agreement,” she said in the news release.
Tucson Roadrunners goalie Matthew Villalta takes a selfie with a fan on Oct. 29 at the Tucson Convention Center.
The Roadrunners reached financial milestones that benefitted Tucson this season, she said.
“Recreation and sports tourism are an important part of our economy,” Romero said.
The team’s accomplishments this season include five of the six highest ticket sales in team history and franchise records for the number of corporate partners and investments and group ticket sales, among others, the news release said.
“We have created and nurtured so many great fans in Southern Arizona for over more than a decade,” Hoffman said. “And we are thrilled to continue the legacy and tradition.”
