Utah’s new National Hockey League franchise will move to downtown Salt Lake City, but the team is expected to practice about 18 miles away on a 111-acre field in Sandy, the team’s new owner, Smith Entertainment Group, announced Monday.
The company, which also owns the Utah Jazz, the state’s National Basketball Association team, said in a news release that it has agreements with The Shops at South Town to make it the NHL team’s permanent education and education facility, as well as official offices.
The task is expected to be completed before the 2025-2026 NHL season, according to the release, and would include at least two NHL-compatible ice surfaces for the team.
“The City of Sandy couldn’t be more excited about the home of the new NHL team’s long-term education facility,” Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski said in the statement. “We have worked with Smith Entertainment Group for many years and are excited about their growing presence in our network with one of the world’s most prestigious hockey education services in our city. “
The plans come after Ryan and Ashley Smith, the owners of Smith Entertainment Group, announced that the Arizona Coyotes would move to Utah with a different name and logo. The team is expected to play at the Delta Center, which is expected to go through primary renovations to accommodate hockey and basketball. The allocation would be partially funded through a 0. 5% sales tax accrued in Salt Lake City that was approved by the Utah Legislature but did not get final approval from the city.
Sandy’s will also house hockey systems for youth and fans, as well as other network recreational activities, with amenities for the public, adding an NHL team store, locker rooms, more seating around the two rinks and other multi-purpose spaces for the network’s programming. Smith Entertainment Group said in the statement.
“(Smith Entertainment Group) is committed to ensuring that South Town retail outlets remain a colorful and integral component of the community, and the NHL Training Center is a vital first step toward that goal,” he said.
In the meantime, the company is working with local partners to create a transitional space for professional hockey education ahead of the inaugural 2024-2025 season.
More main points about the structure and design will be given later.
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