The Utah Hockey Club are ready to make a splash in late 2024 when they take the ice for the first time, and now they've landed a deal to keep them around for years.
After months of speculation, Ryan Smith, owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz officially brought the NHL to Salt Lake City, and it's safe to say that fans are excited. Now, they'll be even more thrilled, as it has been confirmed that Smith Entertainment Group will be getting a $900 million deal to revamp the Delta Center, with a three block sports and entertainment district to surround their home arena.
"Jazz and Utah Hockey Club owner Ryan Smith is close to finalizing a deal with Salt Lake City that would see the teams be required to play all of their home games in the Delta Center «for the next 30 years or face significant penalties," according to a front-page piece by Gehrke & Miller of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. In exchange for $900M in public financing to "renovate the arena and develop a three-block sports and entertainment district,"" Sports Business Journal said.
The deal, similar to the one signed by the Calgary Flames last year will now keep them in the city for the next 30-years, with one major caveat. Like the NBA's Knicks and the NHL's Rangers, Utah HC will be required to play every home game over that stretch in Salt Lake City, or face fines from the city for the huge deal, meaning that any games played overseas or as a part of the Stadium Series will require them to be considered the 'away' team.
Ultimately though, it's a fantastic deal for Smith, the NHL and the city of Salt Lake City, as they will now see a revitalization of the area and quality NHL for years to come thanks to Smith and the Smith Entertainment Group.
Source: Blade of Steel
SEG close to $900 million deal to keep Utah HC in Salt Lake City for 30 years
WILL THE UTAH HOCKEY CLUB MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IN THEIR FIRST EVER NHL SEASON? JULY 4 89 ANSWERS |
| YES | 30 | 33.7 % |
| NO | 59 | 66.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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