Massive renovations set to transform Delta Center for NBA and NHL fans

In the United States, specifically in Salt Lake City, Smith Entertainment Group has begun extensive renovations to the Delta Center, previously known as the arena primarily designed for basketball. Announced in early 2023, these renovations are slated to take place over the next three summers and aim to enhance the experience for both the NBA's Jazz and the NHL's newly established Utah Hockey Club. By summer 2025, the renovations are expected to increase the hockey seating capacity to approximately 17,000, with basketball capacity rising to nearly 19,000. This transition also involves a significant upgrade to seating configurations to accommodate fans of both sports equally. The renovation plan includes raising the arena floor by two feet and extending the bowl by about 12 feet at each end to create optimal sightlines for both basketball and hockey. The project will implement a retractable seating system, which is designed exclusively for this venue, allowing for a versatile arrangement that creates a world-class experience for fans of either sport. Jazz president Jim Olson has noted the benefits this new configuration would bring, improving full-ice view seats by adding new seating and upgrading existing ones for better visibility. The transformation is significant, considering the existing design primarily catered to basketball, limiting the view and experience for hockey fans. The current plan aims to establish a balance that caters to both sports. With this redevelopment, Delta Center is expected to become a unique dual-use facility that addresses the needs of both teams’ fans, potentially serving as a model for future multi-purpose arenas. With work progressing rapidly, substantial milestones are anticipated to be reached well before the opening of the upcoming NHL season. According to Smith Entertainment Group's co-founders, Ryan and Ashley Smith, the challenges associated with adding an ice rink to an existing basketball arena are considerable, as the 200 by 85-foot ice rink is nearly double the size of a standard basketball court. Nevertheless, they are committed to the project, convinced it can create a dynamic atmosphere that enhances the experience for attendees of both sports. The renovations will also include improvements such as a new main entrance, a redesigned outdoor plaza, and additional premium seating options, enriching the overall game night experience for fans and boosting attendance and engagement in downtown Salt Lake City.