Reimagining Arena Magic: The Delta Center's Bold Leap into the Future

Revamping the Heart of Salt Lake City: A Dazzling New Era for Fans at the Delta Center

The Delta Center is set to undergo an exciting transformation that will redefine the experience of basketball and hockey fans alike. Owned by the Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), the arena will transition into a state-of-the-art dual-use facility that will serve as the home for Utah's NBA and NHL franchises. This remarkable project promises to enhance the live sports atmosphere while keeping fans close to the action. With an innovative retractable seating system tailored exclusively for this arena, fans can look forward to remarkable sightlines and a unique experience at each event, whether it's a thrilling Jazz basketball game or an intense hockey match with Utah's new NHL team.

Originally built in 1991 as the home for the Utah Jazz, the Delta Center has undergone various renovations over the years, including a significant update in 2017. However, these upcoming changes will represent the most extensive renovation in the venue’s history. The aim is to not only enhance the viewer experience but also to maintain the electric atmosphere that the Delta Center is known for. Co-founders Ryan and Ashley Smith are committed to creating an inclusive environment that reinvents sports entertainment in downtown Salt Lake City. They envision a revamped building that extends far beyond the arena’s walls, promising a vibrant outdoor plaza and a host of activities designed to engage both ticket holders and the general public alike.

At the core of the renovation is SEG's groundbreaking retractable seating system, which is designed to accommodate the unique demands of both sports. Traditional arenas tend to favor one sport over the other, often sacrificing fan proximity for enhanced sightlines during hockey games. The Delta Center's innovative system allows for a staggering 12-foot elevation variance between the basketball and hockey setups — an engineering marvel that preserves excellent sightlines for both sports. Every seat in the lower bowl will offer unobstructed views of the ice for hockey games while maintaining the steep seating arrangement that makes basketball fans feel intimately connected to the action on the court.

The new design will not only optimize seating for fans but will also increase the arena's capacity significantly. Hockey seating will rise from 11,131 to approximately 17,000, ensuring that attendees can enjoy a fantastic view of the game no matter where they sit. Basketball capacity will also see an uptick, expanding from 18,206 to nearly 19,000. This increase in seating complements plans for updating various arena facilities, resulting in improved restroom capabilities and new premium spaces for fans to enjoy. These enhancements will take the already vibrant game-night ambience at the Delta Center to exciting new heights.

Adding to the renovations, the Delta Center will undergo physical alterations to facilitate these changes as well. The arena bowl is set to be elongated by about 12 feet on either end, raising the floor by two feet in total. These modifications will not only improve sightlines but also lay the groundwork for future developments in the upper bowl seating area. Construction plans include the addition of a new main entrance facing east, which will serve as a welcoming gateway into downtown Salt Lake City and contribute to a more family-friendly and lively experience in the area.

This ambitious endeavor also reflects a broader vision of revitalizing downtown Salt Lake City by creating a vibrant cultural and entertainment district. The multi-block development aims to connect various attractions, transforming the city center into an engaging hub. With the guidance of prominent teams like Okland Construction, SCI Architects, and CAA Icon, the Delta Center's transformation is just one part of a large-scale strategy to enhance the overall livability and appeal of Salt Lake City for residents and visitors alike.

As the renovation unfolds, fans are eager to see how these exciting changes will elevate their game-night experience. By reimagining the Delta Center, the Smiths and SEG are not only preparing the venue for a new era of sports entertainment but are also ensuring that both the Utah Jazz and the NHL team will remain vital cultural staples for decades to come. As the countdown to the 2025-26 season begins, anticipation grows for what promises to be an unforgettable and immersive new chapter in the life of the Delta Center.