Salt Lake City Welcomes NHL Team: A New Era for Pro Sports in Utah

Salt Lake City is making waves in the sports world with the recent announcement of the Arizona Coyotes’ relocation to Utah. This move is not just a stroke of luck, but the result of years of effort to bring professional hockey and other elite sports to the growing capital city.

With the addition of the Coyotes, Salt Lake City now boasts its second major professional sports franchise in 45 years, alongside the NBA’s Utah Jazz. The city is also actively pursuing an MLB expansion team and has plans for a new hockey-specific stadium that could potentially host the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Utah billionaire Ryan Smith, who already owns the Jazz, pro soccer teams, and now the new hockey team, is working to transform part of downtown into a sports and entertainment district. These efforts are expanding Salt Lake City’s presence in the sporting world and positioning it as a hub for multiple pro teams year-round.

While some may question whether a moderate-sized city like Salt Lake City can sustain a pro hockey team, early signs are promising. The team has already received over 22,700 season ticket deposits, showing strong support from the community. Additionally, the local hockey scene has been growing, with 17 rinks, a youth hockey program, and a minor league team setting attendance records.

Former NHL player Ken Sabourin, who played in Salt Lake City, believes the city has the potential to be a great sports market. However, he notes that the success of the Coyotes in their new home will depend on the team’s performance and ability to engage fans.

Overall, the Coyotes’ move to Salt Lake City represents a significant milestone for the city and its sports scene. With the right support and infrastructure in place, Salt Lake City has the opportunity to establish itself as a premier destination for professional sports.