We’ve gone down the path with them studying the issues and starting to zero in on an approach and an announcement. We're not ready yet, but we're making really good progress. – Utah Jazz president Steve Starks
SALT LAKE CITY — In 1994, Utah bid farewell to the old Salt Palace and its landmark drum design after the popular building hosted world-class entertainers and athletes for a quarter of a century.
Two-plus decades later, the Salt Palace’s replacement as the state’s premier venue for pro sports and entertainment is also at a crossroads in its 25th year of existence.
However, Vivint Arena will not be demolished like its predecessor.
Instead, it’s getting a major face-lift.
The arena, home of the Utah Jazz since it was constructed as the Delta Center in 1991, will soon undergo massive renovations from the plaza to its interior.
The price tag for the project will be in the range of $100 million, sources confirmed to the Deseret News.
The NBA has privately suggested that the Utah Jazz should consider starting from scratch with a new structure to replace the league’s sixth-oldest arena, but the Miller family and team management believe a building renovation is the best viable option.
“Ownership has been taking steps to ensure its world-class status and exploring options on how to invest in the facility that can be the home of the Utah Jazz and provide best-in-class guest experiences,” Frank Zang, Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment senior vice president of communications, told the Deseret News.
The Jazz will be able to update the aging 19,911-seat building, which annually hosts 1.8 million people for various events, thanks to a still-solid infrastructure and because of meticulous upkeep it’s received since its creation.
Jazz president Steve Starks said the organization has been studying the possibilities and has engaged in conversations about the arena’s future for years.
“Over the last year, we made the determination to take that discussion to the next level,” said Starks, who recently took over for retired team president Randy Rigby, in a phone interview with the Deseret News.
Starks couldn’t give details about renovation details or comment on the reported budget amount because the project is still in the planning stage and hasn't been finalized.
The Jazz president did, however, confirm that the organization has been involved in productive discussions with Salt Lake City, which owns the land the building sits on. The two entities, Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment and the city, will continue to partner together in trying to bring new life to the west side of downtown. The Gateway is also preparing for a major update as the city hopes to revitalize the mall to a City Creek Center-like level.
In that spirit of partnership, it’s possible some public funding could be sought in a similar manner as happened when the arena was built 25 years ago. Nothing along those lines has been determined yet.
"As part of our due diligence, we have had ongoing and productive dialogue with community leaders on the renovation plans,” Starks said. “Any possible public financing would be consistent with the same healthy and sustainable approach that the Miller family took 25 years ago with the arena’s original construction.”
LHM officials have been involved in a planning process with arena construction and renovation specialists, the ICON Venue Group and SCI Architects, to conduct a comprehensive review of possibilities, best practices, potential budgets and other recommendations.
The planning process has also included multiple focus groups so the parties involved fully understand the needs and preferences of the local market, the Jazz fan base and season-ticket holders.
"We’ve gone down the path with them studying the issues and starting to zero in on an approach and an announcement," Starks said. "We're not ready yet, but we're making really good progress."
Once the Millers have signed off on the final plans, the Jazz will make an announcement on a project timeline and renovation details.
This building update will be in addition to the $25 million the organization spent in the past few years to enhance the arena, including the installation of a massive video scoreboard.
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