Smith Entertainment Group announced Thursday that it will make limited-view Utah Hockey Club tickets available for $10 to students and shoppers at Smith’s grocery stores. The tickets will be available for every remaining home game, beginning with Friday’s contest against the San Jose Sharks.
Every ticket bought through either program comes with a hot dog and a bottle of water.
Chris Barney, president of revenue and commercial strategy at SEG, told the Deseret News on Wednesday that the decision came through several games’ worth of analysis with the limited-view seats open. These programs will allow more families and young adults to experience a game, which SEG views as beneficial for growing the sport in Utah.
Barney also mentioned the boost that the added fans tend to give the team, referring specifically to Karel Vejmelka’s reaction to hearing his name chanted so often.
“Reputationally, Jazz fans have been known for being very loud and (creating) a very intimidating environment,” Barney said. “I think we’re seeing the exact same thing with our hockey fans, that they’ve taken the baton and they’re going to create their own unique culture.”
Utah Hockey Club Student Section
The Utah Hockey Club Student Section, sponsored by Moxie pest control, is available to students enrolled at any university in Utah. The team is dedicating the section behind one net for university students, with tickets available for $10 each.
Each student can purchase up to two tickets for up to three games. They are nontransferable.
Utah HC will also hold a “College Game Night” on March 20 for its game against the Buffalo Sabres. Students who purchase tickets through the Moxie Student Ticket Program will be invited to participate in in-game giveaways and activities and to attend an afterparty in one of the Delta Center’s premium clubs. It will include live music, appearances from Utah Hockey Club personalities, and free food and soft drinks.
Smith’s Utah Hockey Club Value Ticket Program
Smith’s is teaming up with Utah HC to provide affordable tickets with in-store purchases. Customers will automatically receive promo codes on their receipts, giving them the ability to purchase tickets. Tickets are available at the following rates:
- $20 spent at Smith’s gives a promo code for two tickets
- $40 gives a promo code for four tickets
- $80 gives a promo code for eight tickets
Smith’s already conducted a soft launch of the program as a test run. This time, it will be the full deal.
What can you see from limited-view seats at Utah Hockey Club games?
Limited-view seats restrict sight lines for different parts of the ice, depending on the area. Some spots show everything but the near-side corner, while others make it impossible to see the net or face-off circles in the nearest zone.
Because the action is still visible on the scoreboard, many fans don’t mind the obstructed seats at a low cost. Whether you’re sitting in the front row or at the top of the nosebleeds, the Delta Center gets loud enough to make it worth paying for.
SEG will renovate the arena bit by bit over the next few summers to open the sight lines. Its intention is to keep the viewing experience optimal for basketball while also making it optimal for hockey.