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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah landing a National Hockey League team is a "milestone" and a "defining moment" in Salt Lake City's trajectory, city and state leaders said moments after league owners finalized a process to relocate the Arizona Coyotes to Utah.
The NHL Board of Governors voted Thursday to approve the sale of the NHL franchise from Alex Meruelo to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but it's reported by multiple outlets to be a $1.2 billion transaction.
Many details, including the team's name, are still being sorted out, but the team will play in Salt Lake City beginning this October. A message reading "NHL in Utah: Coming Fall 2024" was posted on the Delta Center marquee, as well as a message informing fans that the team is taking deposits for tickets.
More than 6,000 deposits were filed within the first two hours that the site was live, according to Smith.
"This is the beginning of a new era that will generate exciting opportunities for our communities, amplify pride and unlock new potential in our downtown core," said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, in a statement.
She wasn't alone in her excitement. Gov. Spencer Cox wrote "LET'S. DO. THIS." on the social platform X in response to a promotional video that the NHL posted on its social media page.
Alan Greenberg, owner of the Cottonwood Hockey Shop in Cottonwood Heights, said it's the only topic customers have been talking about, especially as it became clear Utah was on the verge of receiving an NHL team. He believes it will bring in the hockey community, which has been split rooting for other teams in the region, like the Coyotes, Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.
"Everybody's very, very, very, very, very excited," he told KSL-TV, between his work sharpening skates.
Others took to social media to express their happiness.
"Looking forward to it! We need more pro sports teams here!" one person wrote in response to the NHL's post. Another person wrote, "Just made this Utah-based hockey fan's dreams come true."
More state and local leaders chimed in on Thursday, too.
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams said he believes that having the NHL in Utah "enhances our state's reputation as a sports destination." Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, who authored a bill that sets up the framework for a possible new downtown arena — or a major renovation to the Delta Center — for the NHL, wrote that he sees the same vision.
"I'm thrilled to welcome the National Hockey League to Utah, the winter sports capital of the world," he wrote. "The NHL will bolster our economy and enrich the lives of Utah families for generations to come."
The Salt Lake City Council began taking up the process of laying out a revitalization zone in downtown Salt Lake City — a key component outlined in the most recent session of the Utah Legislature — earlier this week after Smith applied to the city earlier this month. An informational meeting is slated for May 7 before a public hearing on May 21, while that plan is hashed out.
The City Council may vote on the measure as early as July 2. Members of the council issued a statement on Thursday, welcoming the NHL to Utah. The body outlined a desire to keep historic downtown assets near the Delta Center like historic Japantown, while also bringing more "top-tier sports entertainment" to downtown Salt Lake.
"While the details of the development are not yet finalized, this news gears up our ongoing discussions about the Capital City Revitalization Zone — where the team will play," the statement read, in part. "We invite all community members to tune into our public discussions and also reach out and engage with us — your input is crucial as we shape a future reflective (of) our diverse community and shared values. "
Contributing: Lindsay Aerts
