SALT LAKE CITY — As the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club wrap up their respective seasons, it means that the Delta Center will begin its renovations to become part of the new downtown sports, entertainment, culture and convention district.
Announced in 2024, the new district planned by the Smith Entertainment Group will transform downtown Salt Lake City into a bustling place for locals and visitors to enjoy Utah.
“I’m a huge sports fan, have been my whole life,” said Brian Anderson, outside of the Delta Center during a Utah Jazz game. “I love that the Utah Hockey Club is here … I love having a sports district, I think it’s good for the city, great for the state, so I’m excited about it.”
KSL TV spoke to others outside of the Delta Center to get their thoughts about the new district. Several of them, like Winston Robinson and Gary Winthorpe, said they are excited that Utah is growing to include sports in its culture.
“A lot of people don’t think Salt Lake is a very fun place, but it’s a beautiful place and let’s get it redone and looking really good for everyone to enjoy sports,” Winthorpe said.
“I mean, just upcoming sport growing in Utah, it’s huge and getting kids and other people outside, it’s big for the program,” Robinson added.
However, the opportunities and change come with a $1.8 billion price tag, which means some higher prices for sports tickets. But for people like Robinson, he is willing to spend that extra money.
“That’s just a slight increase. But if it helps pay for everything, why not?” he said.
Hedid Barker understands that taxes will also increase and believes that it will pave the way for Utah to grow.
“It will eventually be exactly what we need in the long run, especially for the Olympics coming,” Barker said. “I would totally (pay more tax) just because I feel like the future is more and brighter with better experiences here.”
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Residents Near the District
However, not all residents are excited about the changes happening in the heart of Salt Lake City. Just a few blocks away, homeowners in the Avenues neighbourhood are concerned about how the redevelopment will impact their quality of life.
“I don’t participate in any of that stuff,” said Patrick Lawrence. “I used to, but the parking and the people.”
Other residents said they are concerned the project will drive up the cost of housing, and they will be priced out of their neighbourhood.
“We never would have thought that this was a million-dollar neighborhood,” said Philip Carroll. “And suddenly, I mean, how does a young family afford a mortgage of even half a million? It’s difficult, really difficult.”
“Like, where am I going to go if I ever move?” added resident Jack Crockett. “And I do love Salt Lake, I would like to you know, I would like to stay here.”
Resident Frederico Valerico expressed concerns about rising costs, meaning fewer people in the city neighbourhoods and a decline in the population.
“I’m really worried about the our school district is losing students, and it’s just a downward slope, and if we are successful, the slope should at least level off, and we should start getting more families in,” Valerico said.
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