The announcement of the NHL team coming to Salt Lake City on April 18, 2024 brought excitement to the downtown area. Brewer, the Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance, expressed anticipation for more entertainment options to draw customers downtown. With the addition of hockey games, there will be an extra 41 nights of entertainment in the downtown area.
Brewer estimated that this could result in 500,000 to 600,000 new customer visits next year. The Delta Center, where the NHL team will play, plays a crucial role in the downtown economy, as it hosted a majority of the top visitation days downtown last year. Not only important for professional sports, but also for concerts, shows and other forms of entertainment.
The arrival of the NHL team is expected to bring in new fans who may not overlap with existing supporters of the Utah Jazz basketball team. This presents an opportunity for businesses to attract a different demographic. In addition to businesses benefiting from the increase in visitors, Brewer mentioned that the hospitality sector is also likely to see growth. The NHL team’s arrival is predicted to stimulate economic activity in the downtown area and create opportunities for various businesses to thrive.
The news has already sparked excitement among local residents and tourists alike. With increased foot traffic and profits on tap for businesses in central Salt Lake City’s business district, it’s clear that this new development is set to boost not just economic activity but also overall vitality in this vibrant city center.
Dee Brewer emphasized that this was an excellent opportunity for Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance to work closely with other stakeholders such as property owners and event organizers to ensure that everyone benefits from this exciting development. “We need everyone working together,” she said. “This is a time when we can showcase our city’s strengths and build upon them.”