A ‘defining second’: Utahns react to Arizona Coyotes’ relocation to Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah touchdown a Nationwide Hockey League is a “milestone” and a “defining second” in Salt Lake Metropolis’s trajectory, Salt Lake Metropolis leaders mentioned moments after league homeowners finalized a course of 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 homeowners Ryan and Ashley Smith. Phrases of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it surely’s reported by a number of shops to be a $1.2 billion transaction.

Many particulars, together with the workforce’s title, are nonetheless being sorted out, however the workforce will play in Salt Lake Metropolis starting this October. A message studying “NHL in Utah: Coming Fall 2024” was posted on the Delta Middle marquee, in addition to a message informing followers that the workforce is taking deposits for tickets.

“That is the start of a brand new period that can generate thrilling alternatives for our communities, amplify delight and unlock new potential in our downtown core,” mentioned Salt Lake Metropolis Mayor Erin Mendenhall, in an announcement.

She wasn’t alone in her pleasure. 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 web page.

“Trying ahead to it! We’d like extra professional sports activities groups right here!” one particular person wrote in response to the submit. One other particular person wrote, “Simply made this Utah-based hockey fan’s desires come true.”

Extra state and native leaders additionally chimed in on Thursday.

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams mentioned he believes that having the NHL in Utah “enhances our state’s status as a sports activities vacation spot.” Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, who authored a invoice that units up the framework for a doable new downtown enviornment — or a significant renovation to the Delta Middle — for the NHL, wrote that he sees the identical imaginative and prescient.

“I am thrilled to welcome the Nationwide Hockey League to Utah, the winter sports activities capital of the world,” he wrote. “The NHL will bolster our financial system and enrich the lives of Utah households for generations to return.”

The Salt Lake Metropolis Council started taking on the method of laying out a revitalization zone in downtown Salt Lake Metropolis — a key part outlined in SB272 — earlier this week after Smith utilized to town earlier this month. An informational assembly is slated for Could 7 earlier than a public listening to on Could 21, whereas that plan is hashed out.

The Metropolis Council could vote on the measure as early as July 2. Members of the Council issued an announcement on Thursday, welcoming the NHL to Utah. The physique outlined a need to maintain historic downtown belongings close to the Delta Middle like historic Japantown, whereas additionally bringing extra “top-tier sports activities leisure” to downtown Salt Lake.

“Whereas the main points of the event aren’t but finalized, this information gears up our ongoing discussions concerning the Capital Metropolis Revitalization Zone — the place the workforce will play,” the assertion learn, partially. “We invite all neighborhood members to tune into our public discussions and likewise attain out and interact with us — your enter is essential as we form a future reflective (of) our numerous neighborhood and shared values. “