Anticipating the first Utah Hockey Club game of the season
Oct 8, 2024, 5:30 PM
Fan watch during a press conference at Delta Center plaza in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. The Utah Hockey Club will play its first regular season game at 8 p.m. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — In just a matter of hours, history will be made on the ice of the Delta Center.
ESPN is here, the National Hockey League commissioner is here, so is country star Shaboozy, who is holding an outdoor concert.
But most importantly, the Utah Hockey Club is here.
Utah Hockey Club kicks off their first game of the season against the Chicago Blackhawks at 8 p.m. If you didn’t snag tickets for Tuesday’s game, there’s a free watch party just outside the Delta Center.
Focusing on winning
Back in Arizona, before they were the Utah Hockey Club, there were a lot of things up in the air for Utah’s new hockey team.
KSL Sports reports that the team captain, Clayton Keller says now they are settled here in Utah, the team can focus on winning.
“It’s nice to be freed up and focus on our job and what we’re here to do,” Keller said.
He says he’s just taking one day at a time and is ready for this historic night.
Cheaper concessions and boosted businesses
Concessions are also cheaper at the Delta Center during Utah Hockey Club games. They are offering two dollar water bottles and popcorn and nachos for three dollars.
Vice President of Hospitality Rich Waters says the planning for these fan-friendly prices goes way back.
“I think for us to put together a strategy that we all feel great about… At the end of the day, it’s about having a great experience when you come inside the arena,” he said.
Walker expects low prices will stick around past this season.
It’s not just business in the Delta Center that’s expanding, restaurants and shops around downtown Salt Lake are also benefitting.
Derek Miller, the president of the Salt Lake Chamber told KSL TV any time you have tens of thousands of people coming together downtown, it’s a huge boost to the economy.
“It has a great direct impact just on the night of the event, but it has a huge ripple effect that actually even has a larger and a more lasting impact.”
Miller says the data shows that Salt Lake City’s been growing fast, thanks to big changes like this hockey team.
Related: Ryan Smith Expects Olympic Hockey At Delta Center In 2034
