Construction at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, home to NBA basketball franchise the Utah Jazz, in Salt Lake City is set to begin on March 20 as work begins on the $125m (£96.4m/€111.4m) renovation.
Following the NCAA Division I Men’s basketball championship first and second rounds at the facility, the ticket box office will be closed and temporarily moved. Ticket sales and the event-day will-call window will be moved to the southeast plaza.
Initial plans will also see the demolition and removal of the concrete bridge that is in front of the main entrance to the arena. Construction fencing will also be installed on the northeast corner of the plaza.
The majority of the construction will take place at the conclusion of the current Jazz’s season, with anticipated completion of the renovation by fall 2017.
All six levels of the near 20,000-capacity arena will be upgraded in a bid to improve the guest experience for supporters. The facility’s lower- and upper-bowl concourses will be redesigned, while private clubs and suites, open gathering spaces, more food choices and ‘live’ kitchens will also be introduced.
Other renovation features include an array of solar panels, new chair back seats, remodelled changing rooms, and digital technology upgrades such as high-speed internet and cloud-based technology.
The local, family-owned contractor, Okland Construction Company, has been selected to lead the project.
“We are excited to begin construction on the renovation and look forward to seeing the transformation of the arena over the next several months,” said Steve Starks, president of the Utah Jazz.
“The construction may cause some temporary inconveniences for our guests so we ask for everyone’s patience and understanding through the process. Inside the arena, we will continue to (offer) a full array of guest services along with a lineup of great sports and entertainment events, including Jazz basketball. At the conclusion of the season, the arena will be closed as we upgrade the building amenities for a fall re-opening.”
The arena was first built in 1991 as the home court of the Jazz. The facility now hosts a variety of sports, ice shows, dirt shows and concerts.
