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The University of Utah has detailed plans to explore the development of a new arena, with the ageing Huntsman Center set to be relocated.
Huntsman Center has a capacity of 15,000 and serves as the home of the university’s basketball teams. It opened in 1969 but a new venue has been targeted as part of the university’s wider campus development plans.
Earlier this week, the university’s board of trustees approved the development framework for planning a “campus of the future” that will match the growth goals of president Taylor Randall.
Ideas include transforming the campus from commuter-focused to residential, centring student life and “college town magic” at the southeast corner of campus.
The most immediate change will be moving Huntsman Arena, which is located in the southeast corner of the campus. As well as basketball, it hosts volleyball, gymnastics, and convocation and commencement ceremonies.
Mark Harlan, athletics director at the University of Utah, said: “This marks just the beginning of what will be a very thorough and comprehensive journey to identify the ideal location for a new arena. This gives us the opportunity to explore a completely reimagined in-venue experience to serve our athletics programs and our great fans who support those teams.”
The adjacent Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Basketball Facility and the recently expanded Dumke Gymnastics Facility will remain in their current locations.
Board trustees have this week authorised campus leaders to explore alternative sites for the main arena and present recommended locations and cost estimates by September.
The University of Utah campus has been proposed to host the athletes’ village during the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, which will take place in Salt Lake City.
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