deseret
The countdown is on for the Delta Center's grand reopening, scheduled to occur in just 54 days when the Utah Mammoth host the Colorado Avalanche for their sole home preseason matchup. The arena is undergoing a massive transformation to accommodate both NHL hockey and NBA basketball, a project that has been in the works since 2025.
Ryan Smith, the owner of both the Mammoth and the Utah Jazz, took to social media over the weekend to give fans a sneak peek at the construction progress. The photos reveal a facility still very much in flux, with crews working diligently to complete the second phase of a three-year renovation plan.
Hockey rinks demand significantly more space than basketball courts, prompting substantial structural changes. The playing surface has been elevated by two feet, end zones extended by 12 feet on each side, and an innovative adjustable scissor lift bleacher system installed to accommodate varying sightlines for both sports.
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When the arena reopened in September 2025, it drew attention for the steepness of its lower bowl—a design choice that has proven polarizing. In his latest update, Smith acknowledged the dramatic angle, noting that the upper bowl sightlines have also been adjusted for a more immersive experience. He assured fans that the new configuration will deliver superior views.
Currently, construction crews are focusing on installing terraces and gondolas that will hang over existing suites on the north and northeast sides of the building. Each gondola is expected to accommodate around 200 spectators, adding a unique viewing experience. Additionally, a 450-stall parking garage, under construction since 2025, is slated for completion this year.
Looking ahead to 2027, Smith Entertainment Group has ambitious plans to connect the lower and upper bowls on the south and southwest sides, creating a continuous slope reminiscent of The Wall at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Jazz president Jim Olson, who oversees the renovation, emphasized the intended atmosphere: "You're going to feel that intensity from the floor all the way up, so that the visiting team can really feel the fans right on top of them. It's going to create even a greater home advantage than what we already have."
The ultimate goal of the renovation is to ensure every seat offers a full view of the hockey action without compromising the basketball fan experience. As the project enters its final phases, anticipation builds for the arena's dual-sport future.
Originally reported by deseret.