What if these walls could talk? The Delta Center has seen a lot. It is more than just an arena. It’s a Salt Lake City landmark. It has been the home of the Utah Jazz since 1991. More recently, it became the home of the Utah Hockey Club.
Originally, the Delta Center was Larry H. Miller’s vision. He wanted a 20,000-seat venue. It would replace the old Salt Palace. Construction began in 1990. It cost $93 million. That is about $217 million today. The arena opened in October 1991.
The first event was not a Jazz game. It was a hockey game. The Salt Lake Golden Eagles played there. They faced the Peoria Rivermen on October 16, 1991. The Jazz played their first game soon after. It was a preseason loss to the New York Knicks. Their first regular season game was against the Seattle SuperSonics.
The Delta Center has hosted many teams. Besides the Jazz, there were the Utah Starzz. This WNBA team played here. Also, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and Utah Grizzlies played hockey here. In 1996, a minor league hockey game drew a huge crowd. Over 17,000 fans watched the Turner Cup Finals.
Even the weather has made its mark on the Delta Center. In 1999, a tornado damaged the roof. Repairs cost almost $4 million.
Dan Roberts has been the voice of the Jazz for years. He has been the home game announcer since before the arena was built. In 2010, the Jazz court was named after Larry H. Miller. It honored the late owner. Ryan Smith bought the arena in 2020.
The Delta Center has changed names over the years. During the 2002 Winter Olympics, it was the Salt Lake Ice Center. This was because of Olympic rules. After Delta Air Lines, EnergySolutions bought the naming rights in 2006. Fans did not like the name. Some called it “the Dump”. Vivint acquired the naming rights in 2015. In 2023, Delta Air Lines brought back the Delta Center name.
This arena is known for its intense atmosphere. Sports Illustrated once called it “the most intimidating arena in the NBA”. During the 1997 NBA Finals, noise levels reached over 110 decibels. That is as loud as a jet taking off.
The Delta Center has hosted many events. There were the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The 2002 Winter Olympics held figure skating and short track speed skating here. UFC has also held several events here.
But it is not only sports. Oingo Boingo played the first concert here in 1991. Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, and The Rolling Stones have also performed here.
The Delta Center completed a $125 million renovation in 2017. It added solar panels and new seating. There is a 12,000-square-foot atrium. A large Jazz note welcomes visitors. Technology enhances the fan experience. There is high-speed Wi-Fi and mobile ordering.
The Delta Center is more than a building. It is a place of memories. It has seen victories and defeats. It has hosted legends. It is a true Salt Lake City icon.