What are the plans for the proposed Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District near Delta Center?
While specific land use concepts and plans are still being developed, we are committed to creating an opportunity where everyone within the community can come explore, connect, and celebrate while experiencing art, culture, and entertainment. The project planning aims to honor the heritage of existing communities, celebrate the unique history of the arena, and reimagine the amazing community assets in downtown Salt Lake City.
Who is involved in the project and who will manage development?
The development of the Delta Center and the mid-block will be led by Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) with significant collaboration with elected officials, governmental partners, and a diverse and vast group of community stakeholders. The Salt Palace Convention Center, as well as any other changes to Salt Lake County- owned land and facilities, will be led by Salt Lake County.
What is the development timeline? What does the timeline for the development look like?
The timeline for the developments is contingent on the final land use concepts and design, but the goal will be to have the downtown district completed well in advance of the Winter Olympics in 2034. Delta Center is scheduled for completion during the 2027-28 season, and the Salt Palace Convention Center is scheduled for completion by January 2031.
What changes will be made to the Salt Palace Convention Center?
Salt Lake County is looking into a large-scale reconfiguration and remodel of the Salt Palace Convention Center, which would include creating a second ballroom, allowing the venue to host two large conventions simultaneously.
Will the district impact the revenue that Salt Lake County receives from the convention center?
It will help drive an additional estimated economic contribution of $105 million annually to Salt Lake County.
How are improvements in this district being funded?
In the 2025 Legislative Session, Utah lawmakers passed S.B. 26, which establishes a “Convention Center Reinvestment Zone” encompassing the Salt Palace Convention CenterSPCC and its surrounding areas. This zone is designed to facilitate financing for the redevelopment of the convention center SPCC and contribute to the planned “sports, entertainment, culture, and convention center,” which aims to enhance connectivity, economic investment, and community engagement goals of downtown residents and decision makers.
In 2024, S.B. 272 Capital City Revitalization Zone was passed and is anticipated to generate approximately $1.2 billion in tax revenue, which will go toward the proposed Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention district. Funds within the $900 million that will go to SEG will support the overall development of the district including public plazas, entertainment spaces, infrastructure, and the renovation of Delta Center. The remaining $300 million generated from the tax will be dedicated solely to the culture and convention portion of the district via an interlocal agreement between Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County. During the City Council meeting on May 7, 2024, SEG shared that it planned to contribute in excess of $3 billion in private funds to the district. Cultural spaces, convention spaces, county arts organizations, and some of the public infrastructure will be funded within a mix of public and private resources.
Would SEG spend all $900 million on Delta Center renovations?
No. While final numbers are being determined on the remodel of Delta Center, a significant amount of the tax revenue generated from the S.B. 272 Capital City Revitalization Zone (estimated to be $1.2 billion) will go towards investment across the entire district and help support major projects in the culture, convention, and entertainment areas.
What public benefits has Smith Entertainment Group committed to providing to residents of Salt Lake City?
The participation agreement signed in October 2024 by Salt Lake City and Smith Entertainment Group outlines many exciting public benefit opportunities over the coming years including workforce training and development, college internship programs, job shadowing opportunities, expanded youth programming for basketball and hockey, subsidized tickets for local community organizations, and more.
How are taxpayer dollars being used, and how long will the tax be in place?
Tax dollars will be used to support public convention spaces, public infrastructure, and cultural spaces. Some of the tax dollars will also be used to support the remodel of Delta Center, which is the single-largest economic development engine in Salt Lake City. The Utah Jazz, Utah Hockey Club, and Delta Center generate in excess of $600 million in annual economic impact for Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County. The tax will be in place for 30 years.
Are Salt Lake City residents the only people contributing to the additional sales tax revenue that is helping to fund the project?
No. It is anticipated that 75- to 80% of the anticipated revenue generated by the .5% sales tax increase will be contributed by non-Salt Lake City residents and other visitors to the city.
How will the tax increase benefit all Salt Lake City residents?
This development is about maximizing the potential of downtown Salt Lake City and benefiting the city, residents, and visitors for generations to come. The tax revenue that would be generated would support many elements of the downtown reimagination across the three-block sports, entertainment, culture, and convention district. Whether residents ever attend an event at Delta Center, they will benefit from access to new and enhanced community, cultural and art, and gathering spaces, as well as renewed east-west connectivity, enhanced walkability and safety, cohesive transportation, and organized parking. Consistent activation of local businesses will drive greater economic impact and create more jobs in the community.
How do Abravanel Hall, UMOCA, and other Arts Centers fit into the development plans? Would performances or exhibits be disrupted?
Smith Entertainment Group, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and Utah State Legislature are committed to ensuring that our world-class Utah Symphony, Salt Palace Convention Center, and celebrated art and cultural destinations have a state-of-the-art home within the district.
How does this project impact Japantown?
We continue to work actively with the Japanese community to ensure that the anticipated development honors the unique cultural heritage within the area.
During this process, what would be the impact on the current area businesses?
The impacts are dependent on the development plans, which are not finalized yet. However, the legislation contains provisions requiring that participation agreements include plans to address the issues and challenges within the project area.
How can I support or share other comments about the project?
We look forward to receiving ongoing input from the community. To submit comments, please scroll to the bottom of this page and share your feedback in the form. You can also add your name to our list of supporters by filling out the brief form at the bottom of the Supporters page on this website.
