The announcement of a new NHL team coming to Salt Lake City on April 18, 2024 brought excitement to the downtown area. The news was met with anticipation from businesses in the central business district, who are looking forward to increased foot traffic and profits.
Dee Brewer, the Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance, expressed her eagerness for more entertainment options to draw customers downtown. With an additional 41 nights of hockey games next year, Brewer estimated that this could result in 500,000 to 600,000 new customer visits.
The Delta Center, where the NHL team will play, plays a crucial role in the downtown economy. It hosted a majority of the top visitation days downtown last year and is not only important for professional sports but also for concerts, shows and other forms of entertainment. This presents an opportunity for businesses to attract a different demographic and expand their customer base.
Brewer highlighted that not only businesses but also the hospitality sector is likely to see growth due to the arrival of the NHL team. Hotels, bars and restaurants are expected to benefit from the increase in visitors and stimulate economic activity in the downtown area. This presents an excellent opportunity for various businesses to thrive and grow in Salt Lake City’s downtown area.
Overall, the addition of a new NHL team brings excitement and potential growth opportunities for businesses in Salt Lake City’s central business district.