The Delta Center renovations have been pushing along this summer.
Smith Entertainment Group announced the multi-phase process to transform the downtown arena into a dual-sport venue on April 30, and 42 days later, there is a progress update.
The main focus during this offseason is the lower bowl (sightlines and a new seating system) and the backlot (preparing the space to build the 450-stall garage). A crew of 350 people have collectively logged nearly 32,000 hours on the demolition thus far.
Engineers have removed cement and steel in the lower bowl to expand each end by 12 feet and raise the event floor by two feet, allowing a new ice floor slab to be installed eventually.
These adjustments will make room for the first retractable seating system, which will provide a nearly 12-foot variance in elevation between rink and court end lines for optimal viewing for both Utah Mammoth and Utah Jazz games; it will also increase the capacity for NHL games.
By the time the renovations are done, the seating capacity for hockey will increase from 11,131 to 17,000. SEG contracted with Michigan-based StageRight for the retractable seating system that will make this possible.
The general completion timeline for the project is three summers, but SEG is realistic about unknown factors that could affect the finish date. Interior and exterior construction will continue during future NHL and NBA offseasons.
