Salt Lake City, Utah has been a topic of discussion in the hockey world lately, with many wondering if it could be a viable location for an NHL team. The 32 Thoughts Podcast, hosted by Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek, recently discussed the topic and provided some insights into why Salt Lake City could be a great location for an NHL team.
One of the main reasons Salt Lake City is being considered is its growing population. The city has seen a significant increase in population over the past few years, with many young professionals moving to the area. This demographic is perfect for the NHL, as they are more likely to attend games and become season ticket holders.
Another factor that makes Salt Lake City a viable location is its strong economy. The city has a diverse economy, with a mix of industries including technology, healthcare, and finance. This means that there is a large potential fan base with disposable income to spend on tickets and merchandise.
The city also has a strong sports culture, with successful college sports programs and a passionate fan base for the Utah Jazz NBA team. This shows that there is already a market for sports in the area, and an NHL team could easily fit into this culture.
In terms of facilities, Salt Lake City already has an arena that could potentially be used for an NHL team. The Vivint Smart Home Arena, home to the Utah Jazz, has a capacity of over 18,000 and has hosted major events such as the 2002 Winter Olympics. While some upgrades may be necessary to accommodate an NHL team, the arena is already a great starting point.
Finally, Salt Lake City’s location in the Mountain Time Zone could be beneficial for the NHL. Currently, there are no teams in the Mountain Time Zone, meaning that an NHL team in Salt Lake City would provide more balance to the league’s schedule.
Overall, while there are still some challenges to overcome, Salt Lake City could be a great location for an NHL team. With a growing population, strong economy, passionate sports culture, and existing arena, the city has a lot to offer. It will be interesting to see if any NHL teams decide to explore the possibility of moving to Salt Lake City in the future.