Delta Center
Ground broke on the 22nd of May 1990 for a project that would cost ninety-three million dollars. Utah businessman Larry H. Miller led the private financing effort to replace the demolished Salt Palace arena. The new venue opened its doors on the 4th of October 1991 just in time for late-October basketball games. It was designed as a twenty-thousand-seat home for both the Utah Jazz and the Salt Lake Golden Eagles. The first game played inside the building occurred on the 16th of October 1991 when the Golden Eagles faced the Peoria Rivermen. That home team lost the match four goals to two.
Delta Air Lines acquired naming rights shortly after the opening to create the Delta Center name. In 2006 Delta declined to renew their agreement following a corporate bankruptcy filing. A new deal emerged with EnergySolutions on the 20th of November 2006 before a home game against the Toronto Raptors. Two stickers covered the old court logos until official replacements arrived in December of that year. Fan reactions turned negative quickly leading to nicknames like "the Chernobowl" or "the Fallout Shelter." Team owner Larry H. Miller defended the hazardous waste disposal company partnership as a financial winner. On the 15th of April 2010 the basketball court received his name over a year after his death. Vivint secured ten-year naming rights starting the 26th of October 2015 from Lehi. Delta returned as sponsor on the 14th of January 2023 under a ten-year deal effective July 1.
The venue hosted figure skating and short track speed skating during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Officials renamed it Salt Lake Ice Center for the duration of those Games due to sponsorship rules. The arena also held the 1999 U.S. Figure Skating Championships prior to the Olympic event. Future plans expect the facility to host ice hockey during the 2034 Winter Olympics. This dual-purpose capability highlights its adaptability beyond standard professional sports schedules. The structure has served as a critical hub for international winter competition twice already.
A roof damaged by severe winds associated with the Salt Lake City Tornado of the 11th of August 1999 required repairs costing three point seven five seven million dollars. Plans to renovate and upgrade the arena were announced the 21st of September 2016 by the Jazz organization. Construction began at the conclusion of the 2016, 17 Utah Jazz basketball season and finished in fall 2017. That major project cost one hundred twenty-five million dollars. Ryan Smith acquired the Jazz and arena from the Miller family in December 2020. On the 18th of April 2024 Smith announced acquisition of Arizona Coyotes operations for a new Utah Mammoth team. Further renovations began in April 2025 expected to continue until October 2027. These upgrades include adding new risers to maintain proximity to the playing surface and eliminate single-goal-view seats.
An NBA Players Poll taken by Sports Illustrated on the 11th of February 2008 called it "the most intimidating arena in the NBA." Twenty percent of the vote came from two hundred forty current NBA players. Many commentators referred to the venue as the Decibel Center during that era. During Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals a decibel meter installed at floor level read over one hundred ten decibels. That noise level was close to the sound generated by a jet takeoff. NBC's Hannah Storm called the Delta Center one of the loudest places in sports during those same finals.
Oingo Boingo became the first headlining act to play the Delta Center on the 24th of October 1991. The arena held Utah's first UFC event on the 6th of August 2016 for Rodriguez versus Caceres. A pay-per-view event followed on the 20th of August 2022 featuring Usman against Edwards. Professional Bull Riders hosted an event there in 1999 and returned in 2024 for their Unleash the Beast Series tour. WWE broadcast Saturday Night's Main Event from the venue on the 1st of November 2025 via Peacock. CM Punk faced Jey Uso for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship at that wrestling show. Punk won the title after the match concluded.
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Common questions
When did the Delta Center open in Salt Lake City?
The Delta Center opened its doors on the 4th of October 1991. The venue was designed as a twenty-thousand-seat home for both the Utah Jazz and the Salt Lake Golden Eagles.
Who funded the construction of the Delta Center project?
Utah businessman Larry H. Miller led the private financing effort to replace the demolished Salt Palace arena. Ground broke on the 22nd of May 1990 for a project that would cost ninety-three million dollars.
What happened to the naming rights agreement between Delta Air Lines and the Delta Center?
Delta Air Lines acquired naming rights shortly after the opening but declined to renew their agreement following a corporate bankruptcy filing in 2006. A new deal emerged with EnergySolutions on the 20th of November 2006 before a home game against the Toronto Raptors.
How loud is the Delta Center during NBA games compared to other venues?
An NBA Players Poll taken by Sports Illustrated on the 11th of February 2008 called it the most intimidating arena in the NBA. During Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals a decibel meter installed at floor level read over one hundred ten decibels.
When did the Delta Center host events during the 2002 Winter Olympics?
The venue hosted figure skating and short track speed skating during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Officials renamed it Salt Lake Ice Center for the duration of those Games due to sponsorship rules.