The Utah Hockey Club have announced plans to partner with the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and its Utah Olympic Oval facility in Kearns, Utah, with several million dollars in capital investment to renovate 17,400 square-feet of the existing facility to develop a practice site for the team’s inaugural NHL season.
The enhancements and renovations will include converting one of the ice sheets at the facility to meet NHL-standard regulations, building out an NHL locker room and training and treatment facilities, and adding offices for Utah Hockey Club coaches and staff. Utah Hockey Club will move to their permanent practice and training facility that will be located at the site of The Shops at South Town in Sandy, Utah, upon its completion.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation so our players and staff have a world-class practice facility at the Olympic Oval facility for our first season,” said Chris Armstrong, president of hockey operations for Utah Hockey Club. “This partnership not only allows us to establish a strong foundation for our new franchise but also showcases our commitment to supporting the local hockey community and fostering the growth and success of winter sports in Utah.”
Built in 2001 prior to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the Utah Olympic Oval is a 275,000 square-foot facility located 16 miles west of Salt Lake City. The venue features Utah’s only 400-meter speed skating oval and two international-sized ice sheets. It is also the home of US Speedskating and is poised to host events during the 2034 Games expected to be awarded to Utah later this summer.
During 2002 Winter Olympics, the Oval drew more than 53,000 spectators and the facility currently boasts 12 speed skating world records. The venue also partners with Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center in providing access to community recreation programs.
“Welcoming Utah Hockey Club to the Utah Olympic Oval is yet another shining example of how our Olympic legacy efforts are helping to train athletes of all ability levels, from youth beginners to world-class athletes,” said Colin Hilton, president and chief executive officer of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation. “We look forward to partnering with Utah Hockey Club in creating a comprehensive training home for the players and staff.”