Sandy City is laying the groundwork for a future in ice with the commencement of construction on a new training facility for the Utah Hockey Club. Chairman of Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), Ryan Smith, describes the venture as a community moment drawn from a momentous plunge into sports and business development that anticipates rippling effects across the local economy and culture. "When NHL and a new franchise comes— the impact downstream, you can feel it right now when you see exactly where the ice is going to be and the impact that this is going to have on the community," Smith said, as per the City of Sandy.
The project is not just an investment in sports infrastructure; it symbolizes an embrace of new opportunities for Sandy City. Mayor Monica Zoltanski sees the development as a beacon, drawing in business and fostering family-based activities that stitch the fabric of the community tighter. "They are working to bring something extra special for all of us that will enhance our community," Zoltanski said, as per the City of Sandy, noting the long-term vision of building "the family sports synergy between Sandy and downtown Salt Lake City, preparing for our future for the Olympics, cultural events, and economic opportunity." This echoes a broader sentiment of progress and futureproofing that could bolster the city's profile.
In line with SEG's comprehensive strategy, the acquisition and development of The Shops at South Town, a 111-acre space, will feature two NHL-standard regulation ice surfaces alongside the team's official offices. As Ryan Smith emphasizes, a striking aspect of this development is its accessibility to the people. "One thing that many of you do or don’t know about is that, unlike other sports, when our guys are off the ice, the community is going to be on the ice," Smith shared, as cited by the City of Sandy. He elaborated on the significance of this shared space, fostering a connection between the professional team and the residents, a gesture towards embedding the ice hockey spirit deep into the local culture.
Jim Olson, an executive at SEG, outlined the structural plans, reassuring the community that retail will continue to flourish alongside the sporting additions. The new facility plans to maintain Macy’s existing structure and become a hub for activity and community engagement. "The way this is going to layout, the Macy’s box stays standing, and the entire mall is open and will continue to be open, and it’s going to be a great gathering place for the community", Olson conveyed, per the City of Sandy. The project, helmed by Layton Construction, is on an aggressive timeline, targeting completion within the year.
