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9 General Description:
10 This resolution recognizes Utah as an incredible state for sports and entertainment and
11 supports efforts to bring a National Hockey League franchise to Utah.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 ▸ recognizes that Utah is the fastest growing state, has the strongest economy in the
15 United States, and is consistently ranked among the top three states to live and work
16 in;
17 ▸ recognizes the plethora of year-round attractions and amenities Utah has to offer
18 locals and visitors to the state alike;
19 ▸ recognizes the world-wide reputation Utah has for hosting historically successful
20 sports and entertainment events such as the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
21 Games and the 2023 NBA All-Star Game;
22 ▸ recognizes that Utah is the ideal place for a National Hockey League franchise;
23 ▸ recognizes that there is a great hockey legacy in Utah with the history of
24 professional ice hockey in the state dating back to 1969;
25 ▸ recognizes that Utah offers an abundance of amazing locations where a
26 state-of-the-art hockey-specific arena can be constructed;
27 ▸ recognizes the deep and successful history of professional sports teams and events
28 in Utah, and the strong community support for those teams and events;
29 ▸ recognizes the many benefits and opportunities that a National Hockey League
30 franchise would provide to the state and its residents; and
31 ▸ expresses strong support from the Legislature and the Governor to bring the
32 National Hockey League to the great state of Utah.
33 Special Clauses:
34 None
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36 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
37 WHEREAS, Utah's strong economy, growing population, and rich sports history makes
38 it uniquely prepared to become home to a National Hockey League (NHL) franchise;
39 WHEREAS, reputable, third-party authorities consistently rank Utah highly for its
40 fiscal stability and job growth;
41 WHEREAS, in April 2023, the U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah as the best
42 state in the United States and the state with the best economy;
43 WHEREAS, in January 2024, WalletHub named Utah the best state in which to start a
44 business;
45 WHEREAS, in January 2024, Archbridge Institute called Utah the best environment for
46 social mobility;
47 WHEREAS, over the past decade, Utah has consistently been one of the fastest growing
48 states in terms of population and economic outlook;
49 WHEREAS, Utah has an extensive and rich sports history;
50 WHEREAS, currently, three leagues have successful franchises in Utah: the Utah Jazz
51 of the National Basketball Assocation (NBA), Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer (MLS),
52 and the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL);
53 WHEREAS, Utah is home to the longest-running and largest youth basketball program
54 in the NBA, the Utah Jazz's Junior Jazz, with approximately 60,000 annual participants and
55 more than 2 million participants since its inception in 1983;
56 WHEREAS, Utah's sports legacy includes amazing scholar-athletes in major collegiate
57 athletic conferences, including the Big XII, PAC 12, Mountain West Conference, and Western
58 Athletic Conference;
59 WHEREAS, the world has continually been impressed with Utah when people from
60 across the globe flock to the state for events such as the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic and
61 Paralympic Winter Games, the 1993 and 2023 NBA All-Star Games, and Ultimate Fighting
62 Championship 278 and Ultimate Fighting Championship 291;
63 WHEREAS, the vibrant sports infrastructure maintained throughout the state by the
64 Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, the Utah Sports Commission, and others would be
65 dramatically enhanced by a new, state-of-the art hockey arena;
66 WHEREAS, Utah is preparing to again host the world as the presumptive host of the
67 2034 Winter Olympic Games, including what are sure to be epic hockey contests;
68 WHEREAS, five national parks, 11 world-class ski resorts, and some of the best
69 outdoor attractions on earth, including the "Greatest Snow on Earth" can be found in Utah;
70 WHEREAS, Utah is the most family-friendly state with the youngest population, and
71 hockey in Utah has seen youth participation increase 17% in the past 10 years;
72 WHEREAS, despite having the 29th biggest media market in the country, Utah is
73 consistently in the top three for NBA local television ratings;
74 WHEREAS, Utah would create an amazing new destination for an NHL franchise, as it
75 is directly in line with the travel paths of many other NHL cities;
76 WHEREAS, the Delta Center, one of the most vibrant sports arenas in the United
77 States, is immediately available to serve as an interim host arena for an NHL franchise;
78 WHEREAS, Utah offers an abundance of desirable locations where a state-of-the-art,
79 hockey-specific arena can be constructed in the coming years, sparking an influx of jobs and a
80 massive economic impact for Utah and its residents;
81 WHEREAS, having an NHL franchise and corresponding arena would ensure the
82 long-term vitality and legacy of Utah, and create a plethora of benefits now and for future
83 generations of Utahns;
84 WHEREAS, Utah has a great hockey legacy, dating back to 1969 with the debut of the
85 Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the Western Hockey League;
86 WHEREAS, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles operated for 25 years, winning two regular
87 season titles, three division titles, and two Turner Cups;
88 WHEREAS, in 1995, professional hockey returned to Utah, when the Denver Grizzlies
89 of the International Hockey League became the Utah Grizzlies;
90 WHEREAS, the Utah Grizzlies won the Turner Cup in its inaugural season in Utah;
91 WHEREAS, today, the Utah Grizzlies continue to boast an avid fan base as a part of the
92 East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), and is an affiliate team of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche;
93 WHEREAS, Utah has loyal and passionate fans who are wildly supportive of local
94 sports teams, giving strong home-court and home-field advantage to the Utah Jazz, Real Salt
95 Lake, Utah Royals, Salt Lake City Stars, Real Monarchs, and other professional and college
96 sports teams;
97 WHEREAS, the Smith Entertainment Group led by Ryan and Ashley Smith brings
98 unparalleled passion, dedication, and expertise for bringing the NHL to Utah;
99 WHEREAS, the Smith Entertainment Group is well positioned to continue to invest in
100 Utah as a major sports and entertainment destination due to their experience owning and
101 managing three professional sports franchises in Utah;
102 WHEREAS, sports have the unique power to bring people from all different
103 backgrounds together;
104 WHEREAS, Utah is the most giving state in the country, and Utahns are committed to
105 giving back to their community by making deep investments to support each other and people
106 around the world through a variety of philanthropic endeavors;
107 WHEREAS, countless individuals, companies, and organizations have expressed their
108 enthusiasm and support for an NHL franchise in Utah;
109 WHEREAS, a new, state-of-the-art hockey arena will be activated year-round,
110 providing another home to professional hockey, as well as concerts, events, conferences, and
111 other sports, entertainment, education, and cultural activities; and
112 WHEREAS, an NHL franchise in Utah would be a strong and welcome economic,
113 educational, and cultural benefit to the entire state:
114 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
115 supports the efforts of Smith Entertainment Group in the pursuit of bringing the National
116 Hockey League to the great state of Utah.
117 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature supports the Smith Entertainment
118 Group's efforts, knowing "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take."