WHEREAS, Utah's strong economy, growing population, and rich sports history makes it uniquely prepared to become home to a National Hockey League (NHL) franchise; WHEREAS, reputable, third-party authorities consistently rank Utah highly for its fiscal stability and job growth; WHEREAS, in April 2023, the U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah as the best state in the United States and the state with the best economy; WHEREAS, in January 2024, WalletHub named Utah the best state in which to start a business; WHEREAS, in January 2024, Archbridge Institute called Utah the best environment for social mobility; WHEREAS, over the past decade, Utah has consistently been one of the fastest growing states in terms of population and economic outlook; WHEREAS, Utah has an extensive and rich sports history; WHEREAS, currently, three leagues have successful franchises in Utah: the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer (MLS), and the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL); WHEREAS, Utah is home to the longest-running and largest youth basketball program in the NBA, the Utah Jazz's Junior Jazz, with approximately 60,000 annual participants and more than 2 million participants since its inception in 1983; WHEREAS, Utah's sports legacy includes amazing scholar-athletes in major collegiate athletic conferences, including the Big XII, PAC 12, Mountain West Conference, and Western Athletic Conference; WHEREAS, the world has continually been impressed with Utah when people from across the globe flock to the state for events such as the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the 1993 and 2023 NBA All-Star Games, and Ultimate Fighting Championship 278 and Ultimate Fighting Championship 291; WHEREAS, the vibrant sports infrastructure maintained throughout the state by the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, the Utah Sports Commission, and others would be dramatically enhanced by a new, state-of-the-art hockey arena; WHEREAS, Utah is preparing to again host the world as the presumptive host of the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, including what are sure to be epic hockey contests; WHEREAS, five national parks, 11 world-class ski resorts, and some of the best outdoor attractions on earth, including the "Greatest Snow on Earth" can be found in Utah; WHEREAS, Utah is the most family-friendly state with the youngest population, and hockey in Utah has seen youth participation increase 17% in the past 10 years; WHEREAS, despite having the 29th biggest media market in the country, Utah is consistently in the top three for NBA local television ratings; WHEREAS, Utah would create an amazing new destination for an NHL franchise, as it is directly in line with the travel paths of many other NHL cities; WHEREAS, the Delta Center, one of the most vibrant sports arenas in the United States, is immediately available to serve as an interim host arena for an NHL franchise; WHEREAS, Utah offers an abundance of desirable locations where a state-of-the-art, hockey-specific arena can be constructed in the coming years, sparking an influx of jobs and a massive economic impact for Utah and its residents; WHEREAS, having an NHL franchise and corresponding arena would ensure the long-term vitality and legacy of Utah, and create a plethora of benefits now and for future generations of Utahns; WHEREAS, Utah has a great hockey legacy, dating back to 1969 with the debut of the Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the Western Hockey League; WHEREAS, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles operated for 25 years, winning two regular season titles, three division titles, and two Turner Cups; WHEREAS, in 1995, professional hockey returned to Utah, when the Denver Grizzlies of the International Hockey League became the Utah Grizzlies; WHEREAS, the Utah Grizzlies won the Turner Cup in its inaugural season in Utah; WHEREAS, today, the Utah Grizzlies continue to boast an avid fan base as a part of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), and is an affiliate team of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche; WHEREAS, Utah has loyal and passionate fans who are wildly supportive of local sports teams, giving strong home-court and home-field advantage to the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals, Salt Lake City Stars, Real Monarchs, and other professional and college sports teams; WHEREAS, the Smith Entertainment Group led by Ryan and Ashley Smith brings unparalleled passion, dedication, and expertise for bringing the NHL to Utah; WHEREAS, the Smith Entertainment Group is well positioned to continue to invest in Utah as a major sports and entertainment destination due to their experience owning and managing three professional sports franchises in Utah; WHEREAS, sports have the unique power to bring people from all different backgrounds together; WHEREAS, Utah is the most giving state in the country, and Utahns are committed to giving back to their community by making deep investments to support each other and people around the world through a variety of philanthropic endeavors; WHEREAS, countless individuals, companies, and organizations have expressed their enthusiasm and support for an NHL franchise in Utah; WHEREAS, a new, state-of-the-art hockey arena will be activated year-round, providing another home to professional hockey, as well as concerts, events, conferences, and other sports, entertainment, education, and cultural activities; and WHEREAS, an NHL franchise in Utah would be a strong and welcome economic, educational, and cultural benefit to the entire state: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah supports the efforts of Smith Entertainment Group in the pursuit of bringing the National Hockey League to the great state of Utah. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature supports the Smith Entertainment Group's efforts, knowing "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take."