SANDY, Utah — The Utah Hockey Club is eagerly anticipating the opening of its state-of-the-art practice and training facility, slated to debut on September 1st. Nestled within the southeastern confines of a Sandy shopping mall, this expansive 115,780-square-foot complex will offer two regulation NHL ice sheets, alongside comprehensive training, medical, and dining amenities, and dedicated team locker rooms.
The construction of this practice hub has been a paramount concern for Utah owner Ryan Smith, who has been pivotal in establishing a robust NHL presence in the Beehive State. Up until now, the Utah Olympic Oval, primarily known for hosting speedskating events, served as a temporary practice venue for the team. However, the Oval was always viewed as a short-term solution rather than a permanent fixture for the team.
Ryan Smith emphasized the importance of having a dedicated facility, saying, “To be competitive in the NHL, it’s essential to provide a space where our players can train, recuperate, and truly call home. While the Oval served us well, it’s just not the complete solution we envisioned.”
In the development stages, input from the team’s roster was actively sought to fine-tune aspects of the facility ranging from dining to locker room configurations. Smith remarked, “We did our utmost to involve the players in every element of the design.”
By January 2026, the facility will extend its services to the general public, offering event venues, eight community locker rooms, equipment rentals, and a team store. The ice rinks will be accessible to the public when not occupied by the team, providing a valuable recreational resource for the community.