The Univ. of Utah BOT on Tuesday approved a motion to “consider a proposal for the construction a new, multi-purpose arena” to “eventually replace the Jon M. Huntsman Center,” according to Jason Batacao of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. No timeline for a new arena was released, but the BOTs' vote was the “first official step of the process.” Utah is planning to use the current area anchored by the Huntsman Center, which hosts Utah basketball, gymnastics and volleyball, for “newer residential areas amid its growing student population.” Utah’s basketball and women’s gymnastics practice facilities will “remain in their current location, next to the current arena.” In the coming months surveys and studies will be conducted by the school and athletic department to “understand the feasibility, cost and decide on a final location for the proposed new arena.” Locations and a proposed financial investment into the new arena will be “presented for approval from Utah’s Board of Trustees in September” (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 3/11).
SHOWING ITS AGE: KSL SPORTS' Steve Bartle writes while the Huntsman Center has “been upgraded in recent years,” a “new location and entirely new arena will be best for the athletic programs it houses.” It is an “older arena that is starting to show its age.” The locker rooms are “dated and limited in space,” the coach’s office is “just an old locker room, and the media room is ill-equipped for modern media necessities.” The fans have had a “similarly dated experience,” as amenities are “limited, and the space for upgrades just doesn’t seem to offer much upside.” The “lack of modern options for seating or concessions only adds to the difficulty for fans to attend games” (KSL SPORTS, 3/11).
