Winning Spirit Magazine November-December 2017 | Page 7

ARENA RISING 25 Years Old and Newer Than Ever A fter more than 25 years as the premier sports and entertainment venue in Salt Lake City, a new era at Vivint Smart Home Arena has begun. A $125 million renovation to enhance the guest experience on all six levels of the home of the Utah Jazz has garnered largely positive feedback from patrons. As a community gathering place, the arena hosts more than 100 events annually with 1.8 million guests. An employee sneak peek featuring a free concert from Grammy- nominated recording artist, Rachel Platten, provided LHM staff the first opportunity to see the changes. The public was then invited for tours after a ceremony on the plaza unveiled an illuminated navy, green, and gold J-note statue measuring 14 feet high and 21 feet wide. The first official event occurred on September 27 with the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill concert, followed by three preseason Jazz games, a NuSkin convention, and a Janet Jackson concert before the regular season opener of the Jazz on October 18. LHMWSM.com 5