There’s probably no greater example of the importance of public-private partnerships than one celebrated in Sandy on Dec. 17. That was the day Hale Centre Theatre paid off the $33.5 million construction bond it obtained from Sandy City in 2015.
Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski officially handed over signed documents to HCT co-founders Mark and Sally Dietlein signifying the payoff. She also handed them the ceremonial pen used for those signatures, retiring the 30-year bond 17 years prior to its maturity date.
“On behalf of generations before, and future generations, thank you so much for what you’ve brought to Sandy, enhancing not only our community and our arts, but also our economy, our culture and our quality of life,” the mayor said. “It is my honor to present a satisfied deed to the theater.”
“For all the board and trustees and all the actors, this building would not be here were it not for Sandy City, and of course the help of many donors,” Mark Dietlein said. “The partnership that we have felt and experienced over the years … we cannot thank you enough and we’re very grateful. A huge ‘thank you’ to the city council, to Mayor Zoltanski and your administration, and your predecessors. For the trust and vision that Mayor Tom Dolan had that was huge in making this happen. We could not be more grateful for this huge milestone day of celebration.”
“This amazing adventure started with a handshake over breakfast, and that trust level that we’ve had with Sandy City because of that handshake has proven true, top to bottom,” Sally Dietlein said. “There are few places you can go where that type of integrity holds up.”
Zoltanski said the retirement of a bond so early is “unprecedented. It shows the success of joint efforts. HCT couldn’t have done this without Sandy City, and the city could not have welcomed a greater landmark cultural mecca on its own. We’re not in the theater and arts business, but we know quality when we see it.”
She praised previous city leaders for having the foresight to bring the deal together, and thanked Mountain America Credit Union, one of HCT’s principal funding partners, for its support of the venue.
“Then of course is the community support, the success of the theater, and the programming that made it possible for the Dietleins to pay off the bond so much earlier than anyone could have expected,” the mayor said. “It’s good for the city, because now it increases our bonding capacity for future projects. We’re looking to do more to build out our city center, our commercial center here with sports entertainment making the mark in Sandy. Our challenge is to pick the right businesses, the right partnerships and to set the tone that enhances the quality of life in Sandy.”
HCT’s reach extends well beyond its stage, Zoltanski said. Through robust school programs, volunteer initiatives and community outreach, the theater has added to the educational experience of students across Sandy and throughout Utah.
The theater anticipates welcoming more than 700,000 patrons in the 2026 season. It will soon open another stage, The Beehive, for additional productions. HCT contributes over $14 million annually to the community through payroll and invests more than $15.75 million each year in locally sourced products and materials. The shared community event parking structure has also become a key infrastructure resource, providing convenient, covered access for theater patrons and visitors coming to the district for business, dining and entertainment.
“Hale Centre Theatre is central to Sandy’s identity as the South Valley’s entertainment capital,” Zoltanski said. “This early bond payoff reinforces the strength of our shared vision: creating a vibrant, welcoming city where arts and culture, education and economic opportunity flourish side by side.”