Smith Entertainment Group has announced plans to build a new Utah Jazz training facility adjacent to its Utah Mammoth practice center at the Shops at South Town site in Sandy. Construction is slated to start soon. (Photo courtesy Smith Entertainment Group)
Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), owner of the Utah Jazz of the NBA, the NHL’s Utah Mammoth and Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City, has announced plans to add to its growing professional sports empire. The company will build a new practice facility for the Jazz at The Shops at South Town in Sandy.
SEG bought the 111-acre South Town site last year and immediately developed a hockey training center for the Mammoth, which opened Sept. 1
The new facility for the Jazz will feature two basketball courts, a team locker room, state-of-the-art workout and training spaces, a performance kitchen and amenities designed to foster player development and team connectivity, the organization announced.
The center will also house the organization’s business offices.
At a recent groundbreaking event at the site, Ryan and Ashley Smith were joined by all Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth players, both teams’ coaching staffs, front office personnel and dozens of SEG employees.
“Creating a brand new, world-class practice facility for the Utah Jazz is one more step in our investment into the long-term growth and success of the Jazz,” the Smiths, owners of Smith Entertainment Group, said in a published statement. “We’re building an amazing sports campus here with the Jazz practice facility connected to the Utah Mammoth practice facility, including the opportunity for the teams to cross-collaborate and support each others’ development. By also incorporating our business offices, this campus will promote efficiency, innovation and collaboration, continuing to focus on bringing the best experiences to our fans.”
Construction on the Utah Jazz practice facility is expected to begin this fall. Built on the east side of The Shops at South Town, the front entrance of the facility will face the Wasatch Mountains, enhancing SEG’s “Utah Mountain Basketball” brand philosophy.
“SEG continues to invest in the Jazz, showing our players and fans their commitment to building a world-class organization,” said Austin Ainge, president of basketball operations at the Utah Jazz. “They are constantly looking at innovative ways to help our players achieve their potential. This will be a state-of-the-art facility and a tremendous environment where our players and coaches can work, train and develop.”
The facility will be built in partnership with architectural design firm Babcock Design, Okland Construction — also the general contractor on the transformation of Delta Center — and interior design firm Ezra Lee Design & Build.
The Utah Jazz currently train at Zion’s Bank Basketball Campus near downtown.