Utah HC takes drastic measures with concessions in attempt to lure new hockey fans

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TJ Tucker
September 30, 2024 (5:47 PM)

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The Delta Center, home of Utah HC, is dropping some concession prices drastically in order to get new fans into NHL hockey and ensure the team's survival

While there is a ton of hype for the newest hockey team in the NHL, there's no doubt Utah HC is facing an uphill battle, at least in its early years. There's been a lot of excitement since the NHL board of directors approved the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, and the team managed to debut in front of a packed house in a win over the LA Kings in it's first-ever preseason game. The problem for Utah owner Ryan Smith and his marketing team will be to sustain the excitement, and bring new fans into the fold as hockey looks to gain a foothold in the area. Smith may have found a way.

Utah HC has announced a big price drop in certain concessions for the 2024-25 season. You can pay $2 and $3 for favourites like popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and bottles of water. Some of these prices are likely as low as, or even lower than at your local corner store, a rare achievement for concessions.

"The $3 fan-friendly concessions - popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and Farr's ice cream bowls - can be purchased throughout the arena at various designated vendors including, but not limited to, Craft Shops, Tenders, Summit Snacks, and Farr's Ice Cream stations. The $2 Dasani water bottles will be available at all vendors."

Right now, the Delta Center holds just over 11,000 fans for a game. It's not a big arena for hockey, and Smith wants to change that with a large new dining and entertainment district in downtown Salt Lake City, with a new home for the Utah Jazz and HC. The plans for the project have been approved, but there are some sticky points as Smith wants public money, as well as control of a large portion of the city's downtown.