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SALT LAKE CITY — For many fans, this has always been the Delta Center.
It’s been nearly 17 years since the beloved moniker was retired from the Utah Jazz arena. Since then, these are EnergySolutions Arena, Vivint SmartHome Arena and finally Vivint Arena.
The marquee may have changed, but for many jazz fans the name has remained the same. For them, it was – and always has been – the Delta Center.
The Delta Center was the arena built by Larry H. Miller. This is where Karl Malone and John Stockton became Hall-of-Famers. This is where Jerry Sloan became a legend. This is where many in the state fell in love with the Utah Jazz.
And now the Delta Center is back.
The Utah Jazz announced Saturday that it has entered into a long-term naming rights agreement with Delta to restore the arena’s original name that opened in 1991. The name change will be effective July 1, 2023. the agreement has not been published.
“I have so many incredible memories of the Delta Center as a child, and I know that countless people across Utah and beyond have had similar experiences creating vital memories there, whether either watching the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, NBA Finals, concerts or other incredible events,” Jazz owner Ryan Smith said in a statement.
“We’re thrilled to partner with (Delta CEO) Ed Bastian and the entire Delta team to not only bring back the original Arena name, but also to leverage the incredible work Delta does to deliver incredible experiences to the people of our state and help show the world how amazing Utah is.”
The news follows a historic agreement between Delta and Salt Lake City. The two parties finalized a contract last month that will keep Salt Lake City as a major Delta hub until at least mid-2044, with an option to extend the lease for another 10 years.
Delta has called Salt Lake City the “Atlanta of the West” — Delta’s headquarters and primary hub — and the deal is the latest example of an investment in the city and surrounding community by the company. airline company.
“Today we celebrate a new chapter in the long history between Delta, Utah Jazz and the community of Salt Lake City,” Bastian said in a statement. “The return of Delta Center represents a continued investment and dedication to Salt Lake City, and together we will provide a premier sports and entertainment experience for the city and jazz fans around the world.”
Vivint will remain a Jazz partner after the name change. The Provo-based company announced Saturday that it has entered into a new partnership agreement with the Jazz that will span the 2030 season.
The original naming rights deal was set to expire in 2025. With the new deal, Vivint will retain the rights to a courtside suite and will also have a presence inside the arena with in-game promotions and advertisements. The exterior, however, will have a different but familiar name.
And many never stopped saying.