Delta Center’s seating reno could make it the ‘loudest arena to play in, in sports’

Delta Center renovations in play to the upper seating area. Photo: courtesy of Delta Center

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — As the ground-up transformation of the Delta Center into a world-class, dual-sport venue continues, Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) is sharing construction details for the 2026 and 2027 offseasons.

These changes build on SEG’s vision to take the Delta Center to the next level as one of the “most electric environments in the NBA and NHL.” When complete, every seat throughout the arena will be replaced and reconfigured to ensure full sightlines for both basketball and hockey.

The below video shows the planned transformation as partially narrated by CEO Ryan Smith. In it he talks about making the Delta Center the “loudest arena to play in, in sports.”

End Zones, Gondolas, and a Completed Parking Structure 

After this offseason, the Delta Center’s upper-north end zone will feature new terrace-style ledges with full-view seating. 

In addition, suspended ‘gondolas’ will be built up along both sidelines, providing a bird’s-eye view of the event floor for over 200 fans while offering hospitality and gathering spaces.

The parking structure at the southwest corner of the arena will be completed before the 2026-27 season.

The South End Zone

Major construction in 2027 will introduce a dynamic slope design, connecting the upper and lower levels starting from the floor and working upward. With positioning near the visiting bench, the slope will provide fans in these sections an even more intense environment right on top of the action and will help further the tradition of the Delta Center being one of the loudest places to play. 

Renovations to suites begin on the north side in 2026 and will be completed in 2027, bringing refreshed interior design and extending suite spaces throughout Level 4 of the building. 

Concourse and Plaza Upgrades

Additional upgrades and renovations coming to the arena include adding food and beverage options, updating concourses and concession locations with new and redesigned social areas, adding bathroom capacity, and expanding club spaces around the building. Future plans also include adding a new main entrance and outdoor plaza that will serve as a gateway to downtown.

Each year, the Delta Center welcomes more than 1.8 million guests and hosts more than 320 days of events. The venue will also play a role in the Utah 2034 Winter Olympic Games.