Utah Athletics Announce Plans For Relocation Of Huntsman Center, New Arena
Mar 11, 2025, 11:28 AM | Updated: 5:36 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 23: Fans are silhouetted as they watch warmups before the game between the Utah Utes and the UCLA Bruins at the Jon M Huntsman Center on February 23, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – On Tuesday, University of Utah President Taylor Randall and the university’s Board of Trustees announced a plan to completely remake the university’s campus, including relocating the Huntsman Center.
The plans include a completely transformational process to turn the university into a college “town” centered around housing, food, recreation and wellness venues for up to 14,000 students.
Key among the changes is the relocation of the Jon M. Huntsman Center, which means a new arena to be built for the men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as women’s gymnastics.
Utah announces evaluation process for new arena and relocation
In a statement from Utah athletics director Mark Harlan, the university will begin a thorough process to identify the new location and plans for a new arena.
“The Jon M. Huntsman Center has been central in our discussions, as it has played a prominent role in our storied history as an athletics program, and it remains a vital facility in our present landscape.
We have evaluated the most strategic approach to the future of the Huntsman Center, and it is exciting now to see clarity within President Randall’s comprehensive vision to create College Town Magic on our fantastic campus. This unprecedented project will positively impact future generations of U students, and today’s announcement is simply the start of a process that will include an even brighter future for our athletics facilities as a key piece of this plan, including the relocation of the Huntsman Center.
I want to assure you that the process to identify the ideal location for a new arena will be very thorough, comprehensive and inclusive. We will have the opportunity to explore a completely reimagined in-venue experience to serve our athletics programs and our great fans who support our teams. This process will evolve over several years, and we will work closely with university leadership and campus planners, and seek significant input from fans, donors and the surrounding community.”
Letter from Mark Harlan on @UUtah Campus Physical Development Framework – President Randall's vision for campus transformation to include future relocation of Jon M. Huntsman Centerhttps://t.co/YVzi7FDsDj#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/mxWYtaAkEq
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) March 11, 2025
The Jon M. Huntsman Center
The Huntsman Center has been in service for over half a century. Though it’s going through small renovations and upgrades, it seems a new location and entirely new arena will be best for the athletic programs it houses.
The Huntsman Center has been upgraded in recent years. 2017 the program added a new video display system for about $4 million. Prior to that, the Huntsman Center received a $6 million update that included the new ceiling structure, sound system, and lighting.
In many ways, Utah needs a new arena to house men’s and women’s basketball and women’s gymnastics. The Huntsman Center is an older arena that is starting to show its age. The locker rooms are dated and limited in space, the coach’s “office” is just an old locker room, and the media room is ill-equipped for modern media necessities.
The fans have had a similarly dated experience. The amenities are limited, and the space for upgrades just doesn’t seem to offer much upside. The lack of modern options for seating or concessions only adds to the difficulty for fans to attend games.
This season, Utah men’s basketball averaged just over 8,000 fans per game, Red Rocks averaged 12,200 fans, and women’s basketball averaged just under 3,900.
Potential options for new arena
Possible locations include somewhere on Guardsman Way, where Utah is moving the baseball program. Utah could also build a new arena closer to Rice Eccles Stadium, perhaps even the west parking lot.
Baylor opened its new home last year, Foster Pavilion, which seats about half of the Huntsman Center’s capacity. However, the arena’s improved amenities and structure still provide a raucous environment. Oklahoma recently announced plans for a new arena that also received approval for an entertainment district around it.
A potential entertainment district in conjunction with a new arena would provide a greater fan experience before, during, and after games. The possibility of building one closer to Rice Eccles Stadium would also benefit the football program. Throughout this evaluation, Utah will be mindful of the return of the Olympics in 2034.
