Utah’s Huntsman Center renovation process taking next steps
Mar 24, 2026, 3:29 PM | Updated: Jun 29, 2026, 11:57 am
SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah is taking a significant step toward reimagining one of the most iconic venues, launching a formal process to evaluate renovation of the Jon M. Huntsman Center — a project that could fundamentally reshape the future of Utah athletics and campus life.
After pitching Huntsman Center renovation in February, Utah has moved into the next phase and has begun the process of identifying a firm to begin putting actual plans together.
Utah has started to solicit bids to provide a comprehensive feasibility study that will examine everything from seismic improvements and infrastructure modernization to fan experience and long-term revenue potential. Then, once a firm is chosen, the next phase is conceptualizing visual plans for the project.
KSL Sports reached out to University of Utah officials for updated comment but was declined comment.
This soliciting process should end with a firm selected April 16th. Currently, the projected construction budget is $130 million.
UPDATE: April 16th, Utah selected VCBO as design company.
The Huntsman shift toward modernization
The vision for the Huntsman Center is not simply renovation — it’s reinvention. Built in 1969, the arena has long stood as a cornerstone of Utah athletics, hosting men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and nationally prominent gymnastics meets.
But in today’s college sports landscape, the expectations for venues have changed dramatically. The proposed concept reflects that reality.
Rather than maintaining its current 15,000-seat capacity, Utah is exploring a redesigned arena with approximately 8,000 to 9,000 seats — while assessing the possibility of more luxury seating options.
Underneath the fan-facing upgrades lies the reality of a 50-plus-year-old building. The feasibility study will evaluate extensive structural and system upgrades to make the arena more versatile and up to code.
https://x.com/utahathletics/status/2071642911427731777?s=46
Rebuilding for revenue and year-round use
The renovation isn’t just about aesthetics or comfort. It’s about building a modern business engine.
Plans under evaluation include premium seating expansions, courtside clubs, mid-tier hospitality spaces, and integrated dining and retail options that function both on game days and year-round.
In other words, the Huntsman Center is being reimagined as more than an arena — it’s a mixed-use entertainment venue.
The goal is to increase event versatility and maximize usage beyond basketball and gymnastics, opening the door for concerts, international competitions, and community events.
Among a multitude of other things to be assessed, the feasibility study will include determining:
- Right size arena capacity to ~9,000 seat: ~8,000 GA/~1,000 premium
- Seating bowl reconfiguration
- Evaluate lower-level loge boxes (approx. 10 behind one basket)
- Evaluate half-ring of suites, plus half ring group central hospitality service island
- Ensure event floor width and storage supports multi-functional events (volleyball Taraflex with storage, gymnastics podium and equipment with storage, portable basketball court with storage)
- Premium courtside club (approx. 300 capacity)
- Two expansive mid-tier clubs (approx. 250 each)
- Premium entry/exit and patron circulation
- Exterior-facing restaurants that function: Exterior access on non-event days. Interior integration on event days
- Center-hung LED videoboard/scoreboard
- Double LED ring o Exterior video board
- Updated full arena sound system
- Widened concourses
- Kids zone creation
- Expanded concession area
Anchoring “College Town Magic”
Perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle is where this project fits within the broader vision for campus.
The renovation is a central component of the University’s “College Town Magic” initiative — a long-term plan to transform campus into a 24/7 living, learning, and entertainment district.
That means the Huntsman Center isn’t being viewed in isolation. It’s being positioned as a hub — connecting student housing, dining, retail, and recreation into a cohesive, activated environment.
The arena, in this model, becomes both a front door for Utah athletics and a centerpiece of campus life.
What comes next
For now, the project remains in the evaluation phase. The University is soliciting design firms to conduct the feasibility study, which will ultimately determine financial viability, construction pathways, and long-term return on investment.
Again, with the goal of having a firm selected by the middle of April, Utah seems close to moving into programming and design — the next step toward turning vision into reality.
The Bottom Line
The move toward a smaller, premium-driven, year-round venue isn’t just logical — it’s overdue. If the feasibility study confirms what the trends already suggest, this project is about repositioning the arena for the next 20–30 years.
If Utah nails the balance between atmosphere, revenue generation, and modern infrastructure, the Huntsman Center can go from historic but outdated asset to iconic, versatile, and well-rounded.
