Salt Lake County Approves $55 Million Sale for New Entertainment District

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Salt Lake County Council approved the sale of 6.5 acres of the Salt Palace Convention Center to Ryan Smith and the Smith Entertainment Group on Tuesday. This decision, made during a council meeting, aims to facilitate the development of a new sports and entertainment district in downtown Salt Lake City.

The unanimous vote allows Smith Entertainment Group to modernize and expand the convention center. The sale price of $55.4 million reflects fair market value for the county-owned parcels, and is expected to kickstart funding for a projected $1.8 billion redevelopment project. The county is also initiating a property tax zone for the area.

“We’re looking at the 6.5 acres that the county owns and how best to utilize those acres for the public benefit going forward,” said Council Member Arlyn Bradshaw, who represents District 1. The sale will also fund infrastructure upgrades, with the county anticipating an additional $11 million in annual tax revenue.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson described the vote as a major building block for keeping professional sports teams such as the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club in downtown. Wilson emphasized the need for a new ballroom space, stating, “We’ve overbuilt our exhibit hall space and what we desperately need is a new ballroom.”

The agreement includes plans to partially demolish the convention center by 2031 to make way for an upgraded facility that meets modern convention needs. Residents expressed mixed feelings during a public hearing, with some excited about the potential for increased foot traffic, while others, like Lori Wike, voiced concerns about the transparency of public spending.

Businesses near the convention center, including Matteo Ristorante Italiano, expressed hope that the short-term disruptions would lead to long-term benefits for downtown Salt Lake City as the area transforms into an entertainment hub.

While the deal is a significant step forward, some community members, including former councilman Jim Bradley, highlighted the importance of maintaining public oversight throughout the redevelopment process. Construction is set to begin after the final transaction closing date on or before February 16, 2027.