SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Just 172 days after it was announced Utah would be joining the National Hockey League, the Utah Hockey Club is set to play its first game in its inaugural season.
The event will be celebrated with an evening-long celebration inside and outside Salt Lake City’s Delta Center.
“You’re going to get a little of a party tonight and just out of the corner of your eye, I just want you to envision that going for a lot longer here,” said Smith. “So much of this can also curate the experience outside the arena.”
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Before the puck officially drops at 8 p.m. between the Utah Hockey Club and Chicago Blackhawks, fans will have already gathered at the arena for a free-to-enter event. Beginning at 4 p.m., the plaza outside the Delta Center will be filled with free activities, giveaways, and live music.
Fans will be able to welcome Utah Hockey Club players as they arrive for a special game-day walk-in on a Mountain Blue Carpet followed immediately by a free performance from country star Shaboozey.
Once the game starts the outdoor party won’t end either. Activities will continue throughout the entirety of Utah’s game against Chicago and the plaza will turn into a free-to-attend watch party so those outside of the arena won’t miss a moment of the first-game action.