From the moment you step into the Delta Center, you're part of something electric. Whether it's 18,000 Jazz fans united as one cheering family or the roar of the crowd as the Utah Hockey Club takes the ice, our intimate bowl design keeps every seat close to the action. When game time hits and the crowd erupts, you'll feel why Utah's home court (and ice) advantage isn't just about altitude - it's about attitude.

Sure, other arenas might claim to be the heart of their downtown, but ours? It's literally five minutes from your hotel to your seat. That's not just convenient—that's enough time to grab a margarita and some mexican from Chile-Tepin and still catch tipoff. And with our new NHL team bringing the heat (or should we say ice?), there's never been a better time to experience Salt Lake's urban pulse.

Delta Center Overview: More Than Just an Arena

The Delta Center has been at the heart of downtown Salt Lake since 1991, where it's hosted everything from NBA finals to Olympic short track speed skating. While the Utah Jazz have called this arena home for over three decades, we're writing a whole new chapter with the addition of NHL hockey and the Utah Hockey Club. From championship basketball to rock concerts that shake the rafters, this arena transforms to match the moment.

Step inside and you'll understand why the Delta Center is a downtown landmark. The soaring glass walls create a distinctive profile on our skyline while offering glimpses of the Wasatch Mountains beyond. Inside, the arena can host up to 18,300 fans for basketball games and around 11,000 for hockey, with configurations that adapt for everything from intimate concerts to major sporting events.

Pro tip: for cost-conscious fans, upper-level center seats provide great views at a lower cost! You’ll also have easy-access to concessions.

What to Experience: Game Day & Concert Thrills

Experience Utah Jazz basketball!

Utah Jazz Games

From October through April, the Delta Center transforms into NBA central as the Utah Jazz defend their home court. Game nights bring downtown Salt Lake alive with a sea of purple, black and yellow jerseys streaming in from nearby restaurants and hotels. Doors open 90 minutes before tipoff, giving you plenty of time to catch warmups, grab some local fare, and maybe spot the Jazz Bear practicing his stunts.

Local Tip: Want to be part of the Jazz mascots antics? Sit near the lower sections where he loves to stir up the crowd.

Hockey arena with fans cheering. scoreboard that reads GOAL, while players are on the ice sheet.

Utah Hockey Club Games

Starting in 2024, the Delta Center added NHL action to its lineup. The arena's transformation from hardwood to ice is a feat of engineering that happens in just a few hours. New to hockey? Arrive early and grab a spot where you can watch players warm up and get a feel for the lightning-fast pace of professional hockey.

Game Day tip: The arena temperature drops during hockey games, so bring an extra layer even if it's warm downtown.

Concert at The Depot

Concerts

When the Jazz and Hockey Club are away, some of music's biggest names take center stage. The Delta Center's downtown location means you can start your night with dinner at nearby restaurants like Flanker Kitchen & Sporting Club or STK Steakhouse, then walk to the show in minutes. Past performers have included everyone from Taylor Swift to Paul McCartney, with the arena's adaptable configuration hosting both intimate shows and major productions.

Event Planning: Check the Delta Center's official website for their clear bag policy and prohibited items list – requirements can vary by event type.

Know Before You go

  • Tickets: Available through the Delta Center website or official ticketing partners
  • Doors: Typically open 90 minutes before Jazz/Hockey games, times vary for concerts
  • Food & Drink: Multiple concession stands throughout all levels
  • Mobile: Download the Delta Center app for maps, food ordering, and real-time updates

Getting There: Parking & Public Transit Made Simple

Remember what we said about five minutes from hotel to seat? Here's how to make that happen.

Vibrant street art is just one of the many treats you will experience on your visit to Salt Lake City.

From the Airport 

Touch down to tipoff is a breeze - just 15 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport via taxi, rideshare, or TRAX (our light rail system).

TRAX Light Rail 

Look for the blue or green line trains – they'll drop you right at the "Arena Station" (yes, it's that obvious). TRAX runs from the airport, downtown hotels, and throughout the valley. Bonus: trains run extra frequently on game nights. Fare is $2.50 one-way, and you can buy tickets right at the station.

Salt Lake City International Airport

Parking Like a Local 

While the arena has its own parking ($10-30), here's what seasoned fans know:

  • City Creek Center garage: Usually $2-3/hour with validation, 15-minute walk
  • The Gateway garage: Often $5 flat rate on game nights, 7-minute walk
  • Surface lots on 300 West: Variable rates ($5-20), 6-10 minute walk

Winter Game Tip: If there's snow in the forecast, stick to covered parking at City Creek or The Gateway – your shoes will thank you.

View of Salt Lake City main street with Trax light rail on the street and and early sunset sky

Rideshare & Taxi 

The designated pickup/drop-off zone is on 300 West. Due to post-game traffic, the area may not be accessible for pick-up and is designated for ride-share. 

Pro move: after the game, walk a block away from the arena for faster pickup times and better rates.

GREENbike Alongside Trax in downtown Salt Lake

Walking from Downtown Hotels 

Staying downtown? Here's your walking time from nearby hotels:

  • Salt Lake Marriott Downtown: 15 minutes
  • Hyatt Regency: 10 minutes
  • The Grand America: 30 minutes, 6 minutes by rideshare. Routes are well-lit and well-traveled on game nights. 

Bike & Scooter Share 

GREENbike stations and e-scooters dot downtown (available March-November). Download the GREENbike or scooter apps to find the closest rides. Bike racks are located at all arena entrances.

Food & Drink: Game Day Bites to Late Night Delights

Salt lake food truck

Inside the Arena

The Delta Center serves up more than just standard arena fare. Here's your concession game plan:

Level 3

  • Salt City Smokehouse: Famous for that smoky brisket sandwich
  • Costa Vida: Local Mexican favorites
  • JDawgs: Utah's take on premium hot dogs
  • Cubby’s: Local burger institution

Level 5

  • Swig: Specialty Dirty Sodas (What Salt Lake is known for)
  • Cupbop: Korean BBQ in a cup
  • Proper Burger Co.: Local burger & brewery
  • Bon Bon: Local ice cream and snacks

Pro tip: Mobile ordering is available through the Delta Center app - order from your seat during timeouts and skip the lines.

Squatters Brewpub

Pre-Game Dining 

Planning dinner before tipoff? These spots are all within a 15-minute walk:

Quick But Quality (45 minutes before game)

  • HallPass SLC (5-minute walk): Specialty food court offering cocktails, Asian & seafood
  • Zest Kitchen & Bar (15-minute walk): Modern vegan & vegetarian
  • Crown Burger (10-minute walk): Fast-Casual burgers (try their famous pastrami burger)!

Sit-Down Experience (90+ minutes before game)

  • Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana (13-minute walk): Homemade Neapolitan pizzas
  • Rouser (less than 5-minute walk): Upscale American
  • Squatters Pub (15-minute walk): Microbrewery & specialty pub food
Local whiskey tasting in Salt Lake

Post-Game Solutions

Late Night Spots (Open after events)

  • Whiskey Street (less than 25 minute walk): Kitchen open until midnight, bar until 1am
  • Lake Effect (11-minute walk): Live music, craft cocktails, late menu
  • Gracie’s Pub (less than 20-minute walk): American eats, cocktails & live music

Family-Friendly Options

Good to Know:

  • Most arena concession stands accept cards and mobile pay
  • Outside food and drinks aren't permitted
  • Water fountains available on all levels
  • Dietary restrictions? Check the Delta Center app for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

Nearby Attractions: Make a Day of it

The Downtown Ice skating rink is fun for the whole family!

Winter Activities in Downtown Salt Lake (November-March)

  • Gallivan Center Ice Skating (20-minute walk): Experience outdoor skating under city lights, open daily until 9pm
  • Temple Square Holiday Lights (10-minute walk): One of Salt Lake's most photographed attractions, illuminated 4:30-10pm
  • The Gateway (5-minute walk): Downtown Salt Lake's premier entertainment destination

Downtown Salt Lake Entertainment

  • The Depot (5-minute walk): Historic train station turned concert venue hosting national touring acts
  • Ivy & Varley (15-minute walk): Downtown Salt Lake's craft beer and cocktail destination
  • Eccles Theater (20-minute walk): Broadway in Salt Lake City's architectural showpiece
Bar at The Depot

Downtown Salt Lake City Attractions

  • Temple Square (15-minute walk): Utah's #1 tourist destination with free guided tours until 9pm
  • Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (12-minute walk): Downtown Salt Lake's contemporary art hub
  • City Creek Center (15-minute walk): Downtown shopping and dining until 9pm

Local Tip: Make the most of downtown Salt Lake's compact layout. In winter, combine a Jazz game with Temple Square's holiday lights and dinner at nearby restaurants. Summer visitors can start at Lake Effect outdoor patio, catch the game, then enjoy downtown's rooftop bar scene (Try Van Ryder - across 300 W from the stadium). 

Experience the Delta Center in Downtown Salt Lake

Ready to experience it yourself? Start by checking the Delta Center event schedule and grabbing your tickets. Then use this guide to plan your perfect downtown Salt Lake evening - whether that means pre-game dining at local hotspots, catching the action at Utah's premier sports venue, or turning game night into a full downtown adventure.

Pro Planning Tip: Visiting during the winter? Make it a doubleheader - hit the slopes in the morning (just minutes away) and catch a game or show at night. That's the Salt Lake difference.