5 Reasons Sports Salt Lake Stands Out as an All-Star Host for Your Next Event

Salt Lake City, Utah, was the center of the sports universe during the 2002 Winter Olympics. What could have been a crowning achievement instead became a starting point for impressive growth for the region. As more events capitalize on Salt Lake’s top-of-the-line facilities and hospitality, that golden glow from two decades ago is brighter than ever. Remarkably, the finish line remains very much in the distance. After years of scoring major sports tournaments and competitions year-round—summer is even busier than winter, despite the Olympic moment—Visit Salt Lake took the next stop toward greater progress.

Sports Salt Lake, a division specially focused on attracting national, international and regional sporting events, launched in 2021. This has allowed the same veteran staff that’s built Visit Salt Lake into one of the country’s most dynamic sports tourism destinations to add additional resources to better serve rights holders and sports planners. To this day, the Winter Games remain a major part of the Sports Salt Lake story. Many Olympians continue to live and train in the region, and speedskating legend Derek Parra runs events at the impressive Utah Olympic Oval.

The region is a prime candidate for future Games as well. But there is so much more to Salt Lake’s story. US Quidditch Cup 2022 was the organization’s first national tournament to be held west of the Rocky Mountains. Other national governing bodies like USA Volleyball, USA Judo, USA Weightlifting and USA Fencing are regulars here, as are elite travel sports organizations like AAU and Triple Crown Sports.

Hard work, community growth and a dazzling set of facilities have ensured Salt Lake never left its perch on top of the mountain. Read on to see why the sky is the limit when partnering with Sports Salt Lake on your next event.

All-Star Facilities

The name of the game for sports events is the facilities a destination has to offer. Here, Sports Salt Lake stands tall.

Salt Palace Convention Center

a premier indoor venue for large-scale tournaments and championships as well as conventions and special events. Adding to its 515,000 square feet of exhibit space are special touches like a state-of-the-art media center for “SportsCenter”-type production for interviews and livestreaming.

Mountain America Expo Center

sports 243,000 square feet of competition space. The array of events it hosts speaks to the building’s versatility. Archery and dance/cheer meets are just as natural as trade shows and exhibitions here.

Salt Lake Regional Athletic Complex

changed the game for outdoor sports in the Mountain West when it opened in 2015. The 140-acre complex features 16 soccer/multipurpose fields, including a stadium field that will feature bleachers, a scoreboard and concessions. You’re just as likely to see traditional sports like soccer, football and rugby as you are to see upstarts Ultimate, Quidditch and Spikeball being played.

Utah Olympic Oval

is a legacy project from the 2002 Winter Games that has proven a valuable asset for the community. Not only does it host elite indoor ice competitions, but the Oval was also transformed into a judo site last year. That’s just one way we demonstrate anything is possible in Salt Lake.

Larry H. Miller Softball Complex and Easton Salt Lake Archery Center are two other (of many more) standouts of the 25 venues spread across seven municipalities that Sports Salt Lake has in its portfolio for planners.

All-Star Appeal

Participants will marvel at the venues and families will enjoy the total package Salt Lake provides. There are more than 200 restaurants, cafes and bars in the convention district alone! Two large shopping centers and an array of museums put the “tourism” into sports tourism. Be sure to walk to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in downtown!

All-Star Services

Sports Salt Lake has a dedicated team of experienced sports tourism professionals who know how to transform a tournament into an athletic experience. We assist with micro-landing pages to help planners easily distribute information to participants and families. Closer to home, we build buzz about your event through community awareness campaigns that will make your event a grand slam.

Salt Lake

Discount Passport

Your attendees will want to download the Salt Lake Discount Passport app, featuring discounts at local restaurants, attractions and retailers.

Having hosted nearly 90 sporting events, attracting 420,000 attendees, between 2019 and 2021, we know how to make sure your attendees are happy.

All-Star Access

Exterior shot of Concourse A at the Salt Lake City International Airport

Salt Lake International Airport

A hub for Delta Air Lines, means a convenient flight from all major U.S. cities. Plus, it’s been ranked the most “on time” airport in the U.S. for the past 10…

Trax Light-rail

Once you land, you are a short eight-minute ride to an extremely walkable and safe downtown, or enjoy the light-rail Trax system.

All-Star Value

You know what will make you feel like a million dollars? Treating your participants and families to this experience without making them break the bank. With inflation and other economic concerns, Salt Lake’s value shines through without losing any quality you’d expect out of a top-tier destination. The city is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable places to work and visit. Nothing beats a great experience with a better price!

Sports Salt Lake is ready for all-comers. We thrive on challenging ourselves to top each experience. The big winners are the rights holders and sports planners who will organize events that their participants will remember for years to come. The game’s afoot. Experience the Salt Lake difference.