Salt Lake City Welcomes New Era in Professional Sports
Salt Lake City, a city brimming with scenic beauty and a rich cultural tapestry, is now embracing a new chapter in its sports history with the arrival of its fourth professional sports club. October marked the debut of the Utah Hockey Club, a product of strategic acquisitions and ambitious visions, further cementing the city's status as a burgeoning hub for professional sports.
Ryan Smith's Vision Unfolds
The mastermind behind this transformation, Ryan Smith, has proven to be a relentless force in the sports industry. Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics, has a remarkable knack for turning vision into reality. A notable part of his legacy is purchasing the Utah Jazz for a staggering $1.66 billion in 2020. But his ambitions didn't stop at basketball.
Smith extended his influence into hockey by acquiring the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and relocating them to Salt Lake City. The rebranded Utah Hockey Club is now bringing a fresh thrill to the city's sports enthusiasts. Dwyane Wade, a limited partner of the Utah Jazz, humorously remarked, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," capturing the surprise and excitement surrounding the sport's new home.
Reinvigorating Downtown Salt Lake City
Beyond increasing Salt Lake City's professional sports roster, Smith is actively involved in the redevelopment of downtown. His initiatives aim to energize the city's core, creating a vibrant, interconnected community. This bold venture hasn't been without its challenges, as Smith's redevelopment plans have faced public scrutiny. Nonetheless, his determination seems driven by a desire to foster a flourishing urban environment.
A Stakeholder in Utah's Sporting Future
Smith's involvement in Salt Lake City's sports and community initiatives is deeply intertwined. He and his wife, Ashley, have stakes in Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Utah Royals, demonstrating their commitment across multiple arenas.
When speaking about his endeavors, Smith embodies a spirit of collaboration and ambition. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," noted Ashley Smith, reflecting their joint efforts in redefining Utah’s sports scene.
The ambition to elevate Utah into an Olympic host city culminated in his instrumental role in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to the region, showcasing his vision for international prominence.
Building Stronger Ties with the Community
Smith's connection to Utah extends beyond business. His engagement with Brigham Young University (BYU), co-teaching a business class, reflects personal gratitude and commitment. "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot," Smith shared, illustrating how deeply personal his professional and philanthropic endeavors are.
His influence even extends to recruiting top talent, as seen with A.J. Dybantsa, a highly coveted high school basketball prospect who chose BYU, aided by a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) financial package, surely influenced by Smith's involvement and dedication to student athletes and education.
A Future Teeming with Possibilities
The excitement surrounding these developments is palpable. As Gentry Anderson observed, "It's been surreal to have three sports teams [four professional clubs] here now in Utah owned by someone who will come hang out with the fans." This sentiment reflects Smith’s unique approach to ownership—engaged and community-focused.
As the Utah Hockey Club skates into its season, Salt Lake City stands on the brink of an exhilarating era. The integration of new sports teams, visionary gym in urban spaces, and efforts to nurture local talent all contribute to a brighter future. Ryan Smith's journey from entrepreneur to sports mogul underscores a narrative defined by innovation, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to Utah's place on the global sporting map. With these dynamic additions and Smith's leadership, Salt Lake City's heartbeat grows stronger, poised for continued growth and excitement in the years to come.