Number 41
Smith Entertainment Group Donates $10M for Utah Hockey Rinks
Featured Focus:
Direct Financial Support, Community Programs, Local Economic Development
Scope of Impact: Statewide
Utah Hockey Club owner Ryan Smith, and the Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), are investing $10M to build hockey rinks across Utah to boost access to ice sports (can’t leave out speed skating, figure skating and curling!) for all. Here’s what you should know:
Leveling the Ice: SEG's significant financial contribution directly tackles the critical shortage of ice facilities in Utah, promising to unlock opportunities for aspiring hockey players and recreational skaters across the state.
Community Hubs: These new rinks will serve as vital hubs for community engagement, offering a cool place for people of all ages to connect, stay active, and build lasting bonds. Expect to see local leagues flourish, new friendships to be forged on the ice, and a stronger sense of community spirit emerge in towns and cities across Utah.
A Vision for the Future: This strategic investment by SEG demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to the long-term growth of hockey in Utah, ensuring that the excitement surrounding Utah Hockey Club, the new NHL team just finishing-up its first year, translates into a lasting legacy for the sport at the grassroots level.
OK, OK. We might have buried the lead on this one. Other than the investment and the impact SEG's $10M rink donation will have on the state of Utah, we absolutely love how this story came about.
A local dad tagged Ryan Smith in a tweet after he was unable to find a rink where his kid could skate one night. Smith responded to the tweet to say that an announcement would be made soon… and voilà! Skating for all.
A native of Utah, Smith is now the owner of the Utah Jazz (NBA), the Utah Hockey Club (NHL), the Real Salt Lake (MLS), Utah Royals (NWSL), Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League), Utah Jazz Gaming (NBA 2K League), and Real Monarchs (MLS NEXT Pro). He also owns key sports infrastructures throughout the state and has been giving back to the community through SEG and his franchises on a regular basis. He’s the original definition of an influencer, way before it was a thing.
In this case, the $10M investment is a WIN for everyone in Utah who’ll get more access to ice time, and also a WIN for SEG and the Utah Hockey Club to build a loyal fan base and hockey culture through community impact.
YOUR NEXT PLAY:
We often talk about the power of sports and power of partnerships. This story also highlights the power of social media and community management.
SEG and Ryan Smith were probably already planning for this type of investment, but thanks to their quick thinking, they were able to seize the moment via a tweet and turn this project into a PR/Brand win. It’s a good reminder to always be listening to, and engaging with, your community online, as their comments or ideas might spark something incredible that you hadn’t even expected.
The homegrown tech mogul behind Utah's sports expansion loves being in the thick of it.
A map of 12 ice rinks in northern Utah…and the reason why more facilities will be a welcome addition in all parts of the state.
A video report from SportsEngine and USA Hockey on the expansion of the sport, including youth initiatives and the PWHL.
A KSL Sportszone segment on why they’re predicting a bright future for hockey in the Beehive State (we didn’t know that was Utah’s nickname until now, either) Utah Hockey Club future is bright
Another example of SEG’s local commitment: Utah Jazz & SEG Foundation Offer Second Chances through Expungement Summit
