In Between Eras: Delta Center’s History As EnergySolutions, Vivint Arena
Jan 14, 2023, 9:09 AM | Updated: 1:07 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – In between stints as the Delta Center, Salt Lake City’s first-class indoor venue underwent multiple changes, including new names and a multimillion-dollar renovation.
After opening in 1991, the venue was named the Delta Center until 2006 when it became EnergySolutions Arena.
It was the second name change for the arena but the first permanent one.
RELATED: Delta Center Name Set To Return In July
Game night at EnergySolutions Arena. #LACatUTA pic.twitter.com/TDgAC5vIQ8
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 30, 2014
During the 2022 Winter Olympics, the Delta Center was temporarily referred to as the Salt Lake Ice Center because of IOC policies.
During the 2002 Winter Olympics #ThisArena turned into the Salt Lake Ice Center, hosting figure skating and short track speed skating events pic.twitter.com/O6IKtV0hUF
— Vivint Arena (@vivintarena) September 21, 2016
Delta Air Lines’ naming rights ended in September 2006 and the company decided not to renew with former Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller.
After Miller’s passing, the court at EnergySolutions Arena was named in his honor.
RELATED: Delta Center Name Recalls Top Utah Sports Memories
"Larry H. Miller Court at Vivint Smart Home Arena" pic.twitter.com/9T52geEwB0
— Vivint Arena (@vivintarena) October 26, 2015
Following the conclusion of EnergySolutions’ decade-long agreement, the venue was renamed Vivint SmartHome Arena in 2015. Although the naming rights were still under the same contract with Vivint, “SmartHome” was dropped from the venue’s title in 2020.
Hundreds pour in for the first concert at Vivint SmartHome Arena since it was renovated! @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/e65Cf5xKK7
— Ashley Moser (@AshleyMoser) September 28, 2017
One of the biggest updates to the arena took place during its time as Vivint SmartHome Arena, a $125 million renovation. Construction began after the 2016-17 NBA season and upgrades were completed a few months later in the fall of 2017.
The arena is home to the NBA’s Jazz but has also hosted IHL hockey, WNBA basketball, and AFL football teams.
During its non-Delta Center days, EnergySolutions Arena was home to the arena football team, the Utah Blaze. The Blaze played at the arena from 2006-08 and again from 2011-13. The Blaze earned four trips to the postseason during their time at the venue.
As for the Jazz, the NBA franchise reached the playoffs nearly every season during the non-Delta Center days. The Jazz made the NBA Playoffs 11 times during the EnergySolutions and Vivint Arena period of the venue’s history. During its first season as EnergySolutions Arena, the venue hosted the Western Conference Finals between the Jazz and San Antonio Spurs.
The Jazz only missed the postseason five times in between Delta Center naming stints.
The arena has hosted some amazing events during its history — from concerts — to the Olympics — to high-profile basketball games.
The name change brings back a flood of memories from the past.
Welcome back, Delta Center.
14 years ago today, my Dad took my brothers and I to @vivintarena to see the @utahjazz unveil @TheDeliverer_32’s statue and watch his jersey go up in the rafters. @kslsports #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/niYYM6SWil
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) March 23, 2020
History of the Arena
The arena was built in 1991 under the title Delta Center. The Jazz moved to the arena after spending the early years of the franchise in the Salt Palace.
Delta retained the naming rights until 2006 when EnergySolutions bid for the title.
The arena was called EnergySolutions Arena from 2006-2015 when Utah-based home security company Vivint Smart Home bought the naming rights. Vivint was set to own the team’s naming rights through 2025.
In December, it was announced NRG Energy, Inc. would purchase Vivint Smart Home it was announced NRG Energy, Inc. would purchase Vivint Smart Home for $12 per share or $2.8 billion in an all-cash transaction.
The Jazz invested $125 million into the arena in 2015 to bring it up to date with competing buildings across the NBA.
$125 million transformation begins @vivintarena to be completed fall 2017 with top-to-bottom upgrades to benefit all guests. #arenarising pic.twitter.com/zkAXe4A5NE
— Utah Jazz Doing Good (@JazzDoingGood) September 21, 2016
The upgrades included extended indoor entrances to keep ticket holders out of the frigid outdoor weather. Every seat in the arena was revamped to more comfortable padded chairs, while in-arena amenities were upgraded, including increased restaurant and team store options.
In October of 2019, the Jazz were awarded the 2023 NBA All-Star Game after the Jazz revealed the upgrades to the Vivint Smart Home Arena.
Vivint Arena shortened the name from Vivint Smart Home Arena in August 2020.
