The Utah Mammoth officially opened the Utah Mammoth Ice Center in Sandy, Utah, with a series of public activities from February 20 to 22, 2024. The highlight included the team’s first open practice on February 21, allowing fans and community members to experience NHL-standard ice facilities firsthand and engage with the sport of hockey. The center aims to foster local interest in hockey by providing diverse skating and hockey programs available to all ages beginning February 23.
Comprehensive Skate and Hockey Programs for All Ages
The ice center offers a variety of activities designed to serve the entire community, emphasizing player development and recreational enjoyment. These include foundational skating and hockey training, public skate sessions, youth hockey pathways, and adult league opportunities. Recreation and skill development are central goals, supported by certified instructors and programming tailored to different skill levels and age groups.
Accessible Skating Opportunities and Instruction
Public recreational skating sessions are open from Friday through Sunday, costing $12 per session, and provide a welcoming environment for skaters of all abilities. The facility also features on-site skate rentals and skate-assist devices for beginners. Starting March 16, the Learn to Skate program will run for seven weeks, offering instruction on balance, stopping, and other fundamental techniques three times a week. In addition to structured lessons, freestyle skating and stick-and-puck sessions are available for independent practice.
Youth Hockey Development to Support the Next Generation
The Utah Mammoth Ice Center will host specialized youth programs that include Learn to Play classes, Rookie Leagues, skill clinics, and seasonal camps. These programs focus on developing skills, teamwork, and game awareness. Specific options for girls and women are also incorporated to promote inclusivity within hockey. Partnerships with the NHL and NHLPA contribute to supporting families as they introduce young athletes to the sport, aiming to nurture future generations of hockey talent.
Adult Leagues and Recreational Hockey Opportunities
For adult players, the center offers a 16-week recreational league featuring structured weekly games from Sunday to Thursday evenings. Players aged 18 and older can join individually or as teams, with opportunities for skill growth and competitive play within a supportive environment. Registration options accommodate both new players and existing teams seeking league participation.
Additional Amenities and Community Engagement
The facility enhances the visitor experience with public locker rooms and convenient skate rental services priced at $3 for skates and $5 for skate-assist aids. Food and beverage concessions, operated under the name ‘Tusky’s Cooler,’ provide a rotating menu including sandwiches, hot dogs, coffee, and snacks, ideal for families and guests during events or recreational sessions.
Multi-Purpose Spaces for Social and Group Events
Beyond on-ice activities, the Utah Mammoth Ice Center offers rental options for various community uses such as birthday parties, team meetings, and private gatherings. These versatile spaces are designed to support group functions and extend the facility’s appeal as a community hub for both sport and social events.
Fan Access to Team Practices and Future Events
Starting February 21, up to 300 fans will be able to attend select Utah Mammoth practices by reservation, which are made available on a first-come, first-served basis 24 hours before each session. Attendees must sign a waiver, and updates about open practice opportunities are shared via the ice center’s social media handles. These events aim to strengthen connections between the team and its supporters in the community.
Building a Lasting Legacy for Hockey in Utah
Chris Barney, president of revenue and commercial strategy at Smith Entertainment Group, emphasized the center’s dual purpose.
“This facility was built to be a resource for the community as much as it is for our team,”
Barney said.
“In addition to bringing two new NHL-standard regulation ice rinks into Utah’s hockey landscape, this is a place where fans can engage with the team and the community can learn the game of hockey, grow their skills, and form connections that extend beyond the rink. This is an investment in the future of hockey in Utah, and we’re extremely excited to give the next generation a place to fall in love with the game.”
The Utah Mammoth Ice Center’s strategic introduction of broad programming alongside community-accessible facilities underscores a determined effort to grow hockey’s presence in the region. By blending sporting excellence with community focus, the center positions itself as a catalyst for increased participation and fan engagement, promising to influence Utah hockey culture for years to come.
