SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 24, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake City will host the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, the Utah Jazz and NBA announced Wednesday.
“Along with a rich basketball tradition, Salt Lake City has proven to be a world-class destination for large-scale events and sports competitions,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “I want to thank the Miller Family and the Utah Jazz organization for their commitment to hosting our All-Star festivities and to developing a program that will leave a lasting impact on the community.”
Silver was joined by Larry H. Miller owner and chairman Gail Miller, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and LHM CEO Steve Starks at Vivint Smart Home Arena for the announcement.
“The return of the NBA All-Star Game to Salt Lake City is a tremendous honor and an opportunity for us to welcome back the NBA family for one of basketball’s biggest events,” said Miller. “The memory of John Stockton and Karl Malone sharing MVP honors 30 years ago remains strong. We are excited to create new memories for this generation of NBA fans in a place that loves to celebrate basketball.”
The 72nd NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023 — 30 years after Salt Lake City played host to the 1993 All-Star Game. Jazz president Jim Olson said the organization is thrilled to showcase the league’s top talents, as well as all of the changes Salt Lake and Utah have undergone over the last three decades.
“That’s what we’re most excited about,” he said. “I think visitors that haven’t been to Salt Lake are going to find this is a much different city. The growth downtown, Silicon Slopes, it’s a different place, and we think there’s going to be a lot for people to see.”
Jazz officials formally submitted their bid to host the game in February of 2018, following the completion of a $125-million renovation of the arena.
“When we were in the middle of the renovation, you started realizing that one of the great opportunities would be to have an All-Star Game here,” Jazz president Jim Olson said. “We knew it would be a great showcase.”
Since then, Jazz leaders have been in close contact with the NBA, preparing for Wednesday’s announcement. All-Star Weekend events will tipoff Friday, Feb. 17 at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game itself is set for Sunday, Feb. 19. Fan events will take place at the Jazz’s downtown arena, the Salt Palace Convention Center, and the Huntsman Center on the University of Utah campus.
“We are excited to bring NBA All-Star 2023 to Salt Lake City and Utah,” said Starks. “We have civic and community partners who are engaged and committed to making our celebration very special. Vivint Smart Home Arena is an ideal host venue after our recent $125-million renovation, which focused on enhancing the guest experience. With the close proximity of the Salt Palace Convention Center and Huntsman Center as facilities, NBA fans will enjoy a dynamic downtown atmosphere.”
Herbert estimated the economic impact of the event would be between $45 million and $50 million.
The announcement was made just hours before the first game of the Utah Jazz’ 2019/20 season, which they won against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The final score was 100-95.
