Jazz Looking To Extend The Life Of EnergySolutions Arena

Jazz Say Aging Arena Has "Not Outlived Its Usefulness;" No Plans To Move, Sell Team

Jazz President Randy Rigby indicated that the team's EnergySolutions Arena, the ninth-oldest in the NBA, "has not outlived its usefulness," and the team has "already had experts study EnergySolutions Arena and make suggestions for making it more profitable," according to Steve Luhm of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. Rigby: "We are in an older building, there's no question about that. But the positive thing is, we have the structure and design in place that gives us a lot of opportunities to make modifications and extend the life of this building -- easily -- for another 15 years." Larry H. Miller Group of Companies CEO Greg Miller, whose company owns the Jazz, said, "The bottom line is we have a lot of things that people with other arenas wish they had. They are looking to retro-fit their buildings but they're looking at tens of millions of dollars to do what we can do for much less (money)." Luhm noted at some point in the "not-too-distant future, EnergySolutions Arena's premium seating areas will likely be expanded," as will "concession and retail space." Rigby: "Most teams are finding the premium (seating) experience is what a lot of fans and corporations are looking for -- closer touches with the players and more intimate touches. That's where we see the revenue growth coming from -- those type of areas." Miller "does not envision a scenario where the condition of EnergySolutions Arena would force the sale of the Jazz to an owner who would move them." Miller: "Our family is from Utah. My parents were both born and raised here. I was born here. This is home. ... As long as it makes any sense at all, we'll be here" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 11/1).