The Larry H. Miller Group, which owns the Jazz, "is planning a major renovation" of Vivint Smart Home Arena that is expected to cost more than $100M, according to a front-page piece by Jones & Falk of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. LHM President Steve Starks said, "We feel like we're going to do something in a significant way to make the building feel new again, and return it to first-class status within the NBA." The arena is "one of the oldest in use in the league, but team officials have long said the building had 'good bones' structurally and they hoped to find ways to extend its life." Starks "declined to discuss many specifics, including the project's price tag and timeline for completion." Jones & Falk report no plans or drawings "have been completed, but LHM officials are close to making a formal announcement about the undertaking." The Jazz "have been working with" Colorado-based Icon Venue Group on the project, and Murray Beynon of SCI Architects "is expected to be at the head of the project." It is "anticipated that the Jazz will pay for most of it, though there could also be a public component." The arena's renovation "is not expected to impede the Jazz from playing home games." A source said that the project "will be phased, with most of the work occurring during offseasons, like the MSG rebuild." Jazz officials "have been looking for ways to increase premium seating, upgrade and expand concession and merchandising, improve traffic flow for fans inside and reduce the building's environmental footprint" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 5/20).
