As the Larry H. Miller Group plans for a $100M renovation to the Jazz' Vivint Smart Home Arena, officials "expect the investment to be well worth the cost," as an economic impact analysis found the project "would mean an estimated economic benefit" of $173M to the local economy, according to Aaron Falk of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. Over the expected 25-year life of the arena, Miller Sport & Entertainment "will invest an additional" $2.8B in arena operations resulting in $4.3B "returned to the Utah economy in the form of salaries and wages paid; services, supplies and materials purchased, and taxes paid." Jazz officials "have not publicly said how the project will be financed." However, it is "expected that the Miller family will contribute the vast majority of the money." Falk noted the Jazz "have been working" with Colorado-based Icon Venue Group, and L.A.-based SCI Architects "will also be a part of the Jazz's renovation efforts." LHM President Steve Starks: "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." Vivint Smart Home Arena President & Exec VP Jim Olson added, "We will be addressing issues everywhere. Everything from fan engagement, how they get through the arena, food, technology issues with video and wifi, to security" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 5/31).
