The Larry H. Miller Group yesterday officially christened the renovated Vivint Smart Home Arena with the unveiling of the J-Note statue, which the Jazz owners "regard as a future iconic spot in front of the upgraded, modern facility," according to Kyle Goon of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. Jazz Owner & Chair Gail Miller said, "We wanted to ensure that both (the Jazz and the arena) would survive for many, many generations. This is a new beginning and we’re proud to say that we’ve accomplished that purpose. The Jazz and the building cannot be separated: They’re here to stay." The statue "stands roughly 100 feet in front of the most striking new feature: an atrium that houses the new box office, team store and will soon host automated ticketing entrances to a more open arena bowl." While the arena seating capacity will "shrink to between 18,150 and 18,300 (down from 19,911), those seats have gone from hard plastic green to an upholstered, cushioned blue." Concrete also has been "cleared away from some concourse areas and sixth-floor areas to create more open social spaces" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 9/27). In Utah, Jody Genessy writes Vivint Smart Home Arena had one "heck of a busy summer." Miller said, "It’s the same old building, but it has a new spirit, and it welcomes you." Country singers Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will re-open the arena tonight with a performance (DESERET NEWS, 9/27).
