SANDY — The Utah Jazz are on the move, at least when it comes to their practice facility. Smith Entertainment Group recently announced plans for an innovative new training center to be built on the east side of The Shops at South Town in Sandy, signaling a significant upgrade for the team.
The new facility will neighbor the recently opened practice center for the Utah Mammoth, contributing to a burgeoning sports campus that also includes SEG’s corporate offices. This expansion reflects the Jazz’s ambition to create a dynamic hub for athletic development in what has been dubbed “Silicon Slopes.”
Ryan Smith, the owner of the Jazz, expressed excitement during the groundbreaking ceremony, noting the potential for collaboration between athletes from different sports. He remarked on the moment he witnessed Jazz guard Keyonte George mingling with Mammoth defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, highlighting the new facility’s design intention of fostering cross-team interactions.
Jazz president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, elaborated on this vision, stating plans for a communal space where players from both teams can come together. “We want to create an environment where the hockey players and basketball players can interact,” Ainge said. This gathering area will complement the individual training spaces allocated for each team, which will include their own weight rooms, training facilities, and kitchens.
The new Jazz complex will boast two basketball courts, a team locker room, dedicated workout areas, and a performance kitchen, all designed to support player development and team cohesion. With aspirations high, Smith emphasized that the Jazz’s new center aims to rival elite sports facilities around the globe, drawing a comparison to the renowned Real Madrid training grounds.
While the current Jazz practice facility at the Zions Bank Basketball Campus has undergone extensive renovations, the Sandy location promises to deliver even more space and improved amenities. Ainge remarked, “Our facility is pretty nice as it is — I think this will be a whole other level.” The new space will allow for larger weight rooms and enhanced training equipment, positioning it as one of the premier practice facilities in professional sports.
As for the timeline, the Jazz anticipate that the project will be completed within the next two years, although it’s unlikely to be ready in time for the start of the 2026-27 season. Smith is optimistic about the timeline, stating, “We’ll be moving as fast as we can.”
This exciting development marks a significant milestone for the Utah Jazz, promising not only improved facilities but also a united environment for athletes to thrive together, fostering a sense of community and collaboration in Utah’s sports landscape.