Two entertainment powerhouses, Live Nation Entertainment and Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), have joined forces to develop a 6,000-seat indoor music venue in downtown Salt Lake City, signaling a major expansion of Utah’s live entertainment landscape.
The project is part of SEG’s broader vision for an entertainment district that will enhance downtown connectivity, with construction set to begin after demolition of existing structures starts in early 2027 on a 6.5-acre site strategically located between the Delta Center and Salt Palace Convention Center.
Salt Lake County recently approved the sale of this valuable parcel for $55.4 million to SEG, which already owns local sports franchises including the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth.
The $55.4 million land acquisition bolsters SEG’s growing entertainment portfolio alongside their Utah Jazz and Mammoth franchises.
This new venue fills a critical gap in the market, targeting musical acts that have outgrown smaller clubs but don’t yet command arena-sized audiences. The facility is expected to host approximately 200 events annually, with 80-100 concerts forming the core programming alongside corporate functions and community gatherings.
Live Nation’s involvement represents part of a national expansion strategy that includes 40 similar projects across the country. The partnership was announced in August 2025 during a press conference where Ryan Smith emphasized its importance to the development. Unlike many of their developments, however, the Salt Lake City venue stands out as a dedicated music facility rather than a mixed-use property.
Similar successful venues include Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park, with others planned for Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Atlanta as the entertainment giant pushes into emerging markets.
The economic implications extend beyond ticket sales, as the project aims to create significant employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases while energizing downtown Salt Lake City.
By improving connectivity between the east and west sides of downtown, the development promises to generate consistent entertainment-driven economic activity throughout the year. The initiative reflects SEG CEO Ryan Smith’s commitment to attracting influential brands to invest in the state.
The purpose-built design will prioritize acoustic excellence and fan experience, creating an intimate yet substantial venue that can accommodate diverse programming.
This strategic positioning preserves market segmentation with the larger Delta Center, which will continue hosting events requiring up to 19,000 seats.
For performers, this venue presents an ideal opportunity to tap into sync licensing deals while building their audience through strategic live performances in an emerging market.
Artists performing at the new venue will benefit from promotional opportunities including editorial playlist submissions that can significantly boost their streaming numbers and visibility beyond live shows.
