A bill that would allow Salt Lake City to raise the sales tax to create a downtown sports and entertainment zone, " including a potential NHL hockey arena ," passed the Senate late yesterday. The city could raise its current 7.75% sales tax rate one-half of a percent in the project area "for no more than 30 years." The bill also "allows the local government to designate the area" and "requires a team to pay back any tax money it receives if it leaves before that time." In addition to a hockey venue, the project area "could include a reimagined basketball arena or one for both sports." The bill allows for bonding for up to $900M "for building or remodeling an arena." Earlier yesterday, Jazz owner Ryan Smith posted on X a rendering of a "bustling, but unidentified downtown street with a brand new sports arena sporting a Jazz logo" ( DESERET NEWS, 2/27 ).
Utah Senate passes tax hike to fund new SLC arena
