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Vivint Smart Home Arena ready to reopen after $125 million renovation

Posted at 1:57 PM, Sep 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-26 20:34:22-04

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Gail Miller, owner of the Utah Jazz, said opening the newly renovated Vivint Smart Home Arena made her feel like she did when she and her husband Larry H. Miller opened the Delta Center 25 years ago.

"I'm a little nervous, and yet I'm confident that you will be impressed about the amazing work that has happened here. It's the same old building, but it's a new building and it has a new spirit, and it welcomes you," Miller said.

After speaking to a crowd of fans, members of Miller's large family of children and grandchildren unveiled a giant sculpture of the giant musical note that serves as the Jazz logo.

Fans then walked inside the newly-renovated entrance, with a 12,000 square-foot atrium opening straight into the arena itself. Along the exterior hall, new restaurants include Utah-based chains like Cubby's, Maxwell's Pizza and Cheese Steak, Cup-Bop and R&R BBQ.

"You can see the game from anywhere you go; from any restaurant you go to. It'll just be great to see from anywhere," said season ticket holder Tonya McAllister.

The entryways to the arena itself are far more open, and fans will immediately notice the trademark light green seats are gone, replaced with padded purple seats.

The Jazz will host preseason games in their newly-renovated home starting in early October. The first public event is a Faith Hill and Tim McGraw concert on Wednesday night.