Not messing around: Smith's NHL campus underway with purchase of Sandy mall

The Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) is following through on its announced plans to build a permanent state-of-the-art practice and training facility for its new Utah Hockey Club on the site of The Shops at South Town in Sandy. The company has closed on the purchase of the entire 111-acre site and has announced a ceremonial groundbreaking event on the property on Aug. 12.

Woodley Real Estate supported SEG with the purchase from the mall’s previous owner, Pacific Retail Capital Partners of Los Angeles. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The practice facility will be built at the southeast end of The Shops at South Town and will include a minimum of two National Hockey League-standard regulation ice surfaces and the team’s offices, SEG said in a release. The group said it will also make the facility available for community purposes outside of theNHL club’s use, such as youth and amateur hockey and recreation.

SEG said the commercial establishments at the mall will remain open.

“Today is a crucial step forward in expanding SEG’s real estate footprint and public benefit offerings for our fans and residents of Utah,” said Jim Olson, an executive with SEG and project lead for The Shops at South Town. “We are thankful for our collaboration with the city of Sandy on this project, and we look forward to sharing more details throughout the development process.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Smith Entertainment Group and Utah Hockey Club to Sandy City,” said Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski. “This is an exciting step forward for professional sports in Utah and brings new opportunity to hockey fans and families along with great economic support for our growing downtown Cairns district.”

SEG’s purchase includes the retail mall, the surrounding parking lot and some adjacent retailers, restaurants and hospitality buildings within a footprint that is contained between 1-15, 10000 South, State Street and 10600 South.

“This transaction was a win for all parties involved,” said Steve Plenge, CEO of Pacific Retail Capital Partners. “By strategically repositioning The Shops at South Town and preparing it for its next phase, we’ve not only secured a successful exit for our investors but also laid the groundwork for a transformative project that will benefit the Sandy and Greater Salt Lake City communities while supporting Utah’s exciting entry into the NHL.”