SALT LAKE CITY — Ryan Smith sat on the dais next to the Utah State Senate President and appeared to chuckle at jokes about his wearing a suit and tie.
The tech mogul and Utah Jazz owner was here for the vote on a resolution supporting a National Hockey League team in the state. Senate Joint Resolution 12 passed unanimously. It now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
"Resolutions like these do a great job of telling the people that Utah’s open for business, and that we’re available for talks, for conversations, for things that bring economic progress for the state," said Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, the sponsor of SJR12.
The resolution expresses the state's support for an NHL team. It passed on the same day Governor Spencer Cox, Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz met with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
"Utah has the foundation of being the next major sports and entertainment destination in the United States. With the fastest growing economy, youngest population in the country and a long history as a premier winter sports destination, Utah is excited about the prospect of being the new home to an NHL franchise," they said in a joint statement to FOX 13 News.
On Utah's Capitol Hill, political leaders are very supportive of both an NHL and MLB team moving into the state.
"I want hockey, I want baseball, and I even like, we’re seeing a Super Bowl game. Maybe one day we’ll have football," said Sen. Adams, R-Layton.
The support is bipartisan.
"It's just perfect," said Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City. "The more the merrier."
"Utah is the state of sport. You’ve heard that before, haven’t you? We’ve got Olympics coming. No other state has an effort like we have," Sen. Adams added.
However, the House Speaker and the governor have said they would not support taxpayer funds being used to build a stadium or arena.
