Utah Mammoth open Sandy Ice Center for public skating and training
utah mammoth celebrated the Grand Opening of their Ice Center in Sandy on Friday, opening the practice facility to the public for open skating, recreation leagues and training clinics for skaters of all ages and ability levels. The move puts team practice ice and beginner programming under one roof and sets an immediate public schedule that includes a first open practice and weekend programming aimed at expanding participation.
Utah Mammoth Ice Center Programming
The Ice Center will offer open skating, recreation leagues and training clinics that organizers say are designed for all ages and ability levels. During opening weekend the schedule includes drop-in hockey games and classes targeted at women skaters. The team will hold its first open practice on Saturday morning at 11: 30 a. m. ET; the first 300 fans in line will be allowed to watch the team skate.
Statewide youth interest is rising
Ever since the NHL moved to Utah, community interest in the sport has intensified and the utah mammoth's presence has been credited with encouraging more families to sign kids up for hockey. Local youth players described first-time skating experiences and said the arrival of the team helped push them toward organized play. One small street hockey group that began with two families has expanded to include several families, demonstrating rapid grassroots growth.
Youth coaches are seeing practical effects
Coaches say the increase is measurable in roster sizes and logistics. Paul Schultz, a youth coach, noted that team numbers are growing and practices are being scheduled across shared ice time; players are now coming from places such as Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain and Spanish Fork to participate. Having professional hockey in the same city has given young players a clearer sense of what they can aspire to and has increased local enthusiasm for organized programming.
Public access and next steps
The opening weekend is positioned as an outreach effort to expose new audiences to skating and hockey through accessible drop-in options and skill clinics. Organizers posted a programming line-up and open skate hours for the Ice Center. If weekend demand is high and participation continues to rise, the Ice Center may broaden its public offerings and expand scheduled clinics and leagues to meet interest.
Key takeaways: The Ice Center is open to the public for skating, leagues and clinics; a targeted opening weekend includes drop-in games and women's classes; the first open practice is Saturday at 11: 30 a. m. ET with the first 300 fans in line allowed to watch; youth registrations and regional participation are already increasing.
