Utah Sports Commission celebrates a quarter century of impact
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah | January 14, 2025 — For 25 years, the Utah Sports Commission has been a driving force behind making Utah a global hub for sports, generating nearly $4 billion in economic impact for the state. Today, it launches a year-long celebration honoring the achievements, partnerships, and legacy that have positioned Utah as The State of Sport.
To mark this historic anniversary, the Sports Commission will debut a commemorative logo, throwback video, and other engaging content to highlight key moments that have shaped a quarter-century of The State of Sport.
“Reaching 25 years is an incredible milestone, and we’re thrilled to honor the journey that has made Utah a global hub for sports,” said Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. “This is a time to reflect on our past achievements and express gratitude to those who have supported us along the way.”
Utah has proudly welcomed the world to The State of Sport on countless occasions, while its reputation as a year-round sports destination steadily grew. The Utah Sports Commission has partnered on over 1,100 sports events statewide and is expected to reach an estimated $4 billion in economic impact by mid-2025.
“Since its inception under Governor Michael Leavitt in 2000, the Utah Sports Commission has provided a guiding light in building sport to become a vital element of our Utah economy and lifestyle,” said Governor Spencer J. Cox. “Utah is an ideal backdrop for sport and entertainment, from our professional teams to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
In its quarter-century of impact, Utah has:
- Hosted world championship-level winter competitions, including the 2004 Moscow-Utah Youth Games, the 2005 FIL World Luge Championships, and the 2019 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships
- Emerged as a leader in action and motorsports, attracting major events such as Supercross, Red Bull Rampage, Vans Park Series, Nitro World Games, and the Dew Tour
- Pioneered the return to sport during the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing events in a bubble environment
- Established itself as a global destination for endurance sports, hosting three IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in just 18 months
- Entered the sports and entertainment market with landmark events like the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend and UFC Pay-Per-View
Building on these accomplishments, the Sports Commission’s decades-long efforts to utilize 2002 venues and foster strategic partnerships were pivotal in securing Salt Lake City-Utah’s successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Games, further solidifying Utah’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy.
This thriving sports culture attracted three additional National Governing Bodies and five major professional teams to the state. Utah’s rich history of hosting high-profile events, coupled with a passionate fan base, helped bring Real Salt Lake (2004), US Speedskating (2006), Utah Warriors (2017), Utah Royals (2017; reestablished in 2023), USA Climbing (2018), U.S. Biathlon (2023), Utah Archers (2023), and the Utah Hockey Club (2024) to The State of Sport.