Even as players on the Utah Mammoth began to reconvene back in Utah after the break for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the public got its first up and close and personal look at the team’s new practice facility in Sandy.

The Utah Mammoth Ice Center, as it will be called, was built connected to the South Towne Mall. It held a grand opening Run of Show on Feb. 20-22 that showcased the new facility that began construction in September 2024 on the south side of the mall, the area that once housed a Macy’s department store and several other smaller retail stores. The Smith Entertainment Group purchased the mall and began construction of the facility that includes two ice rinks, locker room, weight room, medical facility and other amenities. SEG also has plans to build an adjacent facility that will be the practice site for the Utah Jazz, also owned by Smith Entertainment Group.

“Our hope is that this will be a gathering place for hockey, figure skating and future Mammoth players as well,” said Chris Armstrong, president of hockey operations for the Mammoth. “We hope that at its core, this building will be a place where people can just drop by and enjoy being on the ice, or watch a game of hockey. We hope that this will be a place, on a daily basis, where the community can come together to enjoy positivity, and laughter and celebration. If we can do that, then our mission has been accomplished.”

Activities over the three-day opening included public skating, adult and youth hockey clinics, sled practice, an alumni game between the University of Utah and BYU, and Utah Amateur Hockey League games. The Mammoth players also had a brief open-to-the-public practice session as the weekend drew to a close.

Kids were particularly entertained when Tusky, the team’s mascot, conducted a puck drop with you on Feb. 20 on the north rink. Later that day, the Utah High School Girls Hockey League held a jamboree on the ice. The public was also treated to free Mammoth water bottles, and many visited Tusky’s Corner which offered quick snacks and meals, including sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, pretzel bites, coffee, hot chocolate and fountain drinks.

The center will be open for public skating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for 90-minute sessions, depending on availability. Cost is $12 per session, plus $3 for skate rental, and registration is required at www.mammothicecenter.com/public-skate. There will also be a Learn to Skate program on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings starting March 16. It’s a seven- week program.

 The Mammoth Ice Center is located at 10450 S. State St. in Sandy.