Utah is actively seeking to become a home for major league sports teams, with recent developments indicating a push for both Major League Baseball and National Hockey League franchises. State lawmakers have given a boost to efforts to attract an MLB team, recognizing the competition among Western cities for an expansion franchise. Concurrently, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged Utah's 'aggressive' bid for an NHL team, although he noted that the league is not currently in an expansion mode. Interest in NHL expansion includes several cities, but Salt Lake City's bid has been characterized as the most assertive. In related news, a proposal to amend the Utah Constitution to allow a state-run lottery has been submitted by Representative Kera Birkeland, with Speaker Mike Schultz commenting that it would save him trips to Evanston for lottery tickets. However, legislative leaders suggest the proposal's chances of passing are slim. Additionally, Jeff Robbins from The @StateofSport Commission has requested $4 million in funding from the state to support Utah in hosting national and international sporting events.
Rep. Kera Birkeland introduced a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize the lottery in Utah. But Senate and House leaders say the odds of it passing are not high. Link: https://t.co/4ybM8MEhv2
Today Jeff Robbins from The @StateofSport Commission asking for 4 million dollars in funding from the state in a committee meeting at the Utah State Capitol… Money will propel Utah forward in bringing in and hosting national and international sporting events… https://t.co/h31ksG7MCn
JUST IN: Utah Representative Kera Birkeland has submitted a proposal to amend the Utah Constitution to allow a state-run lottery. https://t.co/4OS5Q4gVdS
The NHL commissioner just called Utah’s bid for a team ‘aggressive.’ Here’s what else he said Story from @kelsey_dallas https://t.co/3UKIdMBbtm
Bettman mentions expansion talks with representatives from Cincinnati. Bill Daly characterized them as “early.” Clearly Salt Lake City has been the most aggressive candidate for an expansion team but Bettman said the NHL is not currently in an expansion mode.
Gary Bettman is asked question about Utah and discussions there (in relation to possible expansion there). Says no formal expansion plans. Utah interest been most aggressive. But also have interest from Cincinnati, Houston, Atlanta, Kansas City, Omaha.
Gary Bettman says there's no active pursuit of expansion, but beyond Utah, the league has received at least preliminary interest from Utah, Houston, Atlanta, Cincinnati (!) and Omaha (!!).
Bettman said Salt Lake City potential owner and the city have expressed “enthusiasm” about getting an NHL expansion team.
Speaker Mike Schultz says with smile if Utah gets #lottery, it will save him “trips to Evanston” to buy lottery tickets. Lottery bill expected. @KUTV2News https://t.co/YuihQWSN1q
Speaker Mike Schultz says with a smile if Utah has a #lottery, it will “save him trips to Evanston” to get tickets. Bill for lottery expected. @KUTV2News https://t.co/ZwYULAGuyN
Utah's play to snag a Major League Baseball team received a boost from state lawmakers as the race to attract the league heats up, especially among Western cities jockeying for an expansion franchise. Link: https://t.co/NhZWoDzhtl