EnergySolutions Arena, All That Jazz

Official Review by David Mortimer, Stadium Journey Correspondent

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My pilgrimage to EnergySolutions Arena has been an annual event for as long as I can remember. Those joining me have changed (from my dad and brother to my roommates and now my wife), as has the name of the building (formerly the Delta Center), but the arena itself has essentially remained the same.

The 2010 edition of my ESA trip took place Mar. 6, when the Jazz took on the Chris Paul-less Hornets. My wife and I sat near the top of the upper bowl with tickets we bought on eBay for $18 apiece (Face Value: $17).

Food & Beverage   4/5

“Fast Break”, the most common station, offers all the classics, along with several interesting drink options: Hot Dogs ($3.25-$4.00), Polish ($5.75), Popcorn ($4.75-$6.00), Nachos ($4.75), Churros ($3.50), Soft Pretzel ($3.50), Candy ($3.50), Coke products ($3.25-$3.75), Energy Drink ($4.50), Powerade ($3.50), Bottled Water ($3.25), and Smart Water/Vitamin Water ($4.00).

“Grill Works” provides the “expanded basic” form of arena food with hot burgers and sandwiches, with fries on the side, if desired. Burgers, cheesesteak, hot pastrami, and pastrami burger range from $5.75-$7.25. Garlic fries and cheese fries go for $4.00.

Papa John’s provides personal pizzas for $6.50 at their own stations.

Perhaps the most unique meal option was an independent kiosk offering carved roast beef or ham sandwiches for $6.75.

The following sweet treats are served at their own kiosks scattered along the concourse: Cotton Candy/Kettle Corn ($5), Sno Cone ($3.50, $4.50, $5.50), Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream ($4.00, $6.00. and $8.00).

The longest lines in the place belong to Russell’s Ice Cream, a popular local brand. Kiddie cones go for $3.25, while an adult waffle cone or cup goes for $5.75. The most popular flavor is Starlight Mint.

Beer is sold only in draft form at beer kiosks throughout the concourse, with a two-beer limit per person per game. Also, keep in mind that Utah’s liquor laws are among the strictest in the nation: ABV must be 4 percent or lower. –Domestic (Mostly Bud/Bud Light): $6.75 -Micro: $7.25

Atmosphere   4/5

The Jazz’s Hall-of-Fame mascot, Bear, ventured to the upper bowl to spray silly string and the like. The in-game promotions, such as the ball toss and the parachute drop, also made sure to include those around us in the nosebleed seats. The Jazz want to let fans know that each one is valued, no matter where they sit.

You would think a building that’s only 20 years old wouldn’t have a bevy of historical significance, but ESA has had its share of memorable moments, including Michael Jordan’s should-have-been last shot in the ’98 Finals, and the 2002 Winter Olympics pairs figure skating controversy.

Neighborhood   3/5

When it boils right down to it, Salt Lake City is simply not known as a hopping nighttime hot spot. Remember, the strict liquor laws are unlike any other state, so plan accordingly.

Your best pre and postgame options are two shopping centers:

The Gateway, an open-air shopping center, is directly across the street from ESA. It opened in 2001, just in time for the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is home to over 100 stores and restaurants, including an Apple store, Barnes & Noble and Ben & Jerry’s.

One particular restaurant in the Gateway stands out: Tucanos, a Brazilian steakhouse (162 South 400 West Phone: (801) 456-2550)

The most popular item is the Churrasco ($19.95-Adult, $7.95-Child during dinner hours), an all-you-can-eat festival of different meats grilled fresh and brought to your table until you tell them to stop. The best part may actually be the grilled pineapple, sliced fresh in front of you.

The non-alcoholic drink of choice is Brazilian Lemonade. Your standard beer selection is available, as are a boatload of specialty cocktails. The feature cocktail is the Caipirinha, Brazil’s “national party drink”.

Trolley Square is located 2.5 miles southeast of ESA, and is also a shopper’s delight, with stores such as Brookstone and Pottery Barn. It’s also home to a handful of restaurants, including Old Spaghetti Factory.

Right next to Trolley Square is Litza’s Pizza (716 E. 400 S.), offering pizzas from 8-inch personals (starting at $4.95) to 16-inch larges ($14-22). They offer a lot of unique combinations, but try to find one where you get the seasoned ground beef. It really takes the pie to another level. Also make sure you save room for the soft garlic bread.

No beer here; the edgiest beverages Litza’s serves are iced tea and coffee.

Fans   5/5

Jazz fans are among the loudest and most passionate in the NBA, and it was no different during our game. The Hornets’ David West was soundly booed when he whacked Kyle Korver upside the head, earning a Flagrant-2 foul and an ejection, which the fans fully expected.

One of the funniest yet telling moments of the game came when Jazz star Deron Williams was fouled on a layup and landed in a front-row seat. Almost immediately, D-Will put his arms around the fans on either side of him as the crowd cheered. The bond between fans and players is strong.

Access   4/5

We were able to park about four blocks away from the building for $5. The most expensive lot we saw was directly across the street from ESA for $15.

The bathrooms, especially in the upper bowl, are roomy enough to make lines short and intra-bathroom travel smooth. ESA prides itself as a very clean facility, and the bathrooms certainly reflect that.

Return on Investment   4/5

The game itself was a snoozer, but my wife and I still had a good time. We were pleased with our parking spot, and we could see really well from our seats (as you can tell in the photo). I wish the tickets could have been a bit less expensive, along with the food, but it won’t bankrupt us if we go once or twice a year.

Extras   3/5

One point for cleanliness-You will not find a cleaner facility in the NBA, largely because the event staffers are quick to respond to any spill. Speaking of event staff…

One point for the army of security and event staff-You are never far away from someone who can help you, whether you’re in your seat or walking around the concourse.

Finally, one point for those excellent sight lines-ESA was really ahead of its time when it opened in ’91 in terms of the visual experience for fans. There are literally no bad seats in this house.

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