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Lawmakers Approve $10 Million To Build Stadium At Utah State Fairpark

Esther Raty / KUER

Funding for a makeover of the Utah Fair Park was approved this week during a special session of the state legislature. 

Utah lawmakers voted Wednesday to allocate 10 million dollars to finance construction of a new stadium on the property located on North Temple in Salt Lake City. The state hasn’t been able to properly maintain or promote the venue for years because of low funding. Mayor Jackie Biskupski says the stadium will bring in money for the state and the city.

“The fairgrounds has not really been a moneymaker" she says. "It’s been in the red many many many years. Influx of dollars will help them create a different scenario and outcome.”

That new scenario would allow the Fair Park to better serve the Salt Lake City west-side neighborhood. The community wants to get rid of the big white fence surrounding the entire property so they can use the space. Mayor Biskupski says an open area could hold more venues and create job opportunities.

“I know the community would love to be able to go through there and sit at a coffee shop, and maybe be able to get fresh market food" she says. "Where there’s real opportunity that they need.”

James Rogers is the Chair of the Salt Lake City Council. He says nothing’s decided yet but the new stadium opens up new possibilities.

“It actually is promoting the west side of Salt Lake City because people will be coming down" he says. "It gives the entire state another chance to come to the west side.”

The stadium will be multi-use and will host Days of '47 events, concerts, and other activities. The 10 million dollar price tag will be funded by the state, county, and city, along with contributions from the LDS Church and the Days of '47.  

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