Explore Salt Palace Convention Center

Tour surrounding historic neighborhoods

The Salt Palace Convention Center is one of Salt Lake City’s premier venues for conferences, conventions, and trade shows. Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, the Salt Palace is surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods with many housing options from modern high-rise apartments to historic homes.


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The Salt Palace Convention Center

Today the Salt Palace Convention Center at 100 S. West Temple, is state-of-the-art! With 675,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space, the center hosts many events that bring professional sports, cultural events, concerts, and more right to the heart of the city.

The center boasts:

  • 164,000 square feet of exhibit space
  • 67 meeting rooms
  • A grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 3,000 people
  • The Vivint Smart Home Arena (home of the Utah Jazz NBA team)

The Salt Palace Convention Center hosts events from large conventions to local trade shows. The center’s central location and proximity to public transportation make it an ideal destination for visitors from around the world.

History of Salt Palace Convention Center

Early settlers of the Salt Lake Valley first built the Salt Palace in 1899 900 South, between State Street and Main Street in Salt Lake City. It was a frame structure covered by large pieces of rock salt, which gave it its name.

“The Palace had a large dome and was lit at night with hundreds of light bulbs. The building held a theater and was the centerpiece of an amusement park that included a dance hall, a bandstand, a bicycle racing track, rides, and other amusements,” according to an article called Salt Palace published by Wikipedia online. It was ravaged by fire in 1910.

An indoor arena with the same name was built in 1969 and was home to several professional sports teams while hosting concerts and other events. The second Salt Palace was used until 1994. It was home to the Utah Stars and Utah Jazz basketball teams, and the Salt Lake Golden Eagles ice hockey team. The second building bearing this name was razed in 1994.

The Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center opened in 1996. It was named for Utah’s eleventh governor. The building was expanded in 2000, and again in 2005. Today, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and Abravanel Hall, home of the Utah Symphony, are based call the convention center home.

Architectural enthusiasts might appreciate knowing the striking design was partially created with hollow structural steel in exposed applications. With majestic towers at the entrance, the center makes a powerful first impression. Inside this huge building are very delicate snowflake chandeliers. The entrance towers, delicate snowflake chandeliers, “and grand five-story main concourse [that] make the Salt Palace part architectural showpiece, part modern art sculpture, and ready to be all business,” according to an article published online by the official Salt Lake Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Downtown Salt Lake City

The Salt Palace Convention Center is located in the heart of historic downtown Salt Lake City. The electric urban center features dining, shopping, and entertainment. Many of the homes in the downtown area feature historic architecture. Others offer jaw-dropping examples of modern architecture. The iconic Salt Lake Temple with numerous affiliated buildings and inspiring gardens is a favorite place for locals and visitors.  and the City Creek Center, a massive shopping center with over 100 stores and restaurants.

The downtown area is also home to a thriving arts scene, with numerous theaters and galleries showcasing local and national talent. The Eccles Theater, a state-of-the-art performance venue, is located just a few blocks from the Salt Palace Convention Center.

The neighborhoods surrounding the Salt Palace Convention Center offer a variety of home styles from historic homes to modern high-rise apartments. Below are a few of the neighborhoods worth considering if you’re looking to live in the area.

The Avenues

The Avenues is one of Salt Lake City’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. Located just north of downtown, the neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and stunning views of the city and mountains. The Avenues is also home to several parks and trails, including City Creek Canyon, a popular spot for hiking and biking.

Notable architectural styles in The Avenues range from Victorian-era mansions to mid-century bungalows. The neighborhood is popular with families and young professionals and is surrounded by dining and shopping within walking distance.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is another historic neighborhood located just east of downtown Salt Lake City. The neighborhood is named after the Utah State Capitol, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Capitol Hill is home to several historic mansions and public buildings, including the Governor’s Mansion and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Capitol Hill is a popular neighborhood for families and young professionals, with a mix of historic and modern homes. The neighborhood is also home to several parks and playgrounds, including Memory Grove Park, a popular spot for picnics and outdoor concerts.

Sugar House

Sugar House is a trendy neighborhood located just east of downtown Salt Lake City. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant dining and shopping scene, with several local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants lining the main streets.

Sugar House is also home to several parks and recreation areas, including Sugar House Park, a large park with tennis courts, a pond, and picnic areas. The neighborhood has a mix of historic homes and modern apartments, making it popular with young professionals and families.

Visit the Salt Palace

The Salt Palace Convention Center is a world-class facility that offers a variety of events and activities year-round. Surrounding neighborhoods make it an ideal destination for visitors and residents.

If you are visiting Salt Lake, or if you already live here, any event at the Salt Palace Convention Center is worth the trip.

If you are thinking of buying a home or selling a home in the Salt Lake City area, let my more than 30 years of full-time professional real estate experience work for you. Call me, Joel Carson, at 801-673-3333.

Joel Carson

Joel Carson is the President and Principle Broker of Utah Real Estate with over 30 years of experience buying and selling real estate in the greater Salt Lake City area.

Have questions? Call or text me at 801-673-3333

Article Last Updated: October 26, 2023

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