The Gold Over America Tour train is gaining momentum, and its next stop is just on the horizon. The GOAT has left California and will be halting in Salt Lake City, Utah, this Monday (23rd September). With 7-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles leading the way, fans are once again expecting high-flying action to take over the iconic Maverik Center. The tour has garnered significant attention within the USA’s gymnastics community, especially with its return after a three-year hiatus.
If there is one place in Utah that any fans have to be familiar with, it has to be the Maverik Center, and it goes without reason that the GOAT experience will be complemented by all that Maverik has to offer. But what is the actual requisites of the West Valley City stadium that makes it be so desirable?
Getting its start under the E Center moniker, the arena debuted with an event in 1997. This center was designed with a theater setting to ensure fans of up to 12000 are held within the arena to increase fan interaction. This makes it even more appropriate for the Gold Over America Tour; gymnastics stars that are loved all over the nation are expected to perform extra-ordinary stunts for their fans.
The unique cauldron like structure at the gates of the parking lot has been designed with the help of an internationally acclaimed architect Populous with the Latin clause ‘Light the Fire Within’. Being the official arena for ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies, the Maverik Center has rightfully become one of the leading ice hockey facilities in the USA. It was widely known for being the venue of ice hockey games at 2002 Winter Olympics at which the Canadian men’s team triumphed and claimed the gold medal. During the victory lap, which is part of обл playoff celebrations, the team made sure that Ed Belfour & Co. would always find themselves painted in the corridors of the Maverik Center.
Preserved behind a thin layer of plexiglass, the autographs of the dozen Canadian gold medalists proudly greet visitors, reinforcing the venue’s elite reputation. Grizzlies Vice President Jared Youngman considers them an integral part of ice hockey history and frequently expresses his deep admiration for their significance. “It was breathtaking to realize and know that a piece of the Olympics stayed. It’s cool to say we’re the home of the 2002 Winter Olympics, of the hockey championship games, and a lot of the games that mattered,” the lifelong hockey fan told ABC4 in an interview in 2021.
Over its more than two decades of existence, the Maverik Center has become a premier choice for many organizers to entertain fans of all ages and backgrounds. But what sets the bar so high for Biles and her squad as they prepare to bring their A-game to the arena?
Major events held at this venue.
If you live in Salt Lake City, there’s certainly no shortage of things to keep you going back to the West Valley City-owned indoor stadium. From nationally broadcasted mega shows like WWE Smackdown Live, WWE Monday Night RAW Live, and Holiday Festival on Ice to family shows like Bob the Builder, Dragon Tales Live, and Arenacross have been filmed at this very location. If these weren’t enough famous musicians and music-themed shows have also mesmerized fans with their tunes from time to time.
From Pink Floyd and Elton John to desirable generations like Linkin Park and TOOL, and American Idol episodes, the walls of the Maverik Center must have seen the best of bonding with music. The obligation to host the 2002 Winter Games is repeated by its national importance, as, in addition to the Games, the 2002 Winter Paralympics’ ice sledge hockey games were also held. Whoa, that is actually asking a lot, is it not? But the GOAT squad isn’t coming in light either.” Now, with Simone Biles on board, the Gold Over America Tour will be an outstanding show from this particular stage.
Other gymnasts in action this Tuesday alongside Biles are Jade Carey, Brody Malone, Joscelyn Roberson alongside other Olympians. The excitement does not end there yet – what about Stanford Cardinals’ Ian Gunther and Canadian gymnast Peng-Peng Lee? Also, Simone’s best friend, Jordan Chiles, does not sound less attractive as a name, either. You will not want to see the Olympics dumped and given this chance to hopefully build a new moment for her and prove herself. Thus, who are you most looking forward to when the Gold Over America Tour comes to its fifth stop in only two days?