Utah’s hockey fans didn’t just show up for their team’s home opener — they threw down in style, setting a record for beer sales during the Utah Hockey Club’s 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at the Delta Center on Tuesday night. Apparently, a big win called for big celebrations.
Fans weren’t shy about it either. If chugging beers out of shoes by the third period wasn’t enough of a clue, the numbers have confirmed it: Utahns are all-in on their new NHL team.
According to the Smith Entertainment Group, the Delta Center racked up an impressive $120,000 in beer sales alone, surpassing anything they’ve seen at previous NBA or NHL events. That’s a jaw-dropping figure for any arena.
Forward Dylan Guenther, who made history by scoring the first-ever Utah goal, summed up the energy in the building: “That building was special. That was a ton of fun to play in front of that crowd.”
But the excitement didn’t stop at the scoreboard. Fans were clearly in a mood to celebrate, shelling out for $15 beers — yes, that’s right. A Michelob Ultra that sold for $13 during the Jazz’s preseason game went up to $15 on hockey night. Even with the price hike, fans managed to down 8,000 cans of beer by the end of the game.
And it wasn’t just about the drinks. Utah Hockey Club packed the house, with 11,131 full-view seats sold out, and a total attendance of 16,020 thanks to the single-goal view seating in the upper bowl. The noise level? Off the charts. “To hear the crowd, that was the loudest building I’ve ever played in,” said forward Logan Cooley, who assisted on Guenther’s goal.
But let’s talk merchandise. Utah fans didn’t just come to drink — they came to spend. The Delta Center saw its single-event merchandise sales double, with the hottest item being the Foreign Rider Solace Hood Sweater (with “UTAH” emblazoned across the chest) and the inaugural game t-shirt coming in a close second.
From the pregame festivities outside the Delta Center to the final horn, Utahns proved they’re ready for the NHL in a big way. The fans brought the energy, and the players felt it, too.
“When we scored that fourth one, the building erupted,” said goaltender Connor Ingram. “You see the towels go. I think that’s why any of us play the game of hockey, that moment right there. That noise, that feeling.”
With record-breaking beer sales, packed stands, and die-hard enthusiasm, it’s clear: Utah Hockey Club has arrived, and the fans are all in.
