HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransmittal - 8/12/2025SALT LAKE CITY TRANSMITTAL
To:
Community Reinvestment Agency Chair
Salt Lake City Council Chair
Submission Date:
08/12/2025
Date Sent to Council:
08/12/2025
From:
Department *
Community Reinvestment Agency
Employee Name:
Stine, Robyn
E-mail
robyn.stine@slc.gov
Community Reinvestment Agency
Director Signature
Mayor's Office Chief of Staff Signature
Community Reinvestment Agency
Director Signed Date
08/12/2025
Chief of Staff's Signed Date
08/12/2025
Subject:
Amended & Restated Ground Lease with Jazz Arena Investors
Additional Staff Contact:
Danny Walz, danny.walz@slc.gov
Presenters/Staff Table
Danny Walz, danny.walz@slc.gov
Document Type
Resolution
Budget Impact?
Yes
No
Recommendation:
Consideration and adoption of Resolution Approving the Term Sheetfor an Amended and Restated Ground Lease with Jazz Arena Investors,LLC
Background/Discussion
The Agency’s involvement in the arena project began in the late 1980’s by purchasing the property,constructing a nearby parking garage, and financing certain site improvements. On June 8, 1990, theAgency entered into an agreement with the Larry H. Miller Arena Corporation for the developmentof a sports and entertainment arena to be included as part of the leasing of Agency property.Following a 15-month construction period the arena opened in October 1991. The purpose of thearena was to serve as home to the Utah Jazz and host additional sports, entertainment, andrecreational uses. The Agency provided a 50-year lease at a nominal rate of $1/year in recognition ofthe significant economic benefits of attracting more people to downtown. In October 2020, RyanSmith purchased the majority stake in the Utah Jazz and the Agency later executed a FirstAmendment to Lease with the Jazz Arena Investors, LLC (“JAI”) on February 2, 2022. Theamended lease provided two 10-year options for renewal and updated other terms from the originallease.
Will there need to be a public hearing for this item?*
Yes
No
Public Process
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SALT LAKE CITY COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AGENCY
SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 115 WWW.SLC.GOV · WWW.CRA.SLC.GOV
P.O. BOX 145518, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84114-5518 TEL 801-535-7240 · FAX 801-535-7245
MAYOR RIN ENDENHALL
Executive Director
DANNY ALZ
Director
STAFF MEMO
DATE: August 11, 2025
PREPARED BY: Danny Walz, Director
RE: Consideration and Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Term Sheet for an
Amended and Restated Ground Lease with Jazz Arena Investors, LLC
REQUESTED ACTION: Consideration and adoption of Resolution Approving the Term Sheet
for an Amended and Restated Ground Lease with Jazz Arena Investors,
LLC
POLICY ITEM: Land Disposition Policy
BUDGET IMPACTS: N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On June 8, 1990, the Community Reinvestment Agency (“Agency”) entered into an agreement with
the Larry H. Miller Arena Corporation for the development of a sports and entertainment arena to be
included as part of the leasing of Agency property. On February 2, 2022, following the sale of the
majority stake in the Utah Jazz, the Agency executed a First Amendment to Lease with the Jazz
Arena Investors, LLC (“JAI”) to reflect the new ownership. More recently, the Agency has been
engaged in negotiations with Smith Entertainment Group, LLC (“SEG”), an affiliate of JAI, for the
purpose of executing an amended and restated lease for the property to modernize the agreement and
accommodate anticipated development. The Term Sheet (Attachment A) provides the terms for a 99-
year lease; the Resolution (Attachment B), if approved, authorizes the Agency to execute the lease
agreement with JAI for the ongoing operations and management of the arena.
BACKGROUND:
The Agency’s involvement in the arena project began in the late 1980’s by purchasing the property,
constructing a nearby parking garage, and financing certain site improvements. On June 8, 1990, the
Agency entered into an agreement with the Larry H. Miller Arena Corporation for the development
of a sports and entertainment arena to be included as part of the leasing of Agency property.
Following a 15-month construction period the arena opened in October 1991. The purpose of the
arena was to serve as home to the Utah Jazz and host additional sports, entertainment, and
recreational uses. The Agency provided a 50-year lease at a nominal rate of $1/year in recognition of
the significant economic benefits of attracting more people to downtown. In October 2020, Ryan
Smith purchased the majority stake in the Utah Jazz and the Agency later executed a First
Amendment to Lease with the Jazz Arena Investors, LLC (“JAI”) on February 2, 2022. The
amended lease provided two 10-year options for renewal and updated other terms from the original
lease.
Over the past three years, SEG has been involved in planning and due diligence to construct a sports
and entertainment district with a newly renovated Delta Center arena as the anchor. The Delta
Center is currently undergoing the first phase of upgrades to support both the NBA Utah Jazz and
NHL Utah Mammoth. As part of the district development and arena renovation, the Agency has
been engaged in negotiations with SEG, an affiliate of JAI, for the purpose of executing an amended
and restated lease for the property to modernize certain terms within the agreement and better align
with the anticipated development.
ANALYSIS & ISSUES:
The Term Sheet identifies the parties to the agreement, a general description, and the primary terms
proposed for a restated lease of the property and improvements. In accordance with the Agency’s
Real Property Disposition Policy, any property that is to be sold or leased at a discount of greater
than 10% of the appraised fair market value is subject to approval by a majority vote of the Agency’s
Board of Directors. While the restated lease maintains the previous discount of $1/year, the extended
duration of the lease warrants approval by the Board as a long-term lease of real property. This new
agreement will provide a structure for the renovation of the arena and align it with the investment in
the development of the larger entertainment district as a destination for downtown activity.
NEXT STEPS:
If the Term Sheet and Resolution are acceptable to and adopted by the Board, the Agency will move
forward with finalizing and executing the lease agreement.
ATTACHMENTS:
•Proposed Resolution
•Proposed Term Sheet for Lease Agreement
2
1
SALT LAKE CITY COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AGENCY
RESOLUTION NO. ___________
AMENDED AND RESTATED GROUND LEASE WITH
JAZZ ARENA INVESTORS LLC TERM SHEET
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COMMUNITY
REINVESTMENT AGENCY APPROVING THE TERM SHEET FOR AN AMENDED AND
RESTATED LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SALT LAKE CITY COMMUNITY
REINVESTMENT AGENCY AND JAZZ ARENA INVESTORS LLC FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 301-365 WEST SOUTH TEMPLE, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
WHEREAS, the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency, a public agency
(formerly known as Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City) (“Lessor”), owns certain real
property at approximately 301-365 West South Temple which is located in CRA’s Central
Business District Project Area and more particularly depicted and described on Exhibit A of the
Ground Lease Term Sheet (“Premises”).
WHEREAS, on June 8, 1990, Lessor and Larry H. Miller Arena Corporation, a Utah
corporation (subsequently renamed Jazz Arena Investors LLC, a Utah limited liability company
(“Lessee”)) entered into a lease for a term of fifty years to construct and maintain a sports and
entertainment arena on the Premises (as subsequently amended, the “1990 Lease”).
WHEREAS, on February 2, 2022, the 1990 Lease was amended to, among other things,
provide the Lessee with the option to renew the 1990 Lease for two ten-year renewals periods
following expiration of the 1990 Lease in 2040.
WHEREAS, on December 10, 2024, Salt Lake City, Smith Entertainment Group, LLC
(“SEG”) and SEG Real Estate, LLC, affiliates of Lessee, entered into a Participation, Tax Sharing
and Reimbursement Agreement in support of the development of a downtown Sports,
Entertainment, Culture and Convention District (“Entertainment District”) in connection with
SEG’s ownership (through subsidiaries) of the Utah Jazz, a National Basketball Association
(“NBA”) franchise and the Utah Mammoth, a National Hockey League (“NHL”) franchise.
WHEREAS, the Lessee has requested that the 1990 Lease be amended and restated to
provide for new and modified terms in connection with development and operation of the
Entertainment District.
WHEREAS, the citizens of Salt Lake City have supported and enjoyed the presence of
professional sports in Salt Lake City such that the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth franchises are an
integral part of the community, and Lessee, by keeping the NBA and NHL franchises in Salt Lake
City, are dedicated to and furthering their investment in the community.
2
NOW, THEREFORE. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE SALT LAKE CITY COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AGENCY, that the Ground
Lease Term Sheet attached as Exhibit A is hereby approved.
Passed by the Board of Directors of the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency, this
_______ day of August 2025.
________________________________
Darin Mano, Chair
Approved as to form: __________________________________
Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office
Jennifer Huntsman
Date:____________________________
The Executive Director:
____ does not request reconsideration
____ requests reconsideration at the next regular Agency meeting.
________________________________
Erin Mendenhall, Executive Director
Attest:
________________________
City Recorder
3
EXHIBIT A
Ground Lease Term Sheet
Jazz Arena Investors LLC
Delta Center Property
DRAFT
Ground Lease Term Sheet
Jazz Arena Investors LLC
Delta Center Property
Purpose
To continue to draw people to downtown Salt Lake City and the Central Business District Project
Area by encouraging numerous sports, entertainment, cultural, and recreational activities,
including home games of a National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise and a National
Hockey League (NHL) franchise, among others.
Parties
Jazz Arena Investors LLC (“JAI”), an affiliate of Smith Entertainment Group, LLC (“SEG”), and
the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency (“CRA”). SEG, through its subsidiaries, is
the current owner of the Utah Jazz NBA franchise and the Utah Mammoth NHL franchise. JAI
is the current lessee and operator of the Delta Center property.
Property to be Leased
The Delta Center property owned by the CRA and located at approximately 301-365 West South
Temple in CRA’s Central Business District Project Area, as shown on Exhibit A. This property is
referred to as the “Property” throughout this document.
General Description
The CRA and JAI have in place a long-term ground lease on the Delta Center property that,
including extensions, is set to expire in 2060 (the “Current Lease”). JAI has requested an
amended and restated lease in connection with the planned renovation and redevelopment of
the Delta Center and surrounding property described in the Participation, Tax Sharing and
Reimbursement Agreement (the “2024 Participation Agreement”) executed between SEG,
SEG’s affiliate, and Salt Lake City in December 2024.
Under the proposed amended and restated lease (the “New Lease”), CRA will lease the
Property to JAI for up to one hundred (100) years, during which time JAI may renovate existing
improvements, build new improvements (collectively, the “Improvements”), and, at JAI’s
option, enter into subleases with businesses in a wide variety of industries including retail,
hospitality, restaurants, bars, entertainment, and professional and personal services.
Proposed Major Lease Terms
Rent
Fixed Rent. Similar to the Current Lease, the rental fee will be one dollar ($1) per year
for the duration of the term so long as a certain condition is met (“Fixed Rent
Condition”), specifically:
Either an NBA franchise or an NHL franchise (or both) must be using the arena
as its primary venue for home games.
The home game requirement excludes international games pursuant to a league-
wide program, outdoor games, or “home games” played at other venues as
intermittently required or permitted by the respective league and reflected on the
league’s official schedule.
The home game requirement also excludes temporary closures required for
maintenance, renovations, force majeure events, off-season, or other temporary
interruptions that are customary for similar facilities.
2
Market Rent. After the initial term of thirty (30) years, for any period of time during
which the Fixed Rent Condition is not met, CRA has the option to charge “Market
Rent” which is defined as a rental rate that is equal to the then-prevailing fair market
rental rate for the continuation of a ground lease under the terms of the New Lease. Any
period during which Market Rent applies, the Market Rent amount will be determined as
follows:
CRA and JAI each will hire its own independent third-party appraiser
experienced in comparable sports and entertainment venues.
Appraisals will assume an arm’s length ground lease for the Property including all
Improvements located on the Property at the time in question.
The appraisals will be conducted on an “as-is” basis, assuming the Improvements
have been maintained in accordance with the facility standard required under the
New Lease.
If the fair market rental rates determined by the appraisers are within ten percent
(10%) of each other, rent for the remainder of the Renewal Term will be the
average of the two appraisals.
Otherwise, the parties’ appraisers will select a third appraiser to conduct an
appraisal based on the same assumptions. Rent will be determined by the average
of the two of the three appraisals with the closest rental rates.
NNN Lease
The Fixed Rent and Market Rent (as applicable) are absolutely net to the CRA. JAI will
pay for all insurance, taxes, utilities, repairs, maintenance and other services and costs
(of whatever kind or nature) relating to the Property and the Improvements throughout
the term of the Lease.
Lease Term and Renewals
The initial term will be for thirty (30) years, expiring in 2055 (“Initial Term”). JAI will
have the right, subject to specific conditions, to renew the lease for up to seven (7)
additional consecutive terms of ten (10) years each (“Renewal Terms”).
Tenant Improvements
JAI will have the right to modify the existing improvements, add or remove
improvements, or modify later constructed improvements however it deems suitable, as
long as any such change does not materially and negatively affect the operational
capability or structural integrity of the improvements.
Consistent with the terms of the 2024 Participation Agreement, CRA will not have the
right to approve the arena renovation construction budget and estimated timetable for
construction, including any construction phasing. However, for new non-arena
improvements that will be subleased to third parties (not controlled by, or under the
common control of, JAI), depending on the planned use, CRA may have the right to
review the nature and scope of the proposed construction or improvements, along with
other information.
Arena Operation
After the first thirty (30) years, once the Home Game Covenant (as defined in the
Participation Agreement) is no longer in effect, JAI is required to use commercially
reasonable efforts to ensure that the arena remains open, operational, and activated
throughout the year. However, it does not require that any professional or other sports
team use the arena.
3
Assignment and Subleasing
Assignment or Sublease of the Entire Property. JAI is permitted to assign its
entire interest in the New Lease or sublet the entire Property as long as it obtains CRA’s
prior written consent; provided that similar to the terms of the 2024 Participation
Agreement, JAI may, without CRA’s consent, assign or otherwise convey all or any
portion of JAI’s rights and obligations under the New Lease or equity interests, so long
as, in the case of a sale involving the NBA franchise or the NHL franchise that requires
the NBA’s and/or NHL’s approval, the NBA or NHL, as applicable, has approved such
sale, and JAI provides notice of the transfer to CRA. CRA’s consent or denial of JAI’s
request to assign or sublet its interest in the New Lease must be based on business
experience, financial ability, or credit-worthiness of the proposed assignee or sublessor.
Subleases That Do Not Require Notice or Consent. Subleases that (a) involve
less than the entire Property and have a term of less than one (1) year or (b) are entered
into with entities controlled by, or under the common control of, JAI, do not require
notice to or approval from CRA. In addition, once an improvement or portion of an
improvement is subleased, JAI is not required to notify or obtain approval of CRA before
replacing the original subtenant with a new subtenant once the original sublease expires.
Non-Arena Subleases. JAI will be permitted to enter into subleases or similar
contractual arrangements related to a non-arena improvement subject to prior notice to
CRA and, in some cases, CRA’s approval. Where prior notice is required, JAI must also
provide CRA with certain information about the planned arrangements.
CRA will have the right to review and approve a proposed sublease or other
arrangement in the following scenarios:
o Scenario #1: Within the first fifteen (15) years of the initial term of the
New Lease, for a sublease or other agreement that fits within a set of pre-
approved uses, including: retail, entertainment, hospitality, services (e.g.,
health and wellness services, financial institutions, or professional
services), bar or restaurant (the “Approved Uses”), the CRA will have
five (5) business days after receipt of the information above to object in
writing to the proposed use. CRA may decline to approve only on the basis
that the use is not one of the Approved Uses.
o Scenario #2: Beginning in year sixteen (16) of the initial term of the New
Lease, for any sublease or similar arrangement involving an Approved
Use, the CRA will have ten (10) business days to review and object in
writing if the proposed subtenant lacks sufficient business experience,
financial ability, or credit-worthiness necessary to perform its obligations
under the proposed agreement.
o Scenario #3: For a proposed use outside of the Approved Uses, CRA will
have thirty (30) days to review the information provided and object in
writing on a commercially reasonable basis.
o Scenario #4: To facilitate the regular turnover of subtenants in any non-
arena improvement, once an improvement has been subleased, JAI may
replace the subtenant upon expiration or termination of the existing
sublease without CRA’s prior written consent.
As-Is Lease; Tenant Indemnity
CRA is offering the Property on an “as-is, where is condition with all faults, without
warranty or representation of any kind.” In addition, the New Lease will include an
4
indemnification provision requiring JAI to indemnify the CRA against claims arising
from JAI’s acts or omissions, as well as claims or losses arising out of or related to certain
JAI-caused environmental conditions or the use, storage, generation or disposal of
hazardous materials, at the Property.
CRA will be obligated to reimburse JAI for all cleanup costs and related expenses, plus a
five percent (5%) administrative fee, if a court determines that the CRA or Salt Lake City
caused contamination resulting from a release of hazardous materials occurring after
commencement of the New Lease.
Property Condition Standard; Maintenance
During the term, JAI will be required to maintain and repair the Property and all
Improvements as follows:
In a “first-class condition” (reasonable wear and tear and casualty excepted), in
compliance with NBA and/or NHL Rules as long as one of the teams is using the
arena as its primary venue for home games, and taking into account factors such
as age, design, and location.
Otherwise (if neither team is using the arena as its primary venue), JAI will be
required to maintain the Property to a first-class standard comparable to other,
similar multi-purpose facilities without an NBA or NHL franchise.
However, other than ensuring that the arena is returned to the CRA in a condition
consistent with the facility standard, JAI will have no obligation to restore or replace the
arena or any other improvements constructed on the Property at the end of the lease
term.
Insurance
JAI will be required to maintain the following insurance:
Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage at $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Umbrella/excess liability coverage of $50,000,000.
Auto insurance of not less than $2,000,000.
Business interruption insurance (12 months).
Workers compensation insurance.
Employment practices insurance of at least $1,000,000.
Cyber insurance with not less than $5,000,000 per claim.
Terrorism insurance (in an amount at JAI’s discretion).
Pollution liability insurance during construction with $1,000,000.
Liquor liability insurance with at least $1,000,000.
During the arena renovation, builder’s risk insurance for full replacement value,
professional liability insurance (architects, engineers, design professionals) for
$5,000,000 per claim, and CGL of not less than $20,000,000 to cover the risk of
crane collapse.
In the event that damage to or destruction of any improvement occurs, insurance
proceeds will be applied to the restoration or repair of the improvements (subject to the
supervision and control of leasehold mortgagees once JAI mortgages its leasehold
interest in the Property). In the event that the arena suffers damage that is greater than
fifty percent (50%) of its replacement costs, JAI can elect to either (a) restore the arena
to its pre-damage condition or better, or (b) notify CRA of its intent to terminate the New
Lease. In the event JAI opts to terminate, insurance proceeds will go first to the
5
leasehold mortgagee. Any remaining proceeds will flow to JAI to either repair the arena
or raze it. Then, to the extent any insurance proceeds remain, they will be divided equally
between JAI and CRA.
Leasehold Mortgage
JAI will have the right to mortgage, encumber, assign, pledge or otherwise collaterally
transfer its leasehold interest under the New Lease to one or more lenders without CRA’s
consent.
Naming Rights
JAI will have the exclusive right to name the arena and other improvements and to sell,
assign, license, pledge, or otherwise exploit all naming, sponsorship, entitlement, and
related intellectual property rights and to receive one hundred percent (100%) of all
revenue, royalties, cash, or other economic benefits. The limited restrictions on naming
include that any name cannot: (a) be obscene, (b) violate applicable law, (c) contain
racial slurs, obscenities, or products or messages of an explicit sexual nature; or
(d) include the name of another city in a manner that reasonably suggests that the arena
is located outside of the Salt Lake City.
Default; Remedies
Events of Default. Material default under the New Lease includes, among other
things, failure to:
pay rent,
maintain the required insurance,
maintain, repair, or restore the improvements to the required standard,
comply with the Home Game Covenant, and
utilize the arena on a reasonably continuous basis as required under the New
Lease if/after both the NBA and NHL franchises are no longer utilizing the arena
for home games.
Remedies. In the event of a JAI default, CRA is required to provide JAI and any
leasehold mortgagee written notice of the default. If the default continues after the
applicable cure period, CRA may exercise any right or remedy available at law or in
equity, including but not limited to termination of the New Lease.
Conditions to Lease Execution
JAI must provide Certificates of Insurance evidencing it is in compliance with the
Ground Lease’s insurance provisions, including that CRA is listed as an additional
insured.
CRA and JAI must agree on a comprehensive lease agreement for the New Lease.
The New Lease and all its terms must receive approval from the attorney’s offices of CRA
and the City on all matters pertaining to the legality, sufficiency, and form and substance
of any other documents that are deemed reasonably necessary for the execution of the
New Lease.
DRAFT
Ground Lease Term Sheet
Jazz Arena Investors LLC
Delta Center Property
Purpose
To continue to draw people to downtown Salt Lake City and the Central Business District Project
Area by encouraging numerous sports, entertainment, cultural, and recreational activities,
including home games of a National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise and a National
Hockey League (NHL) franchise, among others.
Parties
Jazz Arena Investors LLC (“JAI”), an affiliate of Smith Entertainment Group, LLC (“SEG”), and
the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency (“CRA”). SEG, through its subsidiaries, is
the current owner of the Utah Jazz NBA franchise and the Utah Mammoth NHL franchise. JAI
is the current lessee and operator of the Delta Center property.
Property to be Leased
The Delta Center property owned by the CRA and located at approximately 301-365 West South
Temple in CRA’s Central Business District Project Area, as shown on Exhibit A. This property is
referred to as the “Property” throughout this document.
General Description
The CRA and JAI have in place a long-term ground lease on the Delta Center property that,
including extensions, is set to expire in 2060 (the “Current Lease”). JAI has requested an
amended and restated lease in connection with the planned renovation and redevelopment of
the Delta Center and surrounding property described in the Participation, Tax Sharing and
Reimbursement Agreement (the “2024 Participation Agreement”) executed between SEG,
SEG’s affiliate, and Salt Lake City in December 2024.
Under the proposed amended and restated lease (the “New Lease”), CRA will lease the
Property to JAI for up to one hundred (100) years, during which time JAI may renovate existing
improvements, build new improvements (collectively, the “Improvements”), and, at JAI’s
option, enter into subleases with businesses in a wide variety of industries including retail,
hospitality, restaurants, bars, entertainment, and professional and personal services.
Proposed Major Lease Terms
Rent
Fixed Rent. Similar to the Current Lease, the rental fee will be one dollar ($1) per year
for the duration of the term so long as a certain condition is met (“Fixed Rent
Condition”), specifically:
Either an NBA franchise or an NHL franchise (or both) must be using the arena
as its primary venue for home games.
The home game requirement excludes international games pursuant to a league-
wide program, outdoor games, or “home games” played at other venues as
intermittently required or permitted by the respective league and reflected on the
league’s official schedule.
The home game requirement also excludes temporary closures required for
maintenance, renovations, force majeure events, off-season, or other temporary
interruptions that are customary for similar facilities.
2
Market Rent. After the initial term of thirty (30) years, for any period of time during
which the Fixed Rent Condition is not met, CRA has the option to charge “Market
Rent” which is defined as a rental rate that is equal to the then-prevailing fair market
rental rate for the continuation of a ground lease under the terms of the New Lease. Any
period during which Market Rent applies, the Market Rent amount will be determined as
follows:
CRA and JAI each will hire its own independent third-party appraiser
experienced in comparable sports and entertainment venues.
Appraisals will assume an arm’s length ground lease for the Property including all
Improvements located on the Property at the time in question.
The appraisals will be conducted on an “as-is” basis, assuming the Improvements
have been maintained in accordance with the facility standard required under the
New Lease.
If the fair market rental rates determined by the appraisers are within ten percent
(10%) of each other, rent for the remainder of the Renewal Term will be the
average of the two appraisals.
Otherwise, the parties’ appraisers will select a third appraiser to conduct an
appraisal based on the same assumptions. Rent will be determined by the average
of the two of the three appraisals with the closest rental rates.
NNN Lease
The Fixed Rent and Market Rent (as applicable) are absolutely net to the CRA. JAI will
pay for all insurance, taxes, utilities, repairs, maintenance and other services and costs
(of whatever kind or nature) relating to the Property and the Improvements throughout
the term of the Lease.
Lease Term and Renewals
The initial term will be for thirty (30) years, expiring in 2055 (“Initial Term”). JAI will
have the right, subject to specific conditions, to renew the lease for up to seven (7)
additional consecutive terms of ten (10) years each (“Renewal Terms”).
Tenant Improvements
JAI will have the right to modify the existing improvements, add or remove
improvements, or modify later constructed improvements however it deems suitable, as
long as any such change does not materially and negatively affect the operational
capability or structural integrity of the improvements.
Consistent with the terms of the 2024 Participation Agreement, CRA will not have the
right to approve the arena renovation construction budget and estimated timetable for
construction, including any construction phasing. However, for new non-arena
improvements that will be subleased to third parties (not controlled by, or under the
common control of, JAI), depending on the planned use, CRA may have the right to
review the nature and scope of the proposed construction or improvements, along with
other information.
Arena Operation
After the first thirty (30) years, once the Home Game Covenant (as defined in the
Participation Agreement) is no longer in effect, JAI is required to use commercially
reasonable efforts to ensure that the arena remains open, operational, and activated
throughout the year. However, it does not require that any professional or other sports
team use the arena.
3
Assignment and Subleasing
Assignment or Sublease of the Entire Property. JAI is permitted to assign its
entire interest in the New Lease or sublet the entire Property as long as it obtains CRA’s
prior written consent; provided that similar to the terms of the 2024 Participation
Agreement, JAI may, without CRA’s consent, assign or otherwise convey all or any
portion of JAI’s rights and obligations under the New Lease or equity interests, so long
as, in the case of a sale involving the NBA franchise or the NHL franchise that requires
the NBA’s and/or NHL’s approval, the NBA or NHL, as applicable, has approved such
sale, and JAI provides notice of the transfer to CRA. CRA’s consent or denial of JAI’s
request to assign or sublet its interest in the New Lease must be based on business
experience, financial ability, or credit-worthiness of the proposed assignee or sublessor.
Subleases That Do Not Require Notice or Consent. Subleases that (a) involve
less than the entire Property and have a term of less than one (1) year or (b) are entered
into with entities controlled by, or under the common control of, JAI, do not require
notice to or approval from CRA. In addition, once an improvement or portion of an
improvement is subleased, JAI is not required to notify or obtain approval of CRA before
replacing the original subtenant with a new subtenant once the original sublease expires.
Non-Arena Subleases. JAI will be permitted to enter into subleases or similar
contractual arrangements related to a non-arena improvement subject to prior notice to
CRA and, in some cases, CRA’s approval. Where prior notice is required, JAI must also
provide CRA with certain information about the planned arrangements.
CRA will have the right to review and approve a proposed sublease or other
arrangement in the following scenarios:
o Scenario #1: Within the first fifteen (15) years of the initial term of the
New Lease, for a sublease or other agreement that fits within a set of pre-
approved uses, including: retail, entertainment, hospitality, services (e.g.,
health and wellness services, financial institutions, or professional
services), bar or restaurant (the “Approved Uses”), the CRA will have
five (5) business days after receipt of the information above to object in
writing to the proposed use. CRA may decline to approve only on the basis
that the use is not one of the Approved Uses.
o Scenario #2: Beginning in year sixteen (16) of the initial term of the New
Lease, for any sublease or similar arrangement involving an Approved
Use, the CRA will have ten (10) business days to review and object in
writing if the proposed subtenant lacks sufficient business experience,
financial ability, or credit-worthiness necessary to perform its obligations
under the proposed agreement.
o Scenario #3: For a proposed use outside of the Approved Uses, CRA will
have thirty (30) days to review the information provided and object in
writing on a commercially reasonable basis.
o Scenario #4: To facilitate the regular turnover of subtenants in any non-
arena improvement, once an improvement has been subleased, JAI may
replace the subtenant upon expiration or termination of the existing
sublease without CRA’s prior written consent.
As-Is Lease; Tenant Indemnity
CRA is offering the Property on an “as-is, where is condition with all faults, without
warranty or representation of any kind.” In addition, the New Lease will include an
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indemnification provision requiring JAI to indemnify the CRA against claims arising
from JAI’s acts or omissions, as well as claims or losses arising out of or related to certain
JAI-caused environmental conditions or the use, storage, generation or disposal of
hazardous materials, at the Property.
CRA will be obligated to reimburse JAI for all cleanup costs and related expenses, plus a
five percent (5%) administrative fee, if a court determines that the CRA or Salt Lake City
caused contamination resulting from a release of hazardous materials occurring after
commencement of the New Lease.
Property Condition Standard; Maintenance
During the term, JAI will be required to maintain and repair the Property and all
Improvements as follows:
In a “first-class condition” (reasonable wear and tear and casualty excepted), in
compliance with NBA and/or NHL Rules as long as one of the teams is using the
arena as its primary venue for home games, and taking into account factors such
as age, design, and location.
Otherwise (if neither team is using the arena as its primary venue), JAI will be
required to maintain the Property to a first-class standard comparable to other,
similar multi-purpose facilities without an NBA or NHL franchise.
However, other than ensuring that the arena is returned to the CRA in a condition
consistent with the facility standard, JAI will have no obligation to restore or replace the
arena or any other improvements constructed on the Property at the end of the lease
term.
Insurance
JAI will be required to maintain the following insurance:
Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage at $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Umbrella/excess liability coverage of $50,000,000.
Auto insurance of not less than $2,000,000.
Business interruption insurance (12 months).
Workers compensation insurance.
Employment practices insurance of at least $1,000,000.
Cyber insurance with not less than $5,000,000 per claim.
Terrorism insurance (in an amount at JAI’s discretion).
Pollution liability insurance during construction with $1,000,000.
Liquor liability insurance with at least $1,000,000.
During the arena renovation, builder’s risk insurance for full replacement value,
professional liability insurance (architects, engineers, design professionals) for
$5,000,000 per claim, and CGL of not less than $20,000,000 to cover the risk of
crane collapse.
In the event that damage to or destruction of any improvement occurs, insurance
proceeds will be applied to the restoration or repair of the improvements (subject to the
supervision and control of leasehold mortgagees once JAI mortgages its leasehold
interest in the Property). In the event that the arena suffers damage that is greater than
fifty percent (50%) of its replacement costs, JAI can elect to either (a) restore the arena
to its pre-damage condition or better, or (b) notify CRA of its intent to terminate the New
Lease. In the event JAI opts to terminate, insurance proceeds will go first to the
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leasehold mortgagee. Any remaining proceeds will flow to JAI to either repair the arena
or raze it. Then, to the extent any insurance proceeds remain, they will be divided equally
between JAI and CRA.
Leasehold Mortgage
JAI will have the right to mortgage, encumber, assign, pledge or otherwise collaterally
transfer its leasehold interest under the New Lease to one or more lenders without CRA’s
consent.
Naming Rights
JAI will have the exclusive right to name the arena and other improvements and to sell,
assign, license, pledge, or otherwise exploit all naming, sponsorship, entitlement, and
related intellectual property rights and to receive one hundred percent (100%) of all
revenue, royalties, cash, or other economic benefits. The limited restrictions on naming
include that any name cannot: (a) be obscene, (b) violate applicable law, (c) contain
racial slurs, obscenities, or products or messages of an explicit sexual nature; or
(d) include the name of another city in a manner that reasonably suggests that the arena
is located outside of the Salt Lake City.
Default; Remedies
Events of Default. Material default under the New Lease includes, among other
things, failure to:
pay rent,
maintain the required insurance,
maintain, repair, or restore the improvements to the required standard,
comply with the Home Game Covenant, and
utilize the arena on a reasonably continuous basis as required under the New
Lease if/after both the NBA and NHL franchises are no longer utilizing the arena
for home games.
Remedies. In the event of a JAI default, CRA is required to provide JAI and any
leasehold mortgagee written notice of the default. If the default continues after the
applicable cure period, CRA may exercise any right or remedy available at law or in
equity, including but not limited to termination of the New Lease.
Conditions to Lease Execution
JAI must provide Certificates of Insurance evidencing it is in compliance with the
Ground Lease’s insurance provisions, including that CRA is listed as an additional
insured.
CRA and JAI must agree on a comprehensive lease agreement for the New Lease.
The New Lease and all its terms must receive approval from the attorney’s offices of CRA
and the City on all matters pertaining to the legality, sufficiency, and form and substance
of any other documents that are deemed reasonably necessary for the execution of the
New Lease.