Purpose
The Utah Performing Arts Center is a proposed 2,500-seat, state-of-the-art theater located in the heart of Utah's capital city on Main Street's Block 70, between 100 and 200 South. The Center helps to fulfill community leaders' longtime vision for a vibrant capital city – rich in the arts – that belongs to all of Utah.
This premier venue will attract first-run touring Broadway shows, provide an additional venue option for beloved Utah performing groups such as Ballet West and Utah Opera, and attract nationally prominent family shows and music and comedy acts. With such a theater as a drawing card, Salt Lake City will attract premier arts presentations and experiences, expand cultural offerings and provide an economic catalyst to Salt Lake City, the state and the region.
Goals for the Utah Performing Arts Center
The New Performing Arts Center will provide an economic catalyst on Main Street and serve to:
- Expand number of touring Broadway and musical performances
- Expand audiences
- Enhance the vitality of Main Street and downtown Salt Lake City
- Provide an economic driver for Utah's Capital City and the region
- Broaden audience appeal throughout the region
- Create a venue option to accommodate growth of community arts groups
- Increase flexibility/diversity of entertainment programming
- Build on Salt Lake City's legacy of community arts and culture
- Develop a state-of-the-art venue for arts enthusiasts that will present touring Broadway, local performances and exceptional cultural experiences to engage, excite, unite and inspire.
Economic Impact of Utah Performing Arts Center
- $200-$500 million in one-time expansion of the economy
- $9.4 million per year in total ongoing economic output from the theater alone
- 115 permanent jobs created
- 1,671 to 4,000 jobs created during construction
- More entertainment spending retained in Utah
- More downtown activity, parking revenues, restaurants and retail sales
- $1 million in incremental property taxes associated with the office tower
Measureable Success of U.S. Cities that Built Similar Performing Arts Centers
Durham, North Carolina
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Madison, Wisconsin
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Omaha, Nebraska
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![]() Photo courtesy of Omaha Performing Arts |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Photo of O’Reilly Theater courtesy of Pittsburgh Public Theater |




