SALT LAKE CITY – The NBA announced today that Salt Lake City has been selected to host NBA All-Star 2023.  The 72^nd NBA All-Star Game will take place at Vivint Smart Home Arena, home of the Utah Jazz, on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.  This will mark the 30^th anniversary of the 1993 NBA All-Star Game played in Salt Lake City.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement today during a press conference at Vivint Smart Home Arena, where he was joined by Larry H. Miller (LHM) Group of Companies Owner and Chairman Gail Miller, LHM Group of Companies CEO Steve Starks, Utah Governor Gary Herbert and Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski.

“Along with a rich basketball tradition, Salt Lake City has proven to be a world-class destination for large-scale events and sports competitions,” said Silver.  “I want to thank the Miller Family and the Utah Jazz organization for their commitment to hosting our All-Star festivities and to developing a program that will leave a lasting impact on the community.”

“The return of the NBA All-Star Game to Salt Lake City is a tremendous honor and an opportunity for us to welcome back the NBA family for one of basketball’s biggest events,” said Miller.  “The memory of John Stockton and Karl Malone sharing MVP honors 30 years ago remains strong.  We are excited to create new memories for this generation of NBA fans in a place that loves to celebrate basketball.”

“We are excited to bring NBA All-Star 2023 to Salt Lake City and Utah,” said Starks.  “We have civic and community partners who are engaged and committed to making our celebration very special.  Vivint Smart Home Arena is an ideal host venue after our recent $125 million renovation, which focused on enhancing the guest experience.  With the close proximity of the Salt Palace Convention Center and Huntsman Center as facilities, NBA fans will enjoy a dynamic downtown atmosphere.”

“I am very proud of our people and our state, and hosting NBA All-Star 2023 is a fitting tribute to the Miller Family and Utah Jazz organization,” said Herbert.  “We look forward to showcasing our state in an unforgettable way.  It’s true that nature played favorites with Utah.  Visitors can hike or bike in red-rock Moab in the morning, ski at Park City in the afternoon, and attend NBA All-Star events at night for a robust Utah experience.”

“Salt Lake City is a vibrant, diverse, and culturally-rich community that knows how to celebrate the experience of sport,” said Biskupski.  “Our 2002 Olympic Winter Games remain the standard against which all other Games are measured.  Our selection as the NBA All-Star 2023 host is a testament to Salt Lake City as a sought-after destination for major conventions, sports and entertainment events, and new business.”

NBA All-Star oncourt events will tip off on Friday, Feb. 17 at Vivint Smart Home Arena and will culminate with the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 19.  Additional programming for fans of all ages will take place at venues throughout the city, including the Salt Palace Convention Center and Huntsman Center on the University of Utah campus.

The league will also continue to celebrate its tradition and commitment to social responsibility with a full schedule of NBA Cares and Diversity & Inclusion events during NBA All-Star 2023.  Through partnerships with schools, government, and local and national nonprofit organizations, the league will reach thousands of children and families in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas and provide critical resources to community-based programs.

In 2023, TNT will be televising the All-Star Game in prime time for the 21^st consecutive year, marking Turner Sports’ 38^th year of All-Star coverage.  The game will be broadcast worldwide in more than 200 countries and territories and more than 40 languages.

NBA ALL-STAR HISTORY IN UTAH

Salt Lake City previously hosted NBA All-Star at the Delta Center in 1993, when the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 135-132 in overtime in the 43^rd All-Star Game.  Karl Malone and John Stockton of the hometown Jazz became the first teammates to share the All-Star MVP award.

Malone led the West with 28 points, while Stockton notched nine points and 15 assists.  The San Antonio Spurs’ David Robinson added 21 points and 10 rebounds for the West, which overcame a game-high 30 points from the Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan.

This was the final All-Star Game for the Detroit Pistons’ Isiah Thomas and the first for Orlando Magic rookie Shaquille O’Neal.  The Charlotte Hornets’ Larry Johnson became the first player in franchise history to appear in an All-Star Game.

Mark Price of the Cleveland Cavaliers won the Three-Point Contest, ending a three-year reign by the Chicago Bulls’ Craig Hodges.  Price would win it again in 1994.  The Miami Heat’s Harold Miner won the first of his two Slam Dunk Contest titles.

Salt Lake City was home for the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association from 1970-75 and hosted the 1973 ABA All-Star Game at The Salt Palace.  The Eastern Conference team in the 1973 ABA All-Star Game included NBA legend Julius Erving and was coached by Hall of Famer Larry Brown.