Built in order to host speed skating competitions during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games, the Utah Olympic Oval today is operated by the Utah Athletic Foundation and is part of a multi-purpose recreation complex that includes recreational gyms, weight facilities and swimming pools. This state of the art facility has a 400-meter speed skating oval and two international-size ice sheets. There is also an indoor soccer field, a four-lane 442-meter running track, eight 110-meter sprint lanes, a weight room, locker facilities, and team rooms.
Located twenty five minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, at 5662 South 4800 West in Kearns, Utah. To get to the oval, take I-15 to 5400 south or 6200 south and head west until you get to 4800 west.
The Utah Olympic Oval houses both summer and winter events and activities. There are skating lessons for all levels and advanced instruction in figure skating and speed skating. There is a variety of high school, co-ed and youth or adult leagues utilizing the facility for summer, indoor soccer. There are adult hockey leagues, open hockey and sled hockey sessions.
There are year round public skating sessions with special activities offered every month such as "Cheap Skate", Schools on ice and the Scout merit badge program. You can celebrate your birthday at the Olympic Oval, or hold your next corporate retreat or family reunion at this facility which can handle up to 5000 participants.
Utah Olympic Oval information:
Hours - Varies, call for information
Facility - 400-meter speed skating oval, two international-size ice sheets, an indoor soccer field, a four-lane 442-meter running track, eight 110-meter sprint lanes, a weight room, locker facilities, and team rooms.
Public skating - yes, check for times
Lessons - yes, Learn to Skate and Learn to Speedskate. Rental skates and helmets are included.
Annual family passes - yes, up to 10 immediate family members receive one skate lesson each, admission to all public skating sessions, skate rental, and unlimited track use.
Jogging strollers allowed - yes, on the outside lane of the running track
Track open - daily
Speedskating camps and clinics - yes, offered throughout the year
Fees - daily drop-in, rental, passes, and punch cards
One online reviewer reports, "There is nothing more exciting than gliding around the 400 meter Olympic oval. My kids love to go and skate a while then jog a bit on the track. Basically, I think it is a good environment for my kids to encourage a healthy lifestyle. I love skating on the 400 meter oval since I can pick up some speed, I have a fair bit of breathing room and I am not constantly turning as I am when "public skating" on a hockey rink. That said, the public skate hours could be better. The price is right ($99.00 for the family for the year), but the reason for the low price is the relatively scant offerings.''
A second reviewer said, "Best ice on earth. Large skating area, two fields for soccer, football, and hockey, track for running, exercise bikes, great for hockey skaters, figure skaters, or speed skaters.''
