Gallivan Centre, Salt Lake City

The Gallivan Center, formally known as the John W. Gallivan Utah Center, is a dynamic urban plaza located in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City. This vibrant outdoor space, often referred to as "Salt Lake City's outdoor living room," is a popular hub for both locals and visitors. Named in honor of John W. Gallivan, the former long-time publisher of The Salt Lake Tribune, the Gallivan Center serves as a year-round venue for community gatherings, events, and celebrations.

The center features an expansive grassy amphitheater, an iconic ice rink that transforms into sports courts during warmer months, and a stunning two-story banquet facility finished in copper. Art installations, including Kazuo Matsubayashi's Asteroid Landed Softly sundial, add a unique visual charm to the space. Alongside these, the Gallivan Center boasts an outdoor chess board, an aviary, and intimate seating areas designed for casual enjoyment or quiet respite.

Established on the former "Block 57," the Gallivan Center was developed by the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (RDA) and officially opened in 1993, with renovations completed in 1998 and a LEED-certified ice rink installed in 2012. A TRAX light rail station, Gallivan Plaza, provides easy access, making it a convenient destination for everyone.

Throughout the year, the center hosts a range of events, from concerts and exhibits to festivals and holiday celebrations, including Salt Lake City's annual First Night festivities. This beloved plaza has also played a role in history, serving as a bustling gathering spot during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Today, the Gallivan Center continues to enrich the downtown area by offering recreational, educational, and cultural activities, fostering a welcoming environment for people of all ages.