SALT LAKE CITY — In a blend of nostalgia and novelty, the Utah Mammoth are set to unveil a unique fan attraction at their Delta Center arena, transforming a relic from the 2002 Winter Olympics into a prehistoric-themed ride called the Zammoth. The machine, built on the frame of a decommissioned Zamboni ice resurfacer from those games, will make its debut during the team's home game against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Standing 17 feet high and painted in ice blue with glowing eyes and massive 3-D printed tusks, the Zammoth promises to ferry up to eight fans around the rink during pregame festivities and intermissions, adding a touch of whimsy to the NHL experience.
The creation of the Zammoth stems from a creative repurposing effort by the Mammoth organization, owned by Ryan Smith. Smith described it as "a fan mobile unlike any other," emphasizing its role in enhancing the spectator experience at the Delta Center. No longer capable of resurfacing the ice— that task falls to modern Zambonis— the Zammoth is equipped with sound and lighting effects to evoke the roar of a mammoth traversing ancient tundras. It rolls slowly across the ice surface, offering riders a bird's-eye view of the arena while delighting the crowd below.
Chris Barney, president of revenue and commercial strategy for Smith Entertainment Group, which oversees the Mammoth and the Delta Center, shared the backstory behind the project. "In talking to the arena team, we found out we had the Zamboni from the 2002 Winter Olympic Games sitting in the building," Barney said. "That spirit is going to live in this incredible masterpiece that our fans are going to be able to have fun with for years to come." The Zamboni had been stored away for two decades, a quiet artifact of Salt Lake City's Olympic legacy, until the team decided to breathe new life into it as part of their efforts to build excitement around the franchise.
The Mammoth, who relocated from Arizona to Utah ahead of the 2024-25 season, are drawing on local history to forge a distinct identity. The 2002 Winter Olympics, hosted in Salt Lake City, remain a point of pride for the state, with events like figure skating and ice hockey taking place at what was then the Delta Center— now rebranded under Smith's ownership. By incorporating the Olympic Zamboni, the team is tying its NHL presence to that storied past, creating a symbol that resonates with Utahns who remember the global spotlight on their city more than 20 years ago.
Collaboration was key in bringing the Zammoth to life. The Mammoth partnered with the Utah-based Diesel Brothers, known for their custom vehicle builds featured on reality television, to handle the mechanical overhaul. Artist Billy Luber contributed to the design, crafting the mammoth's distinctive features, including the oversized tusks printed in three dimensions for authenticity and visual impact. The result is a hulking, metallic beast that weighs several tons but moves with deliberate grace on the ice, its frame reinforced to safely carry passengers without disrupting the arena's operations.
For fans, the Zammoth represents more than just a ride; it's an interactive element in a league where teams increasingly seek ways to stand out amid growing competition for attention. Tickets for rides will be available through special promotions, though details on selection processes were not immediately specified by team officials. According to reports, the attraction will operate during non-critical times— pregame and intermissions— to avoid interfering with gameplay or ice maintenance. This careful integration ensures the Zammoth enhances the atmosphere without compromising the professional standards of NHL hockey.
The timing of the debut aligns with a pivotal moment for the Mammoth, who currently hold the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference standings. As the regular season progresses toward the playoffs, the team is chasing its inaugural postseason appearance since the relocation. Utah's hockey scene has been building momentum since the franchise's arrival, with strong attendance at the Delta Center reflecting local enthusiasm. The Zammoth could serve as a morale booster, injecting fun into what has been a transitional year marked by rebranding from the former Arizona Coyotes to the Mammoth.
Smith Entertainment Group's investment in such attractions underscores a broader strategy to revitalize the arena district. Beyond hockey, the group has hosted concerts, basketball games for the Utah Jazz, and community events, all while modernizing facilities. The Zammoth fits into this vision, repurposing historical assets to foster community ties. Barney noted that the project not only honors the Olympics but also positions the Delta Center as a hub for innovative entertainment, potentially attracting families and casual fans who might otherwise overlook NHL games.
Details on the Zammoth's construction highlight the meticulous planning involved. The original Zamboni frame, sourced directly from the 2002 Games, was stripped down and rebuilt with safety features compliant with arena regulations. Its ice blue coloration evokes glacial environments, while the glowing eyes— powered by LED lights— add a dramatic flair during dimmed arena lighting. The 3-D printed tusks, curving upward like those of a woolly mammoth, were designed by Luber to scale accurately with prehistoric references, blending artistry with engineering.
As the Mammoth prepare for Tuesday's matchup against the Oilers, anticipation is building around the arena. Edmonton, led by stars like Connor McDavid, presents a formidable challenge, but the home crowd's energy— amplified by novelties like the Zammoth— could give Utah an edge. Team officials have teased additional surprises for the game, though specifics remain under wraps. For now, the focus is on the Zammoth's role in creating memorable moments, from the cheers of riders circling the rink to the shared excitement among spectators.
Looking ahead, the Zammoth's longevity is a key consideration. Barney emphasized its potential for "years to come," suggesting maintenance plans to keep it operational through multiple seasons. If the Mammoth advance to the playoffs— a goal within reach given their wild-card position— the ride could become a staple during postseason games, perhaps even inspiring similar innovations league-wide. The NHL has seen teams experiment with fan engagements, from mascot races to augmented reality displays, but few match the Zammoth's scale and historical tie-in.
In the context of Utah's sports landscape, the Zammoth also symbolizes resilience. The state's NHL entry followed years of speculation and relocation drama from Arizona, where the franchise struggled with arena issues. Now settled in Salt Lake City, the Mammoth are leveraging local pride— from Olympic memories to the Diesel Brothers' rugged ethos— to build a loyal base. Reports indicate season ticket sales have surged, and attractions like this could sustain that growth, turning one-time visitors into lifelong supporters.
While the Zammoth debuts amid playoff contention, its appeal extends beyond hockey results. For a franchise in its infancy in Utah, such initiatives help embed the team in the cultural fabric. As Barney put it, it's about capturing the "spirit" of the past while looking forward. Whether ferrying excited fans or simply roaming the ice as a spectacle, the Zammoth stands as a testament to creative reinvention in professional sports.
With the game against Edmonton approaching, all eyes will be on the Delta Center not just for the on-ice action, but for this larger-than-life addition to the Mammoth experience. As the team pushes for playoffs, the Zammoth reminds fans that hockey in Utah is about more than wins— it's about building legends, one ride at a time.