The council also gave final approval to a participation agreement with Smith Entertainment Group, which owns the basketball and hockey teams. Both passed unanimously.

The Salt Lake City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a final participation agreement and a sales tax hike that would allow the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club to stay downtown. Why it matters: The council's vote marks a critical step towards making Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) and the city's proposed entertainment and sports district a reality.

Salt Lake City is ready to decide whether to finalize its agreement with Smith Entertainment Group on a partnership agreement and sales tax increase on Tuesday.

The Utah Jazz did more than carve out a place in this city. They became a Salt Lake City institution. The Utah Hockey Club is hoping to do the same.

Beyond cultivating a young fan base in Salt Lake City, there’s also the task of educating those who haven’t watched hockey much, if at all, but are curious.