Utah Lawmakers Eyeing State Funds for 2034 Olympics Prep

Despite a tight budget year, a proposal seeks $132 million for a new sports complex that could aid 2034 Olympic bid.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Despite assurances that no state tax money would be needed for Utah's potential 2034 Olympic bid, state lawmakers are indicating they will likely allocate some funding to support Olympic-related infrastructure and facilities. A $132 million proposal for a new sports complex in Wasatch County has been pitched as a "vital piece of the 2034 infrastructure," though the state legislature has said no funding will be approved this year due to budget constraints.

Why it matters

Utah's hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympics was seen as a major success, and the state is positioning itself to potentially host again in 2034. However, the prospect of using state tax dollars to fund Olympic-related projects has raised concerns about fiscal responsibility, especially in a tight budget year.

The details

The proposal is for a $132 million "Rocky Mountain Global Peace and Sports Complex" in Wasatch County that would include two new NHL-sized ice sheets, basketball courts, and outdoor sports fields. The complex's organizers have said they want to tie it to Utah's potential 2034 Olympic bid, though the state legislature has indicated no funding will be approved this year due to budget constraints.

  • The state legislature is currently in a "tight" budget year.
  • The proposal for the $132 million sports complex was made in 2026.

The players

Laurie Neal

Director of the non-profit behind the sports complex proposal, who said the complex is a "vital piece of the 2034 infrastructure."

Stuart Adams

Utah Senate President, who said the state will "probably" spend some money on Olympic-related infrastructure, though the amount is unclear.

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What they’re saying

“In talking to the Olympic committee, they are scrambling to find facilities. Our goal is to get this done relatively quickly.”

— Laurie Neal, Director (KUTV)

“Must we? The answer to that is no. Will we? The answer to that is probably yes.”

— Stuart Adams, Utah Senate President (KUTV)

What’s next

The state legislature will need to decide whether to allocate any funding for Olympic-related infrastructure in the coming years as Utah's potential 2034 Olympic bid takes shape.

The takeaway

Utah's experience hosting the successful 2002 Winter Olympics has the state eyeing another potential Olympic bid in 2034, but the prospect of using state tax dollars to fund Olympic-related projects has raised concerns about fiscal responsibility, especially during tight budget years.