The 31st annual Utah Summer Games will officially kickoff during the opening ceremony on Thursday, June 9, at 8:30 p.m. in the Southern Utah University Eccles Coliseum. Nearly 10,000 athletes, 1,000 volunteers, and 50,000 spectators are anticipated at this year’s event.
The 2016 opening ceremony celebrates the athletes, athleticism, and sportsmanship shown throughout the Olympic-style competition. The evening events will include the parade of athletes, the cauldron lighting, musical entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display. Featured performers include local talent from Canyon View High School, the Utah Jazz Stunt and Dunk team, the Utah Jazz mascot, and a concert from Boogie Knights.
“The opening ceremony is used to highlight the athletes and all the preparation they have put in leading up to the Summer Games,” said Casey McClellan, executive director of the Utah Summer Games.
Two new sports, disc golf and sporting clays, are being added to the games this year.
“We are constantly looking at the next best sport for the games,” said McClellan. “We look for new trends and try to find what the participants want to compete in.”
The Utah Summer Games attracts athletes of all ages and skill level from across the western United States to compete in more than 50 different sporting events. The competition celebrates excellence in the human spirit and healthy lifestyles through extraordinary sporting events and competition.
General admission tickets for the 2016 opening ceremony are $7 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3–11) and are on sale through SUU’s Centrum Ticket Office at (435) 586-7872 or online at tbirdtickets.com. They are also available for purchase at the gate.
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