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The University of Utah Athletics
Utah Athletics Announces Seating Changes Inside Jon M. Huntsman Center
6/19/2026 1:15 PM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
Men’s and women’s basketball benches return to west side inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah athletics announces the relocation of a select number of seats for the upcoming 2026-27 athletics season for all four sports that compete inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
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Taking effect for the upcoming 2026-27 athletics season, team benches for both men's and women's basketball will now be switching over to the west side. Corresponding to this move, several floor seats, those in Sections Q, T & U, the MUSS and band will also be moving to their respective locations.
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As we continue to build towards College Town Magic, there will be new programming and activations exclusive for students. In addition, the 1400-plus beds at the new Trailhead residence halls opening this fall will bring the total to over 2900 beds just next door from the Jon M. Huntsman Center to help create a competitive homecourt advantage for our programs.
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"The west side benches have been a meaningful part of our program's tradition and restoring that connection to our history is symbolic of the direction we are headed," said Runnin' Utes head coach Alex Jensen. "While modest in itself, this decision reflects a broader vision to honor our legacy and rebuild a program that our fans, alumni and community can once again be proud of."
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The benches moving to the west side for men's and women's basketball honors the winning tradition that Utah fans have come to know and witnessed countless Utah legends capture both regular-season and conference tournaments championships.
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"These changes add to the competitive homecourt advantage we have in the Huntsman Center by giving the MUSS an even better game day experience," head women's basketball coach Gavin Petersen said. "I'm really excited about our upcoming season and can't wait to show all of our fans the hard work we've been putting in."
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In a continued effort to enhance the gameday atmosphere, unifying the student section for all events is a step in that process. With the move, the MUSS will now have one unifying location to support all four teams inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center located in Sections T & U. Students will also have a dedicated entry at Door 1 located just west of Kahlert Village and the new Trailhead residence halls opening the Fall of 2026.
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"We are incredibly excited about the decision to unify the MUSS in sections T & U for all sports inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center moving forward," MUSS President Kai Cruz said. "After years of having different sections between the arena sports, we finally found our home. With this unification, we cannot wait to make sections T and U our own and create an atmosphere where students can find community, further their college experience while providing an undeniable homecourt advantage for our student-athletes inside the Huntsman Center!"
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"Championship programs are built on more than the athletes on the court; they're built on the environment surrounding them," Utah volleyball head coach Alyssa D'Errico said. "Our student section has the ability to create a true homecourt advantage and become an extension of our team. When they're behind the opponent's bench for the first two sets, their energy, passion and presence can influence the momentum of a match. Our players love competing in front of that kind of support, and we want every opponent that walks into the Huntsman Center to feel like they're stepping into one of the toughest environments in the Big 12."
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With the MUSS in a centralized location, this will help give all four teams competing inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center a clear competitive edge night in and night out.
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"Having the MUSS at our home meets dramatically elevates the experience in the Huntsman Center for not only our women but also everyone in the arena," said Red Rocks head coach Carly Dockendorf. "You can feel their energy and enthusiasm, and I anticipate this will provide the same experience for basketball and volleyball!"
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Members of the Utah Athletics staff are holding conversations with those in the affected areas and will continue conversations with those in the affected area as of the announcement. Those in the affected areas will have a special online relocation window to select their seats.
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After the special online relocation window closes, the usual renewal process will begin. Once the renewal window has closed, unrenewed seats will be put back into open inventory for upgrades/additions by any accounts that renewed or purchased new season tickets.Â
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FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
WHY ARE WE MOVING THE BENCHES?
The home and visiting team benches are returning to their traditional locations, where they had been until the 2007-08 season. Returning the benches to their traditional locations will allow the unification of the MUSS on the east end of the Jon M. Huntsman Center for all four sports played in the arena and allow students to now be directly behind the visiting team basket in the second half of basketball games, where they will be better positioned to impact the game. The MUSS will now occupy sections T and U for basketball games and volleyball matches, and section U for gymnastics meets. This change was discussed prior to the 2025-26 season. However, there was not sufficient lead time to make all necessary seating and logistical adjustments effectively.
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IS THIS RELOCATION RELATED TO THE LAUNCH OF CRIMSON BRAND PARTNERS?
No. Moving the team benches for men's and women's basketball to the west side was discussed ahead of last season, but we did not have enough lead time to effectively make the change for the 2025-26 season.
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WHY ARE MY SEATS AFFECTED BY THIS?
Those with season tickets in Sections T and U must move to sections F, G or H due to the MUSS relocation. Those with season tickets in the first four rows of Section Q are affected because we are required by the Big 12 Conference to allocate a certain number of tickets for the visiting team behind their bench. Accordingly, season tickets in affected rows in Section Q will have the option to relocate to Section K or other unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena during a special priority window. Similarly, season ticket holders in Sections T and U will have the option to select new seat locations in Sections F, G and H or in unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena during a special priority window.
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WILL I BE FORCED TO MOVE IF I DON'T WANT TO RELOCATE MY SEATS?
There are only certain seat locations that are required to relocate their seats. Season tickets not in those affected locations may choose to remain in their current seat location or explore relocation options to unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena.
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WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF MY SEASON TICKETS WERE IN SECTIONS T OR SECTION U?
Season ticket holders in the affected sections of T and U will have a special priority window to select season ticket locations in sections F, G and H or in unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena during a special priority window.
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WHAT IF MY SEATS AREN'T DIRECTLY AFFECTED BUT I WANT TO MOVE MY SEASON TICKETS SO I CAN SIT IN FRONT OF UTAH'S BENCH?
Those not in the directly affected areas will have an opportunity to explore relocation options to unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena.
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CAN I ADD OR DROP SEATS DURING THE SEAT SELECTION PROCESS?
No. The seat selection process will only allow season ticket holders to move their seat locations. Season ticket holders will have the option to not renew season tickets during the renewal process, which will begin following the completion of season ticket location selections. Season ticket additions can be made during the upgrade/addition process that follows the renewal period.
Â
WHY ARE WE MOVING THE MUSS SECTION?
With the benches being moved, this was a perfect time to unify the MUSS in one location across our four sports that compete inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The relocation of the MUSS for men's and women's basketball will also create a more competitive homecourt advantage.
Â
WHERE WILL THE MUSS SECTION BE LOCATED?
The MUSS will now be relocated to section T and U for men's and women's basketball to give both teams a more competitive homecourt advantage.
Â
WILL THE BAND REMAIN IN THE SAME LOCATION?
No, the band will also move to Section U.
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For the latest news and information on Utah Athletics, fans can stay connected online at www.UtahUtes.com and on social media by following @UtahAthletics on Facebook, X and Instagram. Fans can also stay connected on their mobile devices or tablets with the Utah 360 app.
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Taking effect for the upcoming 2026-27 athletics season, team benches for both men's and women's basketball will now be switching over to the west side. Corresponding to this move, several floor seats, those in Sections Q, T & U, the MUSS and band will also be moving to their respective locations.
Â
As we continue to build towards College Town Magic, there will be new programming and activations exclusive for students. In addition, the 1400-plus beds at the new Trailhead residence halls opening this fall will bring the total to over 2900 beds just next door from the Jon M. Huntsman Center to help create a competitive homecourt advantage for our programs.
Â
"The west side benches have been a meaningful part of our program's tradition and restoring that connection to our history is symbolic of the direction we are headed," said Runnin' Utes head coach Alex Jensen. "While modest in itself, this decision reflects a broader vision to honor our legacy and rebuild a program that our fans, alumni and community can once again be proud of."
Â
The benches moving to the west side for men's and women's basketball honors the winning tradition that Utah fans have come to know and witnessed countless Utah legends capture both regular-season and conference tournaments championships.
Â
"These changes add to the competitive homecourt advantage we have in the Huntsman Center by giving the MUSS an even better game day experience," head women's basketball coach Gavin Petersen said. "I'm really excited about our upcoming season and can't wait to show all of our fans the hard work we've been putting in."
Â
In a continued effort to enhance the gameday atmosphere, unifying the student section for all events is a step in that process. With the move, the MUSS will now have one unifying location to support all four teams inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center located in Sections T & U. Students will also have a dedicated entry at Door 1 located just west of Kahlert Village and the new Trailhead residence halls opening the Fall of 2026.
Â
"We are incredibly excited about the decision to unify the MUSS in sections T & U for all sports inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center moving forward," MUSS President Kai Cruz said. "After years of having different sections between the arena sports, we finally found our home. With this unification, we cannot wait to make sections T and U our own and create an atmosphere where students can find community, further their college experience while providing an undeniable homecourt advantage for our student-athletes inside the Huntsman Center!"
Â
"Championship programs are built on more than the athletes on the court; they're built on the environment surrounding them," Utah volleyball head coach Alyssa D'Errico said. "Our student section has the ability to create a true homecourt advantage and become an extension of our team. When they're behind the opponent's bench for the first two sets, their energy, passion and presence can influence the momentum of a match. Our players love competing in front of that kind of support, and we want every opponent that walks into the Huntsman Center to feel like they're stepping into one of the toughest environments in the Big 12."
Â
With the MUSS in a centralized location, this will help give all four teams competing inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center a clear competitive edge night in and night out.
Â
"Having the MUSS at our home meets dramatically elevates the experience in the Huntsman Center for not only our women but also everyone in the arena," said Red Rocks head coach Carly Dockendorf. "You can feel their energy and enthusiasm, and I anticipate this will provide the same experience for basketball and volleyball!"
Â
Members of the Utah Athletics staff are holding conversations with those in the affected areas and will continue conversations with those in the affected area as of the announcement. Those in the affected areas will have a special online relocation window to select their seats.
Â
After the special online relocation window closes, the usual renewal process will begin. Once the renewal window has closed, unrenewed seats will be put back into open inventory for upgrades/additions by any accounts that renewed or purchased new season tickets.Â
Â
FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
WHY ARE WE MOVING THE BENCHES?
The home and visiting team benches are returning to their traditional locations, where they had been until the 2007-08 season. Returning the benches to their traditional locations will allow the unification of the MUSS on the east end of the Jon M. Huntsman Center for all four sports played in the arena and allow students to now be directly behind the visiting team basket in the second half of basketball games, where they will be better positioned to impact the game. The MUSS will now occupy sections T and U for basketball games and volleyball matches, and section U for gymnastics meets. This change was discussed prior to the 2025-26 season. However, there was not sufficient lead time to make all necessary seating and logistical adjustments effectively.
Â
IS THIS RELOCATION RELATED TO THE LAUNCH OF CRIMSON BRAND PARTNERS?
No. Moving the team benches for men's and women's basketball to the west side was discussed ahead of last season, but we did not have enough lead time to effectively make the change for the 2025-26 season.
Â
WHY ARE MY SEATS AFFECTED BY THIS?
Those with season tickets in Sections T and U must move to sections F, G or H due to the MUSS relocation. Those with season tickets in the first four rows of Section Q are affected because we are required by the Big 12 Conference to allocate a certain number of tickets for the visiting team behind their bench. Accordingly, season tickets in affected rows in Section Q will have the option to relocate to Section K or other unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena during a special priority window. Similarly, season ticket holders in Sections T and U will have the option to select new seat locations in Sections F, G and H or in unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena during a special priority window.
Â
WILL I BE FORCED TO MOVE IF I DON'T WANT TO RELOCATE MY SEATS?
There are only certain seat locations that are required to relocate their seats. Season tickets not in those affected locations may choose to remain in their current seat location or explore relocation options to unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena.
Â
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF MY SEASON TICKETS WERE IN SECTIONS T OR SECTION U?
Season ticket holders in the affected sections of T and U will have a special priority window to select season ticket locations in sections F, G and H or in unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena during a special priority window.
Â
WHAT IF MY SEATS AREN'T DIRECTLY AFFECTED BUT I WANT TO MOVE MY SEASON TICKETS SO I CAN SIT IN FRONT OF UTAH'S BENCH?
Those not in the directly affected areas will have an opportunity to explore relocation options to unoccupied seats elsewhere in the arena.
Â
CAN I ADD OR DROP SEATS DURING THE SEAT SELECTION PROCESS?
No. The seat selection process will only allow season ticket holders to move their seat locations. Season ticket holders will have the option to not renew season tickets during the renewal process, which will begin following the completion of season ticket location selections. Season ticket additions can be made during the upgrade/addition process that follows the renewal period.
Â
WHY ARE WE MOVING THE MUSS SECTION?
With the benches being moved, this was a perfect time to unify the MUSS in one location across our four sports that compete inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The relocation of the MUSS for men's and women's basketball will also create a more competitive homecourt advantage.
Â
WHERE WILL THE MUSS SECTION BE LOCATED?
The MUSS will now be relocated to section T and U for men's and women's basketball to give both teams a more competitive homecourt advantage.
Â
WILL THE BAND REMAIN IN THE SAME LOCATION?
No, the band will also move to Section U.
Â
For the latest news and information on Utah Athletics, fans can stay connected online at www.UtahUtes.com and on social media by following @UtahAthletics on Facebook, X and Instagram. Fans can also stay connected on their mobile devices or tablets with the Utah 360 app.
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