Guide to SLC & the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend
Curated By
Tracey Dennis
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Domestic Travel
Utah
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Curator’s statement
NBA All-Star Weekend hits Salt Lake City, UT, from February 17 to February 20, 2023. If you don't have a plan, the entire weekend can feel overwhelming. Here is a rundown of what you can do in SLC between the NBA festivities.
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Where to stay in Salt Lake City, UT
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Things to do in Salt Lake City, UT
NBA Crossover - Ultimate fan experience during All-Star Weekend. Get your own basketball trading card, complete with stats, find exclusive NBA memorabilia, and enjoy other NBA activities with other fans.
Ice Skating at the Gallivan Center: Why not get in some outdoor ice skating in between NBA festivities? Admission for adults is $12 and the rink is available from noon on each day of All-Star Weekend.
Winter Farmers Market: See what SLC has to offer during this Saturday farmers market. From 10 am - 2 pm on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
Natural History Museum of Utah: Get in some cultural history by visiting the Natural History Museum. Admission for adults is $19.95.
Skiing: Hit the slopes at one of Salt Lake's ski resorts: Alta, Solitude, Brighton and Snowbird. Lift tickets and rates for gear rentals vary.
The Gateway Art Market & Stroll: If you have no plans on the first official night of All-Star Weekend, Friday, February 17, take a stroll through the hub of art, retail and dining at The Gateway. This family friendly event will be open from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
All-Star Saturday Night: If you're in SLC for the NBA and that's it, All-Star Saturday Night is THE event. The Skills Challenge, the 3-point contest and the Dunk Contest are the most anticipated events of All-Star Weekend.
All-Star Game: The All-Star Game is Sunday, February 19, 2023. If you're lucky enough to snag tickets, the game will be a fun time with high energy. If you're like most people, you'll be watching the game from a sports bar. In Salt Lake City, Bout Time Pub & Grub, Red Rock Brewpub and The Green Pig Pub are a few to check out for the game.
A note on SLC hotels:
Residence Inn Salt Lake City Downtown: If you're lucky enough to get an NBA Experiences package, you can book the Residence Inn for the weekend. Newly renovated, this all-suites hotel is like a home away from home for the weekend festivities.
Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown: A brand new hotel in SLC, this contemporary hotel is hip and happening in the middle of all the action, walkable to Vivint Arena.
Element Salt Lake City Downtown: Another brand new hotel in Salt Lake City, in the middle of everything, this hotel is for the fan who wants to be more conscious of their environmental footprint.
Places to eat & drink in Salt Lake City, UT
Carson Kitchen: The Donut French Toast is a must for Sunday Brunch. Other brunch classics include Shrimp & Grits and Chicken & Waffles. For lunch or dinner, try the Wild Boar Tacos, Hot Duck or the Short Rib Flatbread.
The Copper Onion: An SLC fave, The Copper Onion prides itself on sourcing local and sustainable ingredients to make its fresh food every day. Reservations recommended.
HSL: Open for dinner only, HSL serves a limited, rotating menu throughout the year that highlights local ingredients of the season.
Manoli's Greek Small Plate Restaurant: Exactly as described, Manoli's believes in community and sharing the bounty. Seasonal dinner menu has options for everyone in your party.
Need to Know
Most hotels in SLC proper near Vivint Arena are already sold out; two hotels are set to open in January 2023, and availability may open up the closer the event gets.
For more travel tips, check out my guide to Santa Barbara: Girls Trip to Santa Barbara: 3-Day Itinerary.
Travel Advisor
Tracey Dennis
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