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8 things you need to know from Mammoth media day

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 16:02 GMT by deseret
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Utah Mammoth Unveils Its First Look at the 2025 Media Day: A Fresh Chapter in Utah Sports

In a sun‑drenched press event held on Saturday, September 18, the newly‑established Utah Mammoth revealed everything that Utah sports fans can expect from the team’s debut season. The media day—held at the 12,000‑seat “Mammoth Arena” on the outskirts of Salt Lake City—was a whirlwind of introductions, fan‑centric outreach, and a clear vision for a franchise that aims to blend high‑performance athletics with community engagement.

A Glimpse into the Franchise’s Roots

The Mammoth’s ownership group, led by former NBA star Michael “Mack” Jackson and local entrepreneur Samantha Patel, announced that the team is a joint venture between the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). While the team’s name evokes Utah’s prehistoric past, the organization’s mission is forward‑looking: “To create an inclusive sporting experience that reflects the spirit of Utah’s diverse communities,” said Jackson during the opening address.

The announcement of a dual‑league identity—men’s lacrosse and women’s soccer—was accompanied by a brief tour of the Mammoth’s state‑of‑the‑art training facilities. The facilities boast a 3‑D turf system, advanced recovery suites, and a 5‑story wellness center that will be open to both athletes and the public during certain hours.

Key Personnel and Player Highlights

Head Coaches

• John “Jock” Ramirez (men’s lacrosse) – Former assistant coach at the University of Colorado with a record of 42–18 in his last season.
• Lena Cho (women’s soccer) – A 2018 NCAA Division I All‑American forward, now returning to her hometown to lead the Mammoth’s women’s side.

Both coaches highlighted their commitment to a high‑tempo, aggressive style of play that mirrors Utah’s “hustle” culture.

Roster Spotlights

In a dramatic “first‑team” announcement, the Mammoth introduced:

• Ryan “Storm” O’Connor – 6'3", 220 lbs, former Buffalo Bandits center. O’Connor is expected to lead the men’s lacrosse attack with his powerful face‑off skills.
• Maya Patel – 5'6", 140 lbs, a midfielder known for her relentless work ethic. Maya is a hometown favorite, having played at Utah Valley University.

In the women’s soccer lineup, standout player Aisha Thompson, a forward with a 1.2 goals‑per‑game average in the NWSL, was named team captain.

Stadium and Fan Experience

The Mammoth Arena, located at the former site of the Utah Ice‑Skating Center, features a retractable roof and a “Mammoth” themed design that includes a massive sculpture of a prehistoric creature. The arena is slated to host 3,500 fans for the inaugural 2025 season.

A special highlight of the media day was the unveiling of the “Mammoth Fan Package,” a tiered ticketing structure that includes season tickets, exclusive meet‑and‑greets, and access to a “Mammoth Academy” where youth can train with professional athletes.

The organization also announced a partnership with local nonprofit “Play More”, which will provide discounted tickets to low‑income families and scholarships for youth sports camps.

Community Engagement and Sustainability

Owner Samantha Patel emphasized the franchise’s dedication to sustainability: “We are the first NLL and NWSL teams in the state to commit to a carbon‑neutral stadium,” she said, pointing to the arena’s solar panels and the use of recycled construction materials.

The Mammoth also plans to host a series of “Community Days” throughout the season, featuring health screenings, educational workshops, and free soccer and lacrosse clinics for children.

Media Partnerships and Digital Presence

The press release linked to the Mammoth’s official website and the NLL’s national media portal. Viewers were directed to the newly launched @UtahMammoth social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok) for real‑time updates, behind‑the‑scenes content, and interactive polls.

A key point of discussion was the “Mammoth Hub,” a 24/7 digital portal that will provide fan forums, player diaries, and a real‑time game tracker. The platform will also include an AR feature that allows fans to place a virtual Mammoth mascot in their home environment.

The Road Ahead

The media day concluded with a Q&A session in which reporters asked about the team’s competitive strategy, financial outlook, and plans to expand the fan base. Head coach Ramirez stressed the importance of a strong “foundation year” focused on player development, while owner Jackson noted that the Mammoth expects to break even by the end of the third season.

The Utah Mammoth’s media day successfully set the tone for what promises to be an exciting era in Utah sports. With a blend of competitive ambition, community focus, and modern sustainability practices, the franchise is positioned to become a staple in the state's sports landscape, offering fans both lacrosse and soccer under one roof—and a roaring “Mammoth” to rally around.