Salt Lake City's Free Watch Party Celebrates Para Athletes

Salt Lake City is rolling out the red carpet for the world's top Para athletes with a celebration that brings Olympic glory straight to the people.

Starting March 6, the city's free Watch Party returns to Library Square for 10 days of outdoor viewing, live entertainment, and a chance to cheer on athletes competing in six Para winter sports. Olympic gold medalist Hilary Knight and bronze medalist Brittany Bowe will kick things off at noon on Saturday, joined by fellow Olympians and local sports personalities.

The timing couldn't be better. Team USA just wrapped a record-breaking performance two weeks ago, bringing home 12 gold medals. Now the spotlight shifts to Para athletes competing in sled hockey, Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall says the event celebrates "sporting excellence" while shifting focus "from disability to ability." The Watch Party's first major broadcast features Team USA's sled hockey match against Italy, a sport that holds special meaning for Salt Lake City.

The city birthed America's first sled hockey team back in 2002. That newly formed squad shocked everyone by winning gold, and they've stood on the podium at every competition since. Now they're gunning for their fifth consecutive gold medal.

The Ripple Effect

This celebration does more than bring sports to the streets. It makes elite competition accessible to everyone, removing the barriers of ticket prices and travel that often keep families from experiencing world-class athletics. Visitors can watch on big outdoor screens, grab food from daily trucks, and catch free concerts from local bands like The Pickpockets and Bo York on weekends.

The event also spotlights nine Utah-connected Para athletes, including Saylor O'Brien, Brenna Huckaby, and Keith Gabel. Their visibility helps change perceptions about what athletes with disabilities can achieve and inspires the next generation of competitors.

The Watch Party even coincides with the free ILLUMINATE Festival from the Utah Arts Alliance, creating a weekend cultural celebration that showcases both athletic and artistic excellence. Daily broadcasts run throughout the event, building to the sled hockey gold medal final on March 15 at 9 a.m.

Accessible entrances, parking information, and the full schedule of entertainment are available on The Watch Party's website. The venue at 450 S. 200 East welcomes everyone to experience the power of sport without spending a dime.

Salt Lake City proves that celebrating human achievement works best when everyone's invited to join.