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SALT LAKE CITY — A prominent symbol of the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics is moving but doesn't appear to have a new home yet.
The Hoberman Arch was a fixture during the medals ceremonies of the 2002 Olympics, and changed shape and colors during concerts.
After some discussion, it was parked by the Olympic cauldron on the south side of Rice-Eccles Stadium. The U.'s Twitter account Thursday night bid it farewell and crews were disassembling it Friday morning.
University officials said the move is due to the end of long-term negotiations with Salt Lake City.
"This was never meant to be a permanent home for the arch," said Maria O'Mara, communications director at the U.
The arch is 36 feet high, 72 feet wide and made out of 4,000 individual pieces.
"This has to be taken down with a car. It's going to be reassembled," O'Mara said.
Salt Lake City has agreed to store the pieces until the Utah Olympic Legacy group finds a permanent location for the arch. That could take a while, considering the decisions that need to be made regarding the location.
This was never meant to be a permanent home for the arch.
–Maria O'Mara, U. communications director
"Where's the best place the public can get to it? Where can it be seen?," Salt Lake City director of public services Rick Graham offered as examples.
"There are safety factors (to consider); there's probably installation factors," he said.
U.S. Olympic Committee restrictions will also apply to future locations because of Olympic sponsorship issues.
Now that the arch is moving, is the Olympic cauldron next?
"No. Our intention is for the beautiful Olympic cauldron to stay here as a reminder for all of us on campus, and sports fans as they come and go from the stadium, (of) the thrill of the Olympic games," O'Mara said.
Officials also said the move will free up space for game day activities.
The Utah Olympic legacy Foundation, the non-profit organization which manages and overseas the Olympic facilities and memorials, will assist the city and the U. in keeping the arch and all Olympic facilities intact and available for residents and visitors to enjoy.
